HF welding machine ???

[GPW]

Guys , Thanks !!! I basically need to weld in some thin metal , mostly for tacking in replacement body panels , then welding solid with my friends Tig … I didn’t want to invest in a more pricy unit , just a little 110V “DC” model for this project . < $200.00 ( on sale )

Thing is ... I Know how to weld , although not a “welder” … I already have a big welding machine (stick) , My friend has a TIG machine …
The reality is , I have a limited amount of MONEY ( OLD, fixed income) and need a small uncomplicated Temporary MIG to just do some tacking ( little tiny dot welds) of sheet metal on my car project . That’s ALL !!! … Once tacked on , I’ll weld it up solid with my buddy’s quality TIG machine … Once done , the cheap machine will likely get put on a shelf and never get used again … ( another dustcatcher for the estate sale ) Any ideas … ???

[RJ Howell]

I liked the thought of Craigslist and found this in my area. https://nh.craigslist.org/tls/d/center-barnstead-hobart-handler-120-mig/6984342832.html

Could something like this, with the gas, step up to welding 3/16"- 1/4" steel?

Don't wish to side track your thread in asking this question. Also wonder if this would meet your needs and go further for the dollar.

[twisted lines]

Could something like this, with the gas, step up to welding 3/16"- 1/4" steel?

Don't wish to side track your thread in asking this question. Also wonder if this would meet your needs and go further for the dollar.

This one is rated 3/16" MAX; Max I would use it on is 1/8" It would work great for the OPs needs, Tank not included $$$ if desired.
Somthing to pay attention to is will it run on 15 Amps, One that I owned Only ran with 20 A, This one say's 20A in the manual as well.

[tony.latham]

Could something like this, with the gas, step up to welding 3/16"- 1/4" steel?

According to the manual, my Hobart 140 is limited to 3/16". But I feel comfortable welding 1/4" with it.

Here are two examples. The upright receiver and the jack bracket:





Tony

[retep]

Sorry to jump in, Tony did you use argon with this weld or just flux core?

Thanks
Peter


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[tony.latham]

Sorry to jump in, Tony did you use argon with this weld or just flux core?

Thanks
Peter


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I've got a CO2 bottle on that welder but for whatever reason, I do better with flux-core wire and no gas. Flux core.

Tony

[twisted lines]

I've got a CO2 bottle on that welder but for whatever reason, I do better with flux-core wire and no gas. Flux core.

Tony

Three things Come too mind

1. Sorry about off topic

2. Tony are you changing the polarity between the two diferent set ups ?

3. The mixed gas costs a little more but runs so much better, and it does help the flux core penetrate more with out slag.

[Philip]

If your on face book the market place has some good deals on welders at times.

Myself I would not look for any welder under 140 amp rating. All the little cheap welders you see at 100 amp or less. I have found them about useless. Get a mig with gas. If your planning to paint when your done. Your chances of getting the welding flux out of a flux core weld might be slime or none.

What panels are you replacing on the car?

[tony.latham]

2. Tony are you changing the polarity between the two diferent set ups ?

Yes. I'm wondering if it isn't my cheap regulator.

T

[NevadaBlue]

I have a HF Mig (and a TiG) and both work fine.
Are you working outside? A breeze will blow the shield gas away. I use a stick welder if I have to work outside and there is much breeze. That may be why your flux core is working better.

[GPW]

Philip asked .. “ What panels are you replacing on the car? “ Things like this … cutting out rust replacing the rusted area with clean metal . Sorta like this ..( see pic ) … all just thin metal ( not as thin as new cars ) I just want the MIG for tack welding the panels on , and will finish with a friends TIG …

[Philip]

I would still look for a 140 at the smallest. I have welded many hundreds of hours on many different welders. I have found many of the low end welders have problems with the mig liners. Poor quality right out of the box. If it will not feed wire properly you won't even tack weld. If I was looking for a welder used or new. I would be looking in the Hobart/lincon /miller brands. Stay way from a Clarke brand. I haven't found one of them yet that will run at top rated amps.

Another reason I am saying 140 amp. Most of them run .035 wire. That I the easiest wire to find. If you get one using .020 or .025. A lot of places might sell the welder. But they do not sell the wire for it.

Inner wheel house. You got some work there.

[tony.latham]

I think Youtube is DIY University.



I think it would work fine for what the OP wants to do.

Tony

[Modstock]

I run a small Lincoln mig (150 I think)
My dad couldn't get to run properly.
Gave it to me and converted it back to gas and tuned it up. Works great.

Seems to run best on 0.30 wire but cant find that near me. HF has only been restocking the 0.35 wire in the small spools. Not sure if I can fit a 10lb spool inside.

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[twisted lines]

Not sure if I can fit a 10lb spool inside.

If you still have a adapter like this it will , but the little bugger just gained 10 lb's
I prefer the .030 wire as well .