Hey guys,

I'm looking at getting either the 120A or 170A mig from HF for some personal use. Looking to just be able to do exhaust work. Basically tacking up prebent mandrel and finishing it on the floor. Mostly aluminized maybe some SS. Not looking to fab manifolds or aluminum. Just muffler, res, hangers and flanges to piping. I plan on using gas and thought about converting to Al spool but it seems like 170A won't be enough for that anyways. Both are 230V. Just looking for some input, trying to make a decision soon b/c the 20% off that expires 1/16 would put the 170A model down to $370 from $460. 120A model is on sale from $300 to $200. Any input including flaming is appreciated. Info on a decent gas setup would be very helpful as well. At this point I'm thinking just CO2

120A ($200) -230V, 60 Hz, single phase; Welding current range: 30-120 amps; Duty cycle: 15% @ 115 amps; Draws 15 amps @ 230V http://www.harborfreight.com/c...=6271

170A ($370) - 230V, 60 Hz, single phase, Welding current: 30 to 170 amps; Duty cycle: 16% @ 155 amps; Draws 30 amps @ 230V http://www.harborfreight.com/c...43025

 

Um. for the price of that 170 amp I would MUCH rather buy a 180 AMP Clarke welder from weldingdepot.com

Italian made > China

 

yeah that second one is straight out, the first one, i dunno, a 220v machine that only puts out 120 amps?

my 115v clarke puts out more than that. also the clarke will give you DOUBLE the duty cycle

check out welding depot for sure or at least look at a hobart at harbor freight if your set on buying it there, they sell reconditioned ones.

 

thanks, I'll check out weldingdepot.com. Any input on how much amperage I'll need? I've head 120A is going to be enough especially since I'm not too worried about duty cycle.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tonydatyga &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">thanks, I'll check out weldingdepot.com. Any input on how
much amperage I'll need? I've head 120A is going to be enough especially since I'm not too worried about duty cycle.</TD></TR></TABLE>

what are you trying to weld?

130 amps is good to weld material with a .130 thickness. unless you do 2 passes, one on each side, then you would have .260 or 1/4" Which is plenty for most stuff and people

 

aluminized and ss exhaust piping. i think I'll go with the 130A clarke unit from weldingdepot if i don't find something locally or on ebay.

 

Don't waste your time on the Harbor Frieght Junk. Pick up a Millermatic 175 and call it done. You can do anything automotive with that welder. Build chassis to custom exhaust to sheetmetal repair. You won't find a better machine for the money.