I got a welder!, Harbor Freight had a big sale today! Options

[bmtrnavsky]

Look what I got today! It’s not the best witefeed welder on the market but dang it is better than what I had which was no welder! I’m pretty excited because now I have 100 new things I can do! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

[Unobtanium-inc]

Welders like this are great because they can do some things but more importantly you can decide if you like welding. Because if you don't you're only out about $100, which is way better then dropping $500-1000 on a decent miller mig. I've been in many a man's garage where he has thousands in tools that never get used.

So in this case, you spend about $100, realize you really like welding, quickly find the limits of the $100 machine and buy a better one, only using this one for mufflers, fences, and the occasional lawn mower repair.

[Andyrew]

Welders like this are great because they can do some things but more importantly you can decide if you like welding. Because if you don't you're only out about $100, which is way better then dropping $500-1000 on a decent miller mig. I've been in many a man's garage where he has thousands in tools that never get used.

So in this case, you spend about $100, realize you really like welding, quickly find the limits of the $100 machine and buy a better one, only using this one for mufflers, fences, and the occasional lawn mower repair.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Going over the manual to see if you could add gas to it I didnt see that as an option.. What I did see is a great setup instructions as well as "How to Weld" instructions. I would read that carefully and just practice with this. If your going to weld up exterior body panels then I would rent a welder from somewhere with gas after you have practiced with this welder considerably. Or buy a good used welder.

There is nothing like a good gas welder. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Most of us learned on a flux core so your in good company (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

Start with 1/8" steel scraps and join them. Get a grinder and learn to grind as well. work your way down to thinner and thinner metal, then get rusty panels and learn that. Make sure you have thin enough wire, and learn and experiment with your wire and voltage settings so you can see whats going on when.

[bmtrnavsky]

Welders like this are great because they can do some things but more importantly you can decide if you like welding. Because if you don't you're only out about $100, which is way better then dropping $500-1000 on a decent miller mig. I've been in many a man's garage where he has thousands in tools that never get used.

So in this case, you spend about $100, realize you really like welding, quickly find the limits of the $100 machine and buy a better one, only using this one for mufflers, fences, and the occasional lawn mower repair.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Going over the manual to see if you could add gas to it I didnt see that as an option.. What I did see is a great setup instructions as well as "How to Weld" instructions. I would read that carefully and just practice with this. If your going to weld up exterior body panels then I would rent a welder from somewhere with gas after you have practiced with this welder considerably. Or buy a good used welder.

There is nothing like a good gas welder. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Most of us learned on a flux core so your in good company (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

Start with 1/8" steel scraps and join them. Get a grinder and learn to grind as well. work your way down to thinner and thinner metal, then get rusty panels and learn that. Make sure you have thin enough wire, and learn and experiment with your wire and voltage settings so you can see whats going on when.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm really excited to have it so I can learn and play with it. I read last night how to make a slapping spoon so that's on my list. I also need to bust out my torch and make a slapping file. I have a canoe cart I want to build, and a stand for my drill press too. Lots of projects so I think I'll have a great opportunity to learn here.

I did see quite a few people welding thin sheet metal with it, but it looks like wire speed and heat is a BIG deal so I know I need some practice. you also have to grind the crap out of the welds to make sure you get all the slag and flux off. I've already been shopping craigslist for something better.

I do think I will be adding an inverter to make it DC which will mean much less splatter and I'll also add some capacitors at some point. I saw a guy install a series of switches that gave him a LOT more heat control by adding capacitors and switches. both are cheap upgrades. DC seems too easy and good to skip. I think the part is like $15 and there are a TON of tutorials on how too.