Help with finding a good welder.

[NUNEZDESIGN]

Hey guys I'm in the market for buying a new welder so I could start designing and building my own bike frames. However I don't have a boat load of money to spend on a high-end mig welder. The attached link is the welder I have in mind. What do you think? Any advice, comments, or concerns would help (BIG TIME).

Thanks,
Jorge

http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-flu ... 98871.html

 

[chimichanga]

Hey guys I'm in the market for buying a new welder so I could start designing and building my own bike frames. However I don't have a boat load of money to spend on a high-end mig welder. The attached link is the welder I have in mind. What do you think? Any advice, comments, or concerns would help (BIG TIME).

Thanks,
Jorge

http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-flu ... 98871.html

i've never used them but i would suggest you search for some licolns or hobarts on craigslist. I got my lincoln for $150.00 on ebay and haven't had a problem.

 

[Graylock]

Hey guys I'm in the market for buying a new welder so I could start designing and building my own bike frames. However I don't have a boat load of money to spend on a high-end mig welder. The attached link is the welder I have in mind. What do you think? Any advice, comments, or concerns would help (BIG TIME).

Thanks,
Jorge

http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-flu ... 98871.html

That welder didn't show up on my browser but I did remember there was one here.

Graylock

 

[chimichanga]

I see you're from socal I found this one for you

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/tl ... 41879.html

 

[udallcustombikes]

I have that Harbor Freight welder. If you get it don't expect to see the same quality welds you would get from a Lincoln or a Miller. It works well for what it is, a cheap welder. It sticks metal together good, just not real pretty. I have had mine for a couple years and haven't had any problems with it.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

If you do get the Chinese freight welder it works a lot better if you get the Lincoln wire for it rather than the cheap wire they give you with it. Just a tip. :wink:

 

[g-ratter]

Highly recommend saving your pennies and geting one with a gas shield set up. You will be alot happier with the welds and less work in clean up.

 

[bounce03x]

This ones on sale for $159.. sale ends tomorrow.. hopefully get a young person at the register and make that 20% coupon work...
http://www.harborfreight.com/110-amp-22 ... aign=1211a
I was really thinkng about scooping this one up tomorrow... has good reviews.. anyone have experience with it?

 

[sean1960]

Look for a used Hobart Handler 125 or 140 there both 115 VAC and use solid wire or flux core wire. I use a Hobart 180 with solid wire (.030) and C25 shielding gas for welding bicycle frames. The Hobart 180 is a 230 VAC welder and may be more welder than you may need if your just welding .062 inch wall tubing for bicycle frames. Lincoln, Miller, Hobart are all good welders. Good luck in your search for a welder!

 

[bounce03x]

Cool man... thanks for the advice!

 

[bounce03x]

If you do get the Chinese freight welder it works a lot better if you get the Lincoln wire for it rather than the cheap wire they give you with it. Just a tip. :wink:

http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-flu ... 98871.html

So i chooched out and went ahead with the HF welder.. $150 w 2 year warranty. It has great reviews and your right about the wire as a lot of people stated. Do you think this one will work fine for bikes?

Ill try messing with it this week.