RCCrawler Forums

traxxas_man · 07-17-2006, 07:45 PM

hey, i want to buy a welder i have $655 but heres the deal. i need to be able to get my Revo 3.3 also which WONT be any more than $509 that drops me down to $146.00 my question is if i get this will it do the work for a while? i plan on stepping up to the next one (second link)
LINK 1
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40388
LINK 2
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=6271

TLTCrawlin · 07-17-2006, 07:58 PM

Or go between both of em,
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94056

paranoid56 · 07-17-2006, 08:41 PM

after using both of those, i would say dont get either of them. save your money and get a lower end lincoln or miller 110 welder. they run around 300-400 bucks and will work great.
those HF ones are junk.
Shane

traxxas_man · 07-17-2006, 08:57 PM

that might be your opinion, i have a 12in. compound sliding mitre saw that i bought frm there for $200 and have had it for years and still works flawlessly.
I dont get why people put down other companies. i went to lowes and seen a Skill belt sander and needed one, it was $59 so i got it, the next week later i was in Sears and seen the same EXACT one but with the Craftsman name on it now what? u never know till you try it, they all work the same if i get a 115V frm HF or get a 115V frm miller they both will do the same thig there might be a big price difference because of brands but they still will work the SAME. what if you buy a low end miller and it goes out in a year? ya im sure u can send it back to the comp and have it fixed, What makes you think HF dosent do that? for a little price i can get a Lifetime Warranty same as miller electric.
(just showin my opinion no offence)
Jeff

Robb · 07-17-2006, 09:02 PM

Then go buy the piece of crap!!!! If you think you are buying something that will "still work the same" as a Miller or Lincoln welder, then go for it.

It is like buying a BMW and Yugo and saying they both do the same thing.

john alardin · 07-17-2006, 09:26 PM

In regards to Traxxas mans comment, alot of times companies do use the same internals (motors, drives, etc.), but with a fancier case, and charge you much more. For example, an angle grinder from some big-name hardware store that cost about $30 had (I believe)bushings in it. One from Harbor Freight that cost $15 dollars had higher quality needle bearings in it. Just goes to show you, looks can be deceiving (like that hot 'girl' that was actually a guy that was far away with long hair:-( ) Just kidding about that whole girl part.

john alardin · 07-17-2006, 09:34 PM

as for the welder, I would stay away from stick-only welders, or from large wire-feed machines that run on 220v. I bought my Century 100 gasless wirefeed Welder (110v) four years ago from a pawnshop for $100 bucks, and havent had any problems with it. Business close-outs/liquidations are also good places to look, but are rare. Keep your eyes peeled. If you dont, you might pass up a great deal.

Trike Kid · 07-19-2006, 12:54 AM

Ok, I'm going to completely disagree with some of you for sure. Buy the biggest, high end machine you can buy, and if you can, get a 220v machine. You didn't say really what you're using it for, but for welding in general, 220 is the only way to go IMO. More power means thicker material in less passes, easier to use, and it's much easier for a machine to run on 220. That mig machine from harbor frieght for example, is only rated for steel up to 1/20" thick, my machine, a milliarc miller stick welder, has welded 1/4" wall tubing, on the upper end of it's low range setting no sweat. Go name brand, at very least Hobart (Miller's lower end brand, same machines, just less adjustments, or smaller adjustment ranges). A welder isn't something to cheap out on IMO, and if I had the cash, I'd have a 220v mig welder (Miller 210), but for now stick is A OK for me.

john alardin · 07-19-2006, 08:49 PM

wrong, not listening lalalalala (sticks fingers in ears), LOL just kidding.

Destroyer · 07-19-2006, 10:17 PM

I would not go with the HF welders...I've had two different ones from them, and both died after just over a year. (Just outside of HF's warranty period

)

I don't remember which my first was, but my second was the one that ClodCrawlin posted. Total junk. No adjustments except for the HI/LOW switch.

As others have said, go with a name brand...I went for a Lincoln after the two HF's and haven't looked back. I actually ended up cutting up the outer steel case of one of them and using it to make a switch panel for my XJ.

-Destroyer

rockwerks · 07-19-2006, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traxxas_man

hey, i want to buy a welder i have $655 but heres the deal. i need to be able to get my Revo 3.3 also which WONT be any more than $509 that drops me down to $146.00 my question is if i get this will it do the work for a while? i plan on stepping up to the next one (second link)
LINK 1
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40388
LINK 2
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=6271

no they wont, you will run into duty cycle problems all the time.......both would be throwing your money away.

You are gonna have to spend around 600.00 or better if you actually want to do any real welding.

DUDE · 07-20-2006, 07:04 AM

if it is for hobby than a small 110 mig will be fine, go wth a Miller.

anything at Harbor freight or other cheap places are junk and will ruin your experience and wast your money and time.

and diuty cycle are over rated, even in our shop only the big 300 and 400 amp machines or 100% duty.

I actually seen a 250 volt Lincoln welder at a Home Depot awhile back for around $600, and it is perfect for the garage welder.

with 110 volt welders, use .023 wire, they run the best on that with a mix gas.

been doing this stuff for over 20 years, trust me.

rockwerks · 07-20-2006, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUDE

if it is for hobby than a small 110 mig will be fine, go wth a Miller.

anything at Harbor freight or other cheap places are junk and will ruin your experience and wast your money and time.

and diuty cycle are over rated, even in our shop only the big 300 and 400 amp machines or 100% duty.

I actually seen a 250 volt Lincoln welder at a Home Depot awhile back for around $600, and it is perfect for the garage welder.

with 110 volt welders, use .023 wire, they run the best on that with a mix gas.

been doing this stuff for over 20 years, trust me.

Duty cyle is very important if you are really welding, I had lincoln, miller and clarke 110 units all with duty cycle around 25% to 35% andhave had em all shut down on me. I now have a snap-on 110 unit 140 amp, 100% duty cycle. trust me if you weld on 1:1 rigs the duty cycle ican be a pain in the azz

DUDE · 07-20-2006, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockwerks

Duty cyle is very important if you are really welding, I had lincoln, miller and clarke 110 units all with duty cycle around 25% to 35% andhave had em all shut down on me. I now have a snap-on 110 unit 140 amp, 100% duty cycle. trust me if you weld on 1:1 rigs the duty cycle ican be a pain in the azz

duty is more important in the 110 volt machine I won't even mess with them any more.

It's all about the 110 inverter TIG welders now.

that's why why prices have dropped dramatically in the last few years.

I have built more than one 1:1 rig and wouldn't even concider a 110 volt machine to do it. I had a Lincoln 250 180% duty for that.

rockwerks · 07-20-2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUDE

duty is more important in the 110 volt machine I won't even mess with them any more.

It's all about the 110 inverter TIG welders now.

that's why why prices have dropped dramatically in the last few years.

I have built more than one 1:1 rig and wouldn't even concider a 110 volt machine to do it. I had a Lincoln 250 180% duty for that.

I sold my 250V Lincoln after I got the snap on. out performs it 2 times over and has the power to melt through 3/8" steel. Only prooblem is cost to replace the gunand liner...........OUCH!

DUDE · 07-20-2006, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockwerks

I sold my 250V Lincoln after I got the snap on. out performs it 2 times over and has the power to melt through 3/8" steel. Only prooblem is cost to replace the gunand liner...........OUCH!

I do know snap on makes some nice stuff, I wouldn't be surprised one bit.

140 amp is plenty to do tube work and stuff like that.

I had to run dual shield sometimes with side work on small beams, buckets, hangers and columns and needed a welder to handle .045

then I would change out to .030 or .035 for tube work and building rigs.

a 250 machine is to much for most people who build stuff in their garage anyways, it was a smart choice on your part.

john alardin · 07-20-2006, 08:56 PM

thank you for clarifying everything, Dude. 220v is not for everyone. we wont all be trying to build the 1:1 Oscar Weiner Mobiles that everyone else talks about with our 110v's, but make everyone else understand that.

TMXONR · 07-20-2006, 10:10 PM

I use a gassles wire feed welder from Harbor Freight, and I like it. It is perfect for building hobby projects. One of my friends has a SnapOn Muscel MIG or something like that. He also has the TIG attachment, and there is also a smaller part on the welder that you can remove and have a small welder to tote around with out rolling around a big machine.

thaclodking · 07-21-2006, 12:36 AM

I bought a cheapie unit similar to the ones at HF, it basicly sucked a$$. Don't get anything less than a Hobart handler 140(I have the older 135). I also have a miller Econo-tig which is awsome. I have had these machines for over 5 years with no problems.

bulzeye · 07-21-2006, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClodCrawlin

Or go between both of em,
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94056

i have this welder but got it from them for $109 (factory refurbished) its been a good lil welder for me to learn on so far.

I just wanted something cheap that I could learn with before i spent 600-700.

its been good to me so far.

07-17-2006, 07:45 PM	#1
traxxas_man Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: So_Cal Posts: 41	buying a welder soooon hey, i want to buy a welder i have $655 but heres the deal. i need to be able to get my Revo 3.3 also which WONT be any more than $509 that drops me down to $146.00 my question is if i get this will it do the work for a while? i plan on stepping up to the next one (second link) LINK 1 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40388 LINK 2 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=6271

07-19-2006, 10:17 PM	#10
Destroyer Rock Crawler Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North GA Posts: 824	I would not go with the HF welders...I've had two different ones from them, and both died after just over a year. (Just outside of HF's warranty period) I don't remember which my first was, but my second was the one that ClodCrawlin posted. Total junk. No adjustments except for the HI/LOW switch. As others have said, go with a name brand...I went for a Lincoln after the two HF's and haven't looked back. I actually ended up cutting up the outer steel case of one of them and using it to make a switch panel for my XJ. -Destroyer

07-17-2006, 07:58 PM	#2
TLTCrawlin I wanna be Dave Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Eastern WA Posts: 2,489	Or go between both of em, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94056

07-17-2006, 08:41 PM	#3
paranoid56 Rock Stacker Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Gorgeous San Diego Posts: 86	after using both of those, i would say dont get either of them. save your money and get a lower end lincoln or miller 110 welder. they run around 300-400 bucks and will work great. those HF ones are junk. Shane

07-17-2006, 08:57 PM	#4
traxxas_man Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: So_Cal Posts: 41	that might be your opinion, i have a 12in. compound sliding mitre saw that i bought frm there for $200 and have had it for years and still works flawlessly. I dont get why people put down other companies. i went to lowes and seen a Skill belt sander and needed one, it was $59 so i got it, the next week later i was in Sears and seen the same EXACT one but with the Craftsman name on it now what? u never know till you try it, they all work the same if i get a 115V frm HF or get a 115V frm miller they both will do the same thig there might be a big price difference because of brands but they still will work the SAME. what if you buy a low end miller and it goes out in a year? ya im sure u can send it back to the comp and have it fixed, What makes you think HF dosent do that? for a little price i can get a Lifetime Warranty same as miller electric. (just showin my opinion no offence) Jeff

07-17-2006, 09:02 PM	#5
Robb RCC Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: VARCOR Posts: 1,826	Then go buy the piece of crap!!!! If you think you are buying something that will "still work the same" as a Miller or Lincoln welder, then go for it. It is like buying a BMW and Yugo and saying they both do the same thing.

07-17-2006, 09:26 PM	#6
john alardin Pebble Pounder Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Out of my mind!! Posts: 139	In regards to Traxxas mans comment, alot of times companies do use the same internals (motors, drives, etc.), but with a fancier case, and charge you much more. For example, an angle grinder from some big-name hardware store that cost about $30 had (I believe)bushings in it. One from Harbor Freight that cost $15 dollars had higher quality needle bearings in it. Just goes to show you, looks can be deceiving (like that hot 'girl' that was actually a guy that was far away with long hair:-( ) Just kidding about that whole girl part.

07-17-2006, 09:34 PM	#7
john alardin Pebble Pounder Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Out of my mind!! Posts: 139	as for the welder, I would stay away from stick-only welders, or from large wire-feed machines that run on 220v. I bought my Century 100 gasless wirefeed Welder (110v) four years ago from a pawnshop for $100 bucks, and havent had any problems with it. Business close-outs/liquidations are also good places to look, but are rare. Keep your eyes peeled. If you dont, you might pass up a great deal.

07-19-2006, 12:54 AM	#8
Trike Kid RCC Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Auburn, WA Posts: 1,191	Ok, I'm going to completely disagree with some of you for sure. Buy the biggest, high end machine you can buy, and if you can, get a 220v machine. You didn't say really what you're using it for, but for welding in general, 220 is the only way to go IMO. More power means thicker material in less passes, easier to use, and it's much easier for a machine to run on 220. That mig machine from harbor frieght for example, is only rated for steel up to 1/20" thick, my machine, a milliarc miller stick welder, has welded 1/4" wall tubing, on the upper end of it's low range setting no sweat. Go name brand, at very least Hobart (Miller's lower end brand, same machines, just less adjustments, or smaller adjustment ranges). A welder isn't something to cheap out on IMO, and if I had the cash, I'd have a 220v mig welder (Miller 210), but for now stick is A OK for me.

07-19-2006, 08:49 PM	#9
john alardin Pebble Pounder Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Out of my mind!! Posts: 139	wrong, not listening lalalalala (sticks fingers in ears), LOL just kidding.

07-20-2006, 07:04 AM	#12
DUDE RCC Addict Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The other Crawler State Posts: 1,247	if it is for hobby than a small 110 mig will be fine, go wth a Miller. anything at Harbor freight or other cheap places are junk and will ruin your experience and wast your money and time. and diuty cycle are over rated, even in our shop only the big 300 and 400 amp machines or 100% duty. I actually seen a 250 volt Lincoln welder at a Home Depot awhile back for around $600, and it is perfect for the garage welder. with 110 volt welders, use .023 wire, they run the best on that with a mix gas. been doing this stuff for over 20 years, trust me.

07-20-2006, 08:56 PM	#17
john alardin Pebble Pounder Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Out of my mind!! Posts: 139	thank you for clarifying everything, Dude. 220v is not for everyone. we wont all be trying to build the 1:1 Oscar Weiner Mobiles that everyone else talks about with our 110v's, but make everyone else understand that.

Sponsored Links

07-20-2006, 10:10 PM	#18
TMXONR Quarry Creeper Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bryant, AR Posts: 463	I use a gassles wire feed welder from Harbor Freight, and I like it. It is perfect for building hobby projects. One of my friends has a SnapOn Muscel MIG or something like that. He also has the TIG attachment, and there is also a smaller part on the welder that you can remove and have a small welder to tote around with out rolling around a big machine.

07-21-2006, 12:36 AM	#19
thaclodking Rock Crawler Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: a place of settlement, activity, or residence. Posts: 842	I bought a cheapie unit similar to the ones at HF, it basicly sucked a$$. Don't get anything less than a Hobart handler 140(I have the older 135). I also have a miller Econo-tig which is awsome. I have had these machines for over 5 years with no problems.

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