After working on my car for what seems like an eternity Ive decided to take the plunge into learning how to weld. I guess this comes after a discovery of my rear quarters possibly going to ****. As the title says I know jack **** about welding but figure if I read enough and bust enough practice welds I will be able to change out my rear quarters and weld in some holes (trim and engine bay). I dont have the money/space to buy a tig and I hear that mig's are easier to use plus I am not interested in using gas. I am stuck between this welder:
http://www.harborfreight.com/c...=6271

and this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/c...44567

The price difference isnt a concern, i need help figuring out which one best suits my needs and I can use if I want to weld some exhaust piping. Any help would be great.

Thanks in advance,
-Jeff.

 

Input: 230V, 60 Hz, single phase; Welding current range: 30-120 amps; Duty cycle: 15% @ 115 amps; Draws 15 amps @ 230V; Max. open circuit voltage: 36V; Weldable wires: .023", .030", and .035 steel or stainless steel; .030" and .035" aluminum; .030" flux core

specs on first one.............


30-120 amps = heat range.

duty-cycle: 15% is pretty low. based on 10 min incriments you can only weld for a min and 30 seconds every ten mins.

you will need to install a 230v plug

harbor freight welders do not last long, look into lincoln, miller,and hobart........where you can actually order parts from. i also found that harbor freight welders' heat range is wayyyyyyy off.

--------------------------------------------------
NO GAS REQUIRED
Specifically designed to use self-shielding flux-cored welding wire, eliminating any need for gas and regulators normal MIG welders require. Includes: 4'' spool of flux-core wire, spare welding tip, wire brush/hammer and welding mask.

* Self regulating feed control
* Thermal protection with warning light
* Carry handle on lid
* Input: 115 volt, 15 amps, single phase
* Welding current (2 settings) 63 to 68 amps (low), 79 to 90 amps (high)
* Duty cycle: 10% @ 80 amps, 18% @ 60 amps
* Wire capacity: 0.030''
* Shipping weight: 34-1/2 lbs.


this is a flux core welder. it has no gas hook up.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

mig or GMAW uses a wire, and shielding gas argon or argon mix to shield the currrent/weld from the atmosphere.

flux wire- wire covered in flux (same stuff as stick welding) and uses the gas created from the flux to sheild the gas.

can't do aluminum and it is not clean. it has slag like stick welding.

 

i would really recommend using sheilding gas instead of flux core. you will get way nicer looking welds with gas and for body work it seems you would want the nicest looking welds so you dont have to grind alot of material.

 

you wont like how the fluxcore welds on on body panels at all. Even with .030 it's a pain in the ***.

Get a tiny 115volt mig with .030 solid wire and it will do everything you require.

I recommend a small hobart.

 

I'd look into their TIG welder. I use that one at home and it has almost 100% duty cycle while i'm welding 16ga and was $460 after I bought everything I needed for the welder (including extension cord, welder, auto darkening helmet, regulator, and a 40cu/ft cylinder + fill at a welding shop)

It may be a harder process to master but the welds come out beautiful :D