flyrotary@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

From my experience, it's worth the extra cash if you can find a good deal on a Miller/Lincoln/Hobart. My ex father in law got a good deal on a display model Hobart Handler 140 (I think it's a 140...not sure). I've used it for flux core wire and gas shielded MIG, for .010" sheet metal to 3/16" barstock, and it's done well with all of it.

Anything high-power electronics from Harbor Freight scares me. I love their hand tools and whatnot, but I've had too many power drills melt, burst into flames, etc, that I stay away from their welders.

Dustin

Port Washington, WI

On Tue, Feb 2, 2016 at 1:15 PM, William Jepson <flyrotary@lancaironline.net> wrote:

David, for general purpose welding a flux core wire feed is fine. Even a MIG should be able to be speed adjusted so you wouldn't "run behind the wire". The 90 to 100 amp versions are more than adequate for welds to 1/8 - 3/16". Welds bigger than that you would want a professional type rig.

Bill Jepson

On Feb 2, 2016 11:06 AM, "David Leonard" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net> wrote:
I have a number of small welding projects around the home and hangar
that are starting to accumulate. I am thinking about getting one of
those $100 welders from Harbor Freight but I have almost no welding
experience. There is plenty of info on the web but I thought I would
put the question to my rotary friends.

Given that I just want to be able to do occasional projects around the
home and airplane, what type of welding equipment would be best for me
and what do you consider the minimum power level that is acceptable?
I will skip the desire to do anythng with aluminum. I am thinking
that Arc or Flux Core would be easiest. I tried to weld with
auto-feed MIG and I just couldnt keep up with the wire. Also, most of
the airplane projects are too difficult to keep any gas bubble in
place.

Thoughts?

David Leonard

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