Harbor Freight/Central Pneumatic Welders??

[gitractorman]

Hey all,
Just came back from HF store and almost came home with their little wire welder. It typically runs $199 and they have it marked down to $109. I just do not know anything about them and wondered if I would be better off spending a little more and getting the little Hobart 125 or similar welder from a name-brand?

Anyone have one of these little wire welders, and how does it do? I would like to be able to weld heavy stuff, but I realize that I would have to grind down the stock 1/2 way, then fill the v in to get a good weld, say in 3/8" bar stock. I figure the wire welder would be handy for sheetmetal work too.

Anyway, thoughts, comments, will be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

[Russell F]

I have no exp. with the CP brand, but i find all the little 120v mig/wire machines too cool for heavy stuff. They are perfect for thin stock and sheet metal. They are a little hotter if you use flux core wire, but still too cool for a good bite unless you do a heavy bevel. If you plan on primarly doing heavier stuff, go ahead and get a buzzbox stick or a 240v MIG(like a hobart 180). A good AC only output, 240v stick can be had for a little more than the 120v mig. And depending on your skill you can weld much heavier stock with a stick. I personaly perfer stick and save MIG for fabrication on new or clean steel or for thin sheetmetal. But a well equiped shop will have both.

[jostev]

We do have a harbor freight welder, it's something like a "Fire something?" it works pretty good for thinner stuff, but I use it for thick stuff, mostly 1/2"+, which does not bond very well, if you would weld some thick stuff, I would say that that price is not too bad. You might also keep your eye out in local auctions for welders? but this welder does do a pretty good job, make sure that it has the option to use gas, it helps a lot

good luck on whatever you decide to do

Johnny

[Kodiak]

I agree with Russell, I have a small wire welder and it is fine for sheetmetal but not the thicker stuff. A stick welder is what I have, it's a antique but it does what I need around the shop! The little wire welders are a good investment for sheet stuff and as Russel said a good shop will have both.

[ljw]

I don't have a MIG but I want one. The Hobart 180 is selling for about $700 currently. When I want to know more about a particular tool or piece of equipment, I always "google" it. That's where you can discover problems that previous owners have had. Larry

[gitractorman]

Thanks for all the input. I think I'm going to hold off on buying one for now. I'm glad I did not buy the wire welder over the weekend. Guess that gut instinct works. Besides, a friend owns a welding shop and I can take anything I need to him and it will look perfect.