I am looking at Harbor freight for a cheapo welder. I just want something I can do exhaust work with. Mainly everything after the header, so cat backs and down pipes maybe weld an O2 bung. I may use it a couple times a year if that.
So what kind of 110v welder should a beginner be looking at for such tasks?

 

Get something that at least has gas hookups. As for brand that's all on how much you want to spend

 

Do NOT get a $100 flux core only one . . . MIG is much cleaner and easier to get a better weld from. It's one of those tools you'll wish later you had bought a better one.

That being said, I've had two cheap-ish 110v MIG welders and both had their problems.

I had a Clarke like 10 years ago that had issues with the trigger or wheel . . . never sorted that out. You'd press the trigger and the spool would hang up like the switch mechanism had a bad contact.

I've currently got a $400 northern 110v and it works great except for the fact that the line it came with for the gas hookup leaked a very small amount. Forgot to turn the gas off one weekend and came back that Monday only to find the bottle empty (80cf)

 

Hobart 140, $599ish. Great little machine

 

Lincoln MP210 will do all that you want and more.

Otherwise hobart 140

 

I liked my old Hobart 140 except for the fact that it only has 4 voltage settings. if you are just doing exhaust work that wont be any issue but if you want to get into different thicknesses and what not you will be limited.

check out eastwood I have a mig and a tig from there and I have no complaints and the prices are fair. they have an ebay store and with coupons and free shipping you can save a few bucks.

also go with gas no questions. flux core is for the birds.

Levi

 

Except when the 140 won't penetrate deep enough on 1/4" and you need to use fluxcore...

 

I'm a razorweld dealer. The migs run great. I have one and love it. But they are also not $100 welders either.