Harbor Freight Stick & MIG Welders

Faston · Joined: 17 Apr 2013 Posts: 5

Well in gross ignorance I picked up a HF 225 ($199) amp stick welder thinking it would be good enough to get going. Unfortunately I have zero welding experience and I have a terrible time making a decent weld. I'm sure most of the problem is my experience but I really expected to be able to produce half way decent welds. They hold just fine but look terrible to the point where I don't want to admit to anyone I created the lousy welds. I primarily have been doing welds that you guys would probably tell me to just pay a pro to do the welds for me.

Several people have told me I should have gotten a MIG and used inert gas to make things much easier. They know a lot more than I do so I am sure they are steering me in the right direction.

Suggestions on features that are recommended for a MIG welder would also be appreciated.

Assuming MIG with the gas tanks is the way to go does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should get. Harbor Freight has their 180 amp MIG for $265 at the moment and I would have to buy the gas tanks.

Please set me straight & let me know if the Harbor Freight is junk or not. If it's not recommended I would appreciate make and model suggestions. I'll do some looking for used if that is what I should be looking at.

I have a dang fixed income so cost is a very important factor for me. But I will wait and save my money up to buy a good quality welder rather than make another mistake.

Thanks in advance!!

gandrfab · Posted: Aug 20 2014 Post subject:

Like an Indian hunting, It is 90% Indian and 10% bow n arrow. Practice and some instruction will go a long way.

Good luck.

k.a.m. · Posted: Aug 20 2014 Post subject:

Faston, is your stick welder AC/DC or straight AC?
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

Faston · Joined: 17 Apr 2013 Posts: 5

Faston · Joined: 17 Apr 2013 Posts: 5

ecave · Newbie Joined: 20 Sep 2013 Posts: 38 Location: Benson, NC

My best advice is DO NOT buy a HF welder. They are hit and miss..mostly miss. The only ones I have ever been in contact with were junk.
You will frustrate yourself trying to learn how to weld with one of those machines.

Just my 2 cents worth....

k.a.m. · Posted: Aug 20 2014 Post subject:

P.M. sent.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

Wreckless · Posted: Aug 21 2014 Post subject:

I am sure you have been well taken are of already but just to add my $.02 worth...being in a rural area, surely you still have a home depot nearby. They sell a Lincoln A/C 7018 rod that works well as long as your steel is fairly clean. While some may insist on a 6011 rod for a root pass, there are some skills to it which you have stated may currently be hard to come by, especially in the sense of having a good looking weld. The 7018 should work just fine and looks good as well for the beginner welder. Since it is just a BBQ smoker and not an x-ray weld you are looking for, the penetration should be just fine. I would try them, at worst you can just drag the rod if need be until your skills improve a bit more. And as far as vertical up welds, hell, forget it, weld down and it will be fine. Now you have welds that will hold just fine and afford a few bragging rights on the appearance. Yah, the A/C only machine is a bit limited. Once more, just my $.02 worth