I'm looking into welding and learning some new stuff. I would like to purchase a good beginners welder and I came across this one for $130... let me know if it's worth it

http://65.54.246.250/cgi-bin/l...44567







90 AMP FLUX WIRE WELDER

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 .035'' 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: 0.035'' or 0.030''
Shipping weight: 34-1/2 lbs.

 

i sell those at my work and they seam to be a decent beginner welder. we sell them for 100.00$ even let me know if u need one. Just trying to help a fellow h-t

 

bump cause i want to know too, they have them on sale on harbor freight.
Are they good enough for light newie welding?

 

 

If welding is something you think you might want to try and play with for 5 minutes and then you will get bored this might be the machine for you. If you really think you want to learn to weld and you will stick with it I suggest you spend some more money and get yourself a quality unit that will last you a long time. The cheapest unit I would get would be the Lincoln Pro-Mig 135 at Lowes. This unit is a rebadged Lincoln Electric SP-135T which is a nice unit. Go and visit your local welding store and ask there advice also.

John

 

Yeah i know it is not the best welder, but thats the whole point...
Im just starting to weld and im a poor college kid; so please dont just say...oh just get a more expensive one cause its better... I already know that.
Im ''pretty'' sure it has a lifetime warratie since most harbor freight tools do, but im not sure.
I know it would be better and prettier to use a gas mig, but im looking for simplicity and function.
My main question is, is 90 amps enough for light duty welding(like for ex: strut bars, exhaust work and some other little things)?

Why is that welder so bad?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mmuller &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yeah i know it is not the best welder, but thats the whole point...
Im just starting to weld and im a poor college kid; so please dont just say...oh just get a more expensive one cause its better... I already know that.
Im ''pretty'' sure it has a lifetime warratie since most harbor freight tools do, but im not sure.
I know it would be better and prettier to use a gas mig, but im looking for simplicity and function.
My main question is, is 90 amps enough for light duty welding(like for ex: strut bars, exhaust work and some other little things)?

Why is that welder so bad?</TD></TR></TABLE>

its not that it is bad, it is just that it is a flux core only welder. If you are going to tackle small jobs and clean welds are not your main concern, then this is the machine for you. It will weld, But in order to really learn to weld, you will need to bump it up some, and spring for a better machine. Something that lets you use shielding gas.

 

i have the 130 ??? version of that for couple years. finally haveing wire feeding trouble. I'm in the midst of changing the tip becuase I think its getting stuck in the handset. Not sure if all welders do this as well but never had a problem until now.


greg

 

Looks decent. Look into Lincoln Electirc with gas option. Good welders

 

Might want to find soemthing with a few more amp settings too for thin metal jobs you might need something in the 30-40 amp range.