newbie

[tellittojake]

I am a woodworker and bought a welder on sale, as thought I would be doing some work with frames for the wood projects, table bases etc. I bought a small mig welder that uses flux wire. I know nothing about welding and did not want to spend a lot of money as not even sure how much I will use it. I have read many pro's and con's but was wondering for a newbie what people thought of this purchase or should I return it before I use it, if it is not really going to be much use to me. With out any experience, do you think I will be able to pick up the use okay or would it be to risky to try to practice on my own. Thought it would be useful and fun but after reading many things online, am a little leary and overwhelmed. Any input is appreciated.

 

[Spot the welders dog]

With out any experience, do you think I will be able to pick up the use okay or would it be to risky to try to practice on my own. Thought it would be useful and fun but after reading many things online, am a little leary and overwhelmed. Any input is appreciated.

No risk really: practice is what it is all about the first time you pick up a welding torch. Have you looked at the tutorials. They will give you an insight into the basics to start you off.

There doesn't seem to be any reason why a 'flux cored' MIG will not do what you want- although it does cause more 'splatter' than a 'gas shielded' MIG - use an anti-splatter spray so it brushes off.
I think the most important thing is that the welder you brought can weld the size of metals that you want to work with....

PS: welcome to the forum

 

[zardoz]

what sort of welder have you bought ?

 

[tellittojake]

thanks for the help

My welder is from a store called Harbor Freight, it is their brand. It is a 90 amp mig. Was only 149.99 I realize it isnt the best but needed to start somewhere.

 

[matt1978]

90 Amps.........its not a great deal really, but if its only thin section table legs and stuff, then should just about be o.k.

 

[matt1978]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94056

Is that the one?

Low range 63-68 amps? To be honest I doubt that it will be low enough for the Thin Tube? How thick is it?

 

[tellittojake]

thats the one

That is the one I picked up. I have not started any projects and the more I think about it, I might hold off using it so that I can get a better understanding of what the different welders do, and what is the advantage of each. I can still return this one, really just want a tool that will serve many purposes. I jumped due to the reasonable price but in the past have always regretted jumping too fast when buying a tool. I guess I dont learn my lessons too easily-ha.

 

[irondarren]

Always difficult making a purchase on tools, buy the wrong thing at its kind of off putting

 

[shenion]

Harbor Freight sells Chinese junk. Have not heard anything good about their MIGs. I know there is a vendor on ebay selling dozens of their returned welders.

You will have to spend about $300 for anything good. I have a Clarke 130EN that does 30-130 amps. Works well. My only regret was not getting the 180EN. The "EN" models can be upgraded to gas welding by just adding a regulator and a tank of gas (many include the reg in a package.)

The problem with the low-end (<100A) is they only have a few power settings. Many are not good on thin metal (gasless wire is not for thin metal anyway.)

The 130EN will do well. It stands alone in the DIY market. Below it are Chinese junk from box movers; above it are name brand units at twice the price.

Do a search on ebay for "Clarke MIG". There are a few used ones. I got mine from weldingdepot, great seller.

BTW, stay away from Harbor Freight MIG wire, it is so poorly made it will not feed properly and will corrode real fast as the copper coating is so poor.

 

[zardoz]

If i were you id not wait around for any reason. Id jump right in and give it a go, only don't be too put off if you don't succeed at first, or burn through, make holes, get wire stuck etc. For a total beginner its difficult unless you have a welder friend or do a night class. But try a few dozen six inch lines of 'runs' first, on some thickish plate that wont burn though. Anything around an eighth of an inch or a bit less should be fine.