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Is this a good enough welder??

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Old 12-05-2012, 09:34 PM
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Default Is this a good enough welder??

Just wondering..... Saw this on amazon, I haven't welded in years and only did a VERY LITTLE at that....... So I bought it to brush up on my welding skills... My question is.... I have evo gussets and artec axle trusses, is this welder good enough for that?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o01_s00_i00

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Old 12-05-2012, 09:35 PM
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I probably shoulda got the mig for $117 huh?

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Old 12-05-2012, 10:54 PM
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I wouldnt do any axle work with a any 110v machine, let alone an arc welder. Harbor freight is running a promotion for their 220v 170amp mig for 169 bucks. Its what I bought after I outgrew my lincoln 110v and it is a fantastic machine for the money. Ive taken on a bunch of projects with it and it has excelled in everything ive thrown at it. I'm a little weary of any HF tools, but this machine is a great buy. Here is some of the work it can do on 1/4" material
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Old 12-06-2012, 12:04 AM
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Looks like it would do ok on thin metal but I don't see this getting hot enough for good penetraion on an axle or gussets. If you need to weld up your lawnmower deck it would do fine and it will be a cheap way to get back into practicing your welding skills. Have fun with it and comfort in knowing you didn't spend a bunch of money.
Old 12-06-2012, 02:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Pushrod
Looks like it would do ok on thin metal but I don't see this getting hot enough for good penetraion on an axle or gussets. If you need to weld up your lawnmower deck it would do fine and it will be a cheap way to get back into practicing your welding skills. Have fun with it and comfort in knowing you didn't spend a bunch of money.
Since you already bought the welder, this is an excellent way to look at it.

You may have to run a higher amperage circuit for it, though.

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Old 12-06-2012, 04:10 AM
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The welder should be fine but you should try to using on the power cord it came with to plug into the wall only. Or you can go to a hardware store or whatever to buy an extension cord that has 10guage wire and is under 25ft long. You will lose amperage if u use a standard extension cord and if its longer than 25ft. Also try to get some scrap steel that is the same thickness as Ur gussests and practice with it.
Old 12-06-2012, 05:26 AM
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Might do 1/16 sheet metal,with sheet metal rod,watch out for warpIf your duty cycle is not at least 50% or higher gonna be a long day.With a MIG,running on 220v,with a 80% duty cycle you can get something done,also use a gas for shielding rather than a flux
Old 12-06-2012, 06:55 AM
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Thank everyone...... I had a feeling it wouldn't be good enough for the axles but it was cheap so I figured I could use it for learning..... Now if I get that mig too.....I don't need a gas tank right?
Old 12-06-2012, 07:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Jersey_Devil
Thank everyone...... I had a feeling it wouldn't be good enough for the axles but it was cheap so I figured I could use it for learning..... Now if I get that mig too.....I don't need a gas tank right?
Correct, you don't NEED gas. I love my wire fed mig welder. It's a Lincoln 225 if I'm not mistaken, been a little while since I wiped the dirt off the side. I just use the wire, no gas. Someday I'll get a tank and start playing with Aluminum.
Old 12-06-2012, 07:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Jersey_Devil
Thank everyone...... I had a feeling it wouldn't be good enough for the axles but it was cheap so I figured I could use it for learning..... Now if I get that mig too.....I don't need a gas tank right?
You dont need gas for a mig if you use flux core wire.

As far as the buzz box you bought thats a crazy price for a welder if it actually works. Make sure you read the directions and use the recommended rod. Also watch your duty cycle, I cant imagine it would be very high when the machine is cranked up hot enough to do any real welding. I would say as long as it gets hot enough to penetrate theres no reason not to use it.

Rob


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