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jeep4x4nut
10-30-2005, 08:21 PM
Ok, Im planning on getting a welder since my buddy has gone to Kuwait for the Army and no longer have use to his stick welder. I would buy a stick welder but why when he has one and once he gets back, i can use it. So im limited to a MIG or flux core. Id really like to try and use just a flux core but is this strong enough for welding on my jeep (sliders, bumpers, LA kit, supports)? The ones i am looking at are fairly cheap but not to much money coming from me. Tell me how these are and what else i need to look into please.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44567

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=55247

Which one would do me best. and i know this is noobish but is flux stronger than MIG and whats the differences???
Thanks guys
Michael

OverkillZJ
10-30-2005, 08:26 PM
Neither. Why? They're crap!

TrojanMan
10-30-2005, 08:32 PM
You can find a good deal on a miller if you look around. I got one for 300

jeep4x4nut
10-30-2005, 08:36 PM
ok well thanks for answering that question. now which miller......i mean MIG or Flux

ATL ZJ
10-30-2005, 08:40 PM
Check out this company's online store:

http://cgi.ebay.com/HOBART-HANDLER-180-MIG-WELDER-NEW-500501_W0QQitemZ7558025046QQcategoryZ113743QQcmdZV iewItem

jeep4x4nut
10-30-2005, 08:59 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7556968347

how bout a nice little lincoln??

jeep4x4nut
10-30-2005, 09:21 PM
with my research i have just done, how does this sound. its fluxcored and easily changeable to MIG..when im ready to.

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?keyword=welding&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&x=41&y=12&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&N=2984+4071&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp

But will the Flux cored style be strong enough to weld sliders/bumpers???

OverkillZJ
10-30-2005, 09:26 PM
Lincolns good too. Take a look at the Hobarts as well, they're Miller with a cheaper transformer and plastic rollers. They'll take abuse for the hobbiest, just aren't made for a 5/40 production environment. Even the gun says Miller on it.

Flux or Mig; they're rather similar. With flux you don't need gas, the shielding is in the wire itself (literally: flux core). Mix using shielding gas passed through the gun to make a clean weld. They both have their advantages.

I'd suggest buying one of the setups that comes with a spool of flux so you can get welding, but also has the gauges so you can get a tank and weld Mig eventually.

Flux is every bit as strong as Mig, and is even rumored to penetrate better. It can be a bit messy though.

jeep4x4nut
10-30-2005, 09:27 PM
thanks for the quick reply!

ATL ZJ
10-30-2005, 10:10 PM
The machine I linked (Hobart 180) is the one I used. I ran fluxcore wire for a couple weeks and then got a bottle of C25. While technically you can get better penetration with fluxcore, it's much easier to see what you're welding (especially if you don't have a ton of experience) with MIG since there is less smoke and slag in the air. I've been really impressed with the Hobart 180 so far.

OverkillZJ
10-30-2005, 11:05 PM
The machine I linked (Hobart 180) is the one I used. I ran fluxcore wire for a couple weeks and then got a bottle of C25. While technically you can get better penetration with fluxcore, it's much easier to see what you're welding (especially if you don't have a ton of experience) with MIG since there is less smoke and slag in the air. I've been really impressed with the Hobart 180 so far.

Ya, same machine I run. I've been very impressed with it, as has anyone who's used it (that actually knows more about welding than enough to "get it done" like me.)

Jim311
10-31-2005, 08:10 AM
I have a Lincoln SP135. I got a good deal on it.. it was actually a Christmas gift! I use flux core for better penetration and easy use. It will weld up to 1/4" which is plenty for what I need. I welded my sliders which are 2x2x1/4 with no problems whatsoever. Works great for easy fab, and itp lugs into most household outlets, so I can't really complain.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7557206764

Deltron
10-31-2005, 10:37 AM
Ive got the little lincoln 135 and im running flux too. I am impressed for such a small machine but ATL ZJ was right about it being hard to see what your doing with flux. After you make a pass with flux, if you want to make another, I usually knock the slag off the first pass unless im being lazy. Doing this is one of the flaws of flux. another flaw is that its actually harder to keep a good, consisitent bead going with flux then gas. the whole process seems a little more delicate when using flux. Im confident that flux has better penetration though. Im going to keep using flux with the 135 until I get a 175, at that point I'll move up to gas. I say go with either a hobart, miller or lincoln 135 and run flux if you plan on trying to weld 1/4" shit up. good luck, peace
-Dave

jeep4x4nut
10-31-2005, 06:25 PM
thanks again. plan on going with the sp135!

Jim311
10-31-2005, 08:15 PM
thanks again. plan on going with the sp135!


If you look around you can get a decent deal. I think I got mine with a cart for like 400ish.

Mtn WJ
11-01-2005, 10:37 PM
I have a Lincoln 135 too and use gas for welding sheet metal otherwise I run flux for thicker steel. Works for me. The Miller and Hobarts in the same output range are nice too. Look around and buy which ever one is your best deal used or new. I personally like Miller welders better but I got a good deal on the Lincoln. It seems if you are buying a welder in this range just buy whats the best deal of those three. I have heard good things about the Clarke 130 as well. If you are looking for better machine then buy what tickles your fancy.

nathaniel
11-09-2005, 08:54 PM
JUST picked up Hobart 180 recond. on ebay for $500. cant wait for it to get here.

nate
11-09-2005, 11:42 PM
Lincoln 175 Plus is what I have. I've got about $1000 into my setup with welder, helmet, C25 tank, etc. I've had it since April of this year and I've run 2 12lb spools of wire though it plus a few of the smaller spools. Works great and I haven't had any trouble with it.

benzj
11-13-2005, 11:46 PM
I've got the Hobart 180 as well in our shop. I used flux for about 2 months then got my free bottle filled w/ C25 as well. The free bottle is about worthless if you actually use the machine. The only thing it is good for is a back up bottle. National Welders has a sale on 180 bottles.

B