HF flux wire welder.

[rusty_tlc]

I bought a used Harbor freight flux wire welder for $40. Got it home and it didn't work. Took it back to the guy and he offered to give me my $40 back. I like to tinker and fix stuff so I offered him $20 for it.

All it took was a $3 switch (That I salvaged free off an old Power supply) and it was working.

I've been playing around with it and done a few projects now. In the past I didn't want to invest $100 buck in a POS HF welder, fearing that my lack of skill and a poor quality tool would end in disaster. But I have to say it is doing a pretty dam good job for what it is, in the hands of someone who actually knew how to weld it would probably do fine. It actually may have been the original price.

 

[Leaping Deer]

Pics of the welds?

 

[FullyLitLED]

Pics of the welds?

x2, and more details about this welder...I spent like $120 on tools today so time to add to the damage

 

[rusty_tlc]

They look just as crappy as the welds I did with a Hobart Mig unit.

I already used a flap wheel to smooth them up and painted them.

Next time I use it I'll try to remember to take some pictures.

 

[Ebag333]

How many amps does that welder push out? I had a small HF unit, was worthless on anything that was thicker than body sheet metal.

Not so much a problem with the welder itself. It was just too small.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I did a couple of welds on 3/8" rod, making a fire poker for camping. I had to bevel the edges and build the bead with a couple of passes.

I have a 220 Lincoln DC stick welder I can use to make crappy welds on thicker stuff.
They are easy to find for cheap on Craigs list.

 

[Ebag333]

I have a 220 Lincoln DC stick welder I can use to make crappy welds on thicker stuff.
They are easy to find for cheap on Craigs list.

I have probably the same one. Red tombstone buzz box?

Found mine on Craigslist for $100. Would take that over a cheap flux welder any day. Does surprisingly well on thin metal too, though a little tricky.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I have probably the same one. Red tombstone buzz box?

Found mine on Craigslist for $100. Would take that over a cheap flux welder any day. Does surprisingly well on thin metal too, though a little tricky.

The HF welder is nice because it is 110, I took it out to the patio to weld the BBQ which was a lot easier than hauling the BBQ into the garage.


I'm going to try it out with my Honda generator sometime, it should work.

 

[packetstormin]

Will this work on basic body work like filling holes from the fender flares? Also will this work for welding a piece of sheet metal on a body?

 

[ojaij40]

I did a couple of welds on 3/8" rod, making a fire poker for camping. I had to bevel the edges and build the bead with a couple of passes.

I have a 220 Lincoln DC stick welder I can use to make crappy welds on thicker stuff.
They are easy to find for cheap on Craigs list.

With that DC Lincoln and 3/32" 7018 you can easily make beautiful welds on small stuff.