A Small Portable All-Purpose Welder

[lr_thinman]

Fellows,

I would like to buy a small torch or welder. It has to be something small, portable and all-purpose. I will use it for things like heating up stuck bolts. I’d like to use it for welding a nut onto a broken bolt for extraction or brazing, etc. Would it be possible to do light muffler work with something this small?

I have limited storage space and can only store a small device. Is there such a compact welder or torch? I need ideas for what I should buy, or if I should buy? Also, I have zero experience with these types of tools, so far. I work on my personal cars and I am not a professional mechanic.

Does anyone have any suggestions or comments good and bad? All guidance is appreciated. Thanks, Larry.

 

[sscustom]

if you have not welded before or just want somthing to play with just go and heck of hf welders ther cheap but if you not a serious welder dont spend the big bucks on a good welder

 

[bchee]

I have zero welding experience but I was reminded of this thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=69835

This 8 lb welder has decent reviews:
http://www.harborfreight.com/80-amp-inverter-arc-welder-91110.html

 

[sberry]

if you have not welded before or just want somthing to play with just go and heck of hf welders ther cheap but if you not a serious welder dont spend the big bucks on a good welder

In theory it sounds good but then you never know if its you or the machine. I have used a machine similar to the HF inverter, so-so and would likely be frustrating for a novice user. Want something fairly cheap, flux core only but the Hobart 125 ez.

 

[lr_thinman]

Thank you.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I have an expensive MIG which I do 90% of my welding with, but in a pinch I've never been let down by my little HF Inverter. For a 110v machine, it's pretty sweet. Small as a lunchbox, maybe 8 pounds. You can take it anywhere.

 

[930dreamer]

I have this one to use, I can't run a bead to save my life. I fabbed this up and need to reweld it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mig-flux-welders/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-98871.html

 

[JASTECH]

What about that tiny mig welder by Hobart? I read a test done with 4x4 magazine I get and they ended up using it a lot on the trails.

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[Stephenw]

A port-a-torch would meet your needs. It can braze, heat, and do light cutting and welding.

 

[Underdog]

I learned on this machine way back, straight AC. Get some fresh rods and scrap steel and start burning. See them every week on CL from $75 to $150. Some say the older the better.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/tls/2087368558.html

 

[trackwelder]

A small torch set is very handy for little jobs, but limited to the amount of work with the small tanks. My favorite portable welder is a miller maxstar 150s. I have burned hundreads of rods with it in the worst conditions and will never part with it. Just remember you get what you pay for, stay away from the off brand welders.

 

[Coupe302]

How about this one:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_passport_plus/

 

[slipknot]

forget the hf **** buy a everlast power arc 160 or 200 i paid 300 for mine comes with a 5yr warranty can be used to tig as well everlastgenerators.com

 

[diesel research]

Build one from a car alternator and what ever small gasoline/electric motor that you can find (5hp+) Then add a torch to the mix.

 

[slipknot]

i'll probably buy a mig welder in feb

 

[bart1]

Hobart 140 or www.readywelder.com

How portable do you want?

 

[padronanniversary]

Hobart trek 180 if u want potability