MIG, TIG, Stick a pig
09-26-2013 | 02:57 PM
#11
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland, Florida
I've been using the HF POS 180a for a year and a half now. It sucks compared to a Hobart, Lincoln, Miller, etc.... But it was cheap. I've actually been very happy with it for the cost. It feels cheap for sure, but it's paid for itself 5 times over now.
And doesn't put down a half bad bead.
And doesn't put down a half bad bead.
09-26-2013 | 04:47 PM
#13
JK Freak
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 665
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
MIG is the best bang for your buck but if you get one make sure it around 150AMP or better. You can always make multiple passes to weld thicker metal for reinforcement. Also I would use gas when using bare wire it will make for a lot cleaner looking weld an less splatter.
Sticks good for heavy dirty places like on the trail but if your in a shop get a MIG. TIG is the cleanest an strongest form of welding but unless you practice at it an know what your doing it can be challenging at first to use
Sticks good for heavy dirty places like on the trail but if your in a shop get a MIG. TIG is the cleanest an strongest form of welding but unless you practice at it an know what your doing it can be challenging at first to use
09-26-2013 | 09:42 PM
#15
JK Junkie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,539
Likes: 2
From: Tempe AZ
Youll find yourself using mig more than anything else. I picked up a Harbor Freight 170A MIG because my Lincoln 110 wouldnt do axle work, and I couldnt be more pleased with the HF. It has a cheap, plastic feel to it, but for the price it does a damn good job.
10-20-2013 | 06:48 AM
#17
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: Torrington CT
10-20-2013 | 09:37 AM
#19
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: East Palestine, OH - USA
Mig for sure.
I wouldn't recommend the HF welder myself. I know a lot of people have, use and like them but the one I had wouldn't feed wire for shit. You had to crank the tensioner to the point the feed wheels were ready to snap off and it would still slip badly. I got it replaced and the replacement did the same exact thing plus it wouldn't maintain a consistent current output.
For the price, I'd recommend scouring craigslist for a decent brand one used and even add a few more $ if needed. You'll get a better unit with better parts availability in the long run. Though, if you only need to do a handful of welds here and there, the HF one will work I just hate to see people waste money on them.
I wouldn't recommend the HF welder myself. I know a lot of people have, use and like them but the one I had wouldn't feed wire for shit. You had to crank the tensioner to the point the feed wheels were ready to snap off and it would still slip badly. I got it replaced and the replacement did the same exact thing plus it wouldn't maintain a consistent current output.
For the price, I'd recommend scouring craigslist for a decent brand one used and even add a few more $ if needed. You'll get a better unit with better parts availability in the long run. Though, if you only need to do a handful of welds here and there, the HF one will work I just hate to see people waste money on them.
10-22-2013 | 07:21 AM
#20
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: Torrington CT
Mig for sure.
I wouldn't recommend the HF welder myself. I know a lot of people have, use and like them but the one I had wouldn't feed wire for shit. You had to crank the tensioner to the point the feed wheels were ready to snap off and it would still slip badly. I got it replaced and the replacement did the same exact thing plus it wouldn't maintain a consistent current output.
For the price, I'd recommend scouring craigslist for a decent brand one used and even add a few more $ if needed. You'll get a better unit with better parts availability in the long run. Though, if you only need to do a handful of welds here and there, the HF one will work I just hate to see people waste money on them.
I wouldn't recommend the HF welder myself. I know a lot of people have, use and like them but the one I had wouldn't feed wire for shit. You had to crank the tensioner to the point the feed wheels were ready to snap off and it would still slip badly. I got it replaced and the replacement did the same exact thing plus it wouldn't maintain a consistent current output.
For the price, I'd recommend scouring craigslist for a decent brand one used and even add a few more $ if needed. You'll get a better unit with better parts availability in the long run. Though, if you only need to do a handful of welds here and there, the HF one will work I just hate to see people waste money on them.
Looking back I wish I went with the Hobart 190, but, at double the cost of my HF 180 with the amount of work I've done the HF has paid for itself 10 times over. If it does die, I will replace it with something better