HF Welding Cart (slightly modified)

[loranger]

I needed a cart for my new 211, so I have been looking around at what everyone offers. I know most people make theirs, but I have little to no extra metal lying around. I saw this one on Harbor Freights website and saw it had pretty decent reviews. It was on sale for $29.99 and with a 20% off coupon, it was down to $23.**. I had to move the top shelf down to where the middle shelf was supposed to be so the welder didnt hit the tank causing it to lean back. I figured the only time I had to open the side door was when I changed the wire, so I will just deal with it for now.

 

[malibu101]

I. I figured the only time I had to open the side door was when I changed the wire, so I will just deal with it for now.

Looks real good. Nice and functional.
Not to go off-topic, But on what I quoted- I always release the spring pressure on the drive roll when I put my mig away for awhile. Meaning I just pop the spring pressure knob off of the lever on the top roller. I don't unwind the knob though.

I figured why keep the spring under pressure when not in use.
Maybe I am just wasting my time.

Otherwise, yeah there's nothing you need in there other than to change spools.
Enjoy making sparks!

 

[mharmon]

I have the same welder but it is currently cartless. I have looked at it quite a few times but worry that it is flimsy. I am glad to see that it was support the weight of our welders. IS anybody else using this cart for the 211?

 

[HMCFab9]

Very nice welder & the cart looks like it goes with it. My only concern is that you need to hold that bottle on with more than a bungee cord. If it tips over & knocks the valve off.... you gonna have problems:

 

[BD1]

Nice ! My HF had two models. One like yours and a slightly larger one. You can't buy material for that money.
If anyone wants to buy the 211, Miller has 15% off on popular machines.
It was also posted here.
http://www.millerwelds.com/landing/build-with-blue/

 

[ClickClickBoom]

be prepared to change the front casters. Mine don't turn anymore, which causes the whole bottom to flex, and that's with a smaller machine. I also wouldn't trust those back wheels with that big of a bottle.

I plan to build a 1x1 subframe under mine with better casters.

 

[LWaite]

Cool man looks good

 

[ZRX61]

I use the same cart for my Spectrum 375 plasma cutter. Bolted a Sharp air regulator/filter to the back where the bottle goes.

 

[loranger]

The rear wheels and front casters will definitely get replaced very soon. They roll just fine for now, but I was playing with the display at the store and they sucked...when the cart was empty! I also plan to make some type of bracket to hold the tank on better than the bungie cord. It came with another chain, but with the welder moved down, it didnt fit very well.

On the Miller promotion, I read into the fine print and if you only buy the welder, its only 5% off. You have to add $150 worth of accessories to get the 15% off. Still a great deal though.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I have the same cart (and the same welder). I haven't had a problem with the 211 hitting the bottle -- I might have put something behind it so there's more space. I think you might get frustrated with not being able to open the door with the way you've set it up. When the wire has feed issues you'll want to get in there. Also, the settings chart is in there.

I also added larger casters.

 

[csp]

Swapped out the casters on mine too.

 

[trboxman]

I have casters for the swap, haven't done it yet but it's on the near term list.

 

[loranger]

I went ahead and bolted the other chain where the upper shelf is supposed to go. The tank seems a little more stable now. Dont think its going anywhere!

I also ran my first practice bead on a piece of scrap. Still working on my technique....

 

[crewchief888]

been using one with my lincoln 140 on it for several years with no problems.

 

[JecJec]

Picked one of those up last weekend for $29.99. It's grayish in color though.

 

[padronanniversary]

did you paint it ?

 

[loranger]

No there are 2 different carts there. They had the blue one on display, but only the black one on the shelf. I asked and they found another blue one in the back for me.