I have heard decent reviews on the HF welder...Thought I feel all of the HF tools are temporary tools. I just checked out that Eastwood thread...I'd be willing to give them a try. I use HTP welders and a Plasma Cutter, from USAWELD. My go to is a 200 amp (220v) that I run with gas, and I keep a 130amp (110v) that I run with flux core for portable jobs. The HTP welders were a bit cheaper than the "Big 3", but seem to have all the same, if not better, parts. I will say this, my MIG 200 I bought in 2006 and is a rockstar. My MIG130 I bought about 2 years ago, and I have never been been overly pleased with it...the case is identical to the Forney machines, which makes me think they are all made in the same Chinese factory. It still works, just doesn't always strike me as "smooth running". My brother and I went halves on their Micro Cut 380, a tiny plasma cutter...we bought it about 15 years ago, she is still running strong. The customer service with HTP has been fantastic, asking questions or figuring out what tips I needed, again, great.
I purchased a Lincoln WeldPack, I think it was a 135, new from HD for like $550-600. I had it about 4 years and it was going to cost almost $400 to fix it. I don't think I'd buy another of their small 110v welders.
One of the companies I teach for has a Hobart, 130 or 140, I don't recall, and I have been using it for classes for about 4 years now. It is still going strong and I am impressed by it.
You have no need to mess with a stick machine anytime soon. I have Lincoln stick welder that might get turned on once a year. I also have an "under the hood" welder that runs off my Jeep...handy, but rarely gets used anymore. The Wire-Feed welders are far more forgiving and easier to learn on.
You will need the tools that go with welding....Like chop saw, wire brush, 4.5" angle grinder, (wire wheels/grinding wheels/sanding flap-discs), and a decent welding helmet...I highly suggest jumping straight to an auto-darkening helmet (it will expedite your learning).
- Take time to clean the metal before you weld it
- Make sure the metal is clean where you attach the ground
- Wear long sleeves when you are welding to avoid wicked sun-burns from the UV
- Practice on scrap metal now, not on a real project
- Be aware of warpage...no matter how thick the metal, if you weld a lot in one area, in a quick amount of time, you are bound to warp the metal...like a wet board! Take your time and jump around on the project, giving some time for spots to cool a bit.
- Find a local metal salvage place, buy your metal from them
GOOD LUCK!!
I purchased a Lincoln WeldPack, I think it was a 135, new from HD for like $550-600. I had it about 4 years and it was going to cost almost $400 to fix it. I don't think I'd buy another of their small 110v welders.
One of the companies I teach for has a Hobart, 130 or 140, I don't recall, and I have been using it for classes for about 4 years now. It is still going strong and I am impressed by it.
You have no need to mess with a stick machine anytime soon. I have Lincoln stick welder that might get turned on once a year. I also have an "under the hood" welder that runs off my Jeep...handy, but rarely gets used anymore. The Wire-Feed welders are far more forgiving and easier to learn on.
You will need the tools that go with welding....Like chop saw, wire brush, 4.5" angle grinder, (wire wheels/grinding wheels/sanding flap-discs), and a decent welding helmet...I highly suggest jumping straight to an auto-darkening helmet (it will expedite your learning).
- Take time to clean the metal before you weld it
- Make sure the metal is clean where you attach the ground
- Wear long sleeves when you are welding to avoid wicked sun-burns from the UV
- Practice on scrap metal now, not on a real project
- Be aware of warpage...no matter how thick the metal, if you weld a lot in one area, in a quick amount of time, you are bound to warp the metal...like a wet board! Take your time and jump around on the project, giving some time for spots to cool a bit.
- Find a local metal salvage place, buy your metal from them
GOOD LUCK!!
I'll post soon.
!
Comment