Another HF Vulcan welder question

[mike_dmt]

I'm seriously considering the Omnipro 220.

I searched for a while, and didn't really see anything saying they are junk.

You Tube vids are pretty convincing.

It wouldn't be used commercially, or everyday, by any stretch of the imagination, but it seems that it's somewhat comparable to some big name models that cost 2-3x as much.

Ther TIG capabilities are just a plus.

I know the big name welders are likely better, but I cant drop $2-3k on one.

 

[WittHay]

It looks like a capable welder for $850 that competes with the Miller 215 and the Lincoln 210. I don't think it is half the price of those welders maybe $400 or $500 less.

The negatives are a 1 year warranty compared to a 3 year warranty with Lincoln/Miller. and does Harbor Freight actually have or will have any parts for these welders for future problems.

You are buying basically a portable mig welder, and there might be other options like Everlast or Hobart that are comparably priced and have better warranty or parts/service availability

 

[jonesg]

and there might be other options like Everlast or Hobart that are comparably priced and have better warranty or parts/service availability[/QUOTE]

That's about all a consumer needs to know.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

read this thread, it's long but informative. seems to be a pretty good machine.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?704651-New-quot-Vulcan-quot-welder-line

 

[dv8customs]

Service parts is likely where it will fall short. If something breaks a year from now good luck finding a replacement. To save a few bucks over the big names I would recommend you look at Hobart.

 

[GarageGuy89]

Honestly, I've never been a fan of the multi-process machines. You have to pay more for the TIG setup too...but if this thing really does do ac tig I would have bought it.

 

[mike_dmt]

Olalla?

We're neighbors. Gotta admit, I have no idea where you are!

 

[Loscaldazar]

Honestly, I've never been a fan of the multi-process machines. You have to pay more for the TIG setup too...but if this thing really does do ac tig I would have bought it.

I'm not a fan of multiprocess machines too. You usually pay more for one machine that is only okay at all processes (until you get into the $10,000 or $20,000 machines, those are pretty adept at multiprocess).

It almost always is better to buy a dedicated MIG and a dedicated TIG machine. You'll get more useful features in many cases like AC Tig (very few multiprocess machines offer AC Tig and MIG in one machine), better pulse and synergic functions for both MIG and TIG (and maybe even pulse for stick too).

While a home user may not use many advanced TIG features, many of the advanced MIG features are super handy (pulse MIG, pulse on pulse, synergic, spray arc) and easy to use, so that you actually can use them.

AC Tig is vital for a TIG machine. While most non professional welders don't do aluminum (because of difficulty), I think it's a better material to work with than steel for home gamers. It takes more skill and learning, but for most of the stuff we are building, aluminum is a better choice in material. I rarely weld steel now that I got machines capable of aluminum.

 

[sberry]

I rarely weld aluminum. Its not that I cant but its really a steel world. I fix or build something from steel nearly every day, have lots of machines without a single piece of AL on them and its been months since I weld a piece and cant even remember what it was.
I have a 300 synch, havnt used it for a decade and use a 210 Hobart with spooly, if I had to do it again would learn the torch first as a **** saver along with the spoolgun.
But this isn't a hobby, makes a difference.

 

[bw77]

This guy just reviewed 4 welders including the Vulcan. He didn't like it.

 

[DerekV]

I searched for a while, and didn't really see anything saying they are junk.

Might be because they are brand new machines and a brand new brand to the US market.

It's cheap, easy to get, hassle-free 1 year warranty, does multiple processes, is realistically flexible for most DIY things, but doesn't have a reputation to stand on unlike the big, tried-and-true welding brands.

If you're big on resale value or reputation, look elsewhere. Seriously. There isn't ANY long term feedback on these things because...they're new. The only thing you do know for sure is that Harbor Freight has literally unpredictable quality and is notorious for frequently revising models and flat-out dropping products altogether. If you don't mind the gamble, give it a whirl. You have a year to bring it back. There are Harbor Freights everywhere nowadays.

It's really that simple. Good luck.

 

[3 Gun Shooter]

I would buy a used name brand welder before I would buy a HF welder.

If you can't get parts for it, you are pretty much screwed. It is one thing to buy a HF drill or angle grinder for $19 and if it dies after a year toss it. But a welder is a bit too much money to toss.

 

[ChrisLS8]

It could very well be a high quality very capable unit however with that being said you will run the risk like with most HF's higher dollar products of not being able to obtain replacement parts years or even months down the road.

 

[jonesg]

The review proves HF is junk.
I would read that warranty closely.
Money back or swap it out for whatever they have on hand. And how many times can you take it back.

I had a used lincoln mig 125 for yrs,
no problems ever.

 

[SunsetsAndFriends]

...

 

[mike_dmt]

After looking a little harder, I took the advice above and opted for the dedicated MIG 215.

I can get a TIG later, if need be. I thought it might be wise to get a multi-process machine and be one and done, but most everyone I asked or read about on different forums said the same thing.

Made me think of most enduro motorcycles. They'll work, but don't do any one thing well.

So, once the 215 gets here, I'm going to freely exercise my return policy if need be. Two of my good friends own or work in fab shops. I'll let them put it through its paces, and report back what they think of it for homeowner/consumer use.

 

[DetroitDIESEL444]

I just picked up the dedicated tig... I figured its price point was a good value compared to the eastwood I was looking at. As a dedicated tig unit, I dont think it has any wear items outside the torch and cables that I can replace... but any machine nowadays the board is almost as much as a machine.