Would you guys get your lighter duty, non-Miller or non-Lincoln, (not top of the line) welder at Harbor Freight or Tractor Supply?

 

I run a water cooled Syncrowave 250 DX at work. I will never buy one of those cheap welders. Unless your just tinkering with it, it may be okay...

 

For non-pro or occasional home use the HF will be ok. If you really need one to depend on for medium or heavy use, I would suggest the brand names.

 

Yeah, its just for practicing, fabricating things for my truck or boat trailer, and rocker panels

 

I bought the HF "chicago electric" welder a few years back. Has a short duty cycle so if you run it on high for about 2-5 minutes it will shut down for 20 minutes or so. So, it is only good for very small things, at best. It is very sensitive and hard to dial in. One minute it is running a good bead and the next minute you can't get anything to stick. The feeder/tensioner doesnt seem to be consistent either. It surges a lot and makes it hard to keep a pattern. But, for $100 if you need to stick 2 pieces together, it works. Just nothing near the best.

I would suggest you pick up a lincoln weld pak 100hd, maybe used around 175-200 bucks. Check your local craigslist

 

Does anybody know anything about either of these?

http://www.tractorsupply.com/jobsmar...welder-1128762


http://www.tractorsupply.com/hobart-...welder-1011986


If you could choose between the two, which would you choose? Both have good reviews.

 

I have a Hobart, it is a great name brand welder. It is a ITW company as is Miller. The other one is a Chinese made product.

 

I liked the features of the Hobart too. I figure that should be more than enough for anything I'd need, and it'd be a great starter welder. When I'm ready to move onto actual MIG welding, just get a regulator and some gas. One question though...what size wire is good for all around welding, and especially for rocker panels?

 

I forgot what size I use, but I picked somewhere in the middle. Just don't forget to get the proper sized tips for the wire you use. You may also want to pick up a few extra tips and an extra shield. I never really liked the self flux wire. The weld will be cleaner with gas and a regulator, they aren't very expensive.

 

Ok. Thanks for the advice and tips!!

 

It is only $329.00 here in Ca. That is a steal!!!

 

Same price here in PA...that's why I was considering that one.

 

I have a Hobart Ironman 210 wire welder. Horbart and Miller are interchangeable. Paid $1100 for it 8 years ago and still welds like new. Had to change the liner out a couple of times, but that comes with having a wire welder.

 

^^I like the sound of that! Thanks!

 

Ironman 210 and 250 both uses 220 power. The 250 is better because it has little higher settings.