"inexpensive" welder question

[BetterDays]

I am looking at this welder to allow me to make small tack welds to keep my project going. A good friend of mine has a much better welder, but it does not stay here full-time anymore.

This would be for placing patches in the floor pan and engine bay. Metal is not thick by any means, but it would only be to hold it in place (and maybe fill a few small holes).

Any major cons to this? Remember, it would need to be inexpensive and only used primarily for tack welds. In the future, I plan to purchase a better one, but this may suit my immediate needs.

 

[kartracer55]

Well Id say look for a better welder used if its a question of $$$. I have just heard many people talking about how its a mistake to buy an offbrand welder.

Jim

 

[krooser]

Forget it...it won't weld thin metal....you need a mig welder...you can find a Hobart or Lincoln for a little over $200.00...don't waste your time with that Chinese junk...it won't do what you want and it doesn't have any resale value...

 

[rickairmedic]

I am looking at this welder to allow me to make small tack welds to keep my project going. A good friend of mine has a much better welder, but it does not stay here full-time anymore.

This would be for placing patches in the floor pan and engine bay. Metal is not thick by any means, but it would only be to hold it in place (and maybe fill a few small holes).

Any major cons to this? Remember, it would need to be inexpensive and only used primarily for tack welds. In the future, I plan to purchase a better one, but this may suit my immediate needs.

Better Days I would say there is nothing wrong with harbor freight but I would also say look at the dual mig 131 (120 volt ) or dual mig 151 (220 volt) mig welders they have they are still less than $200.00 and for the money for doing light sheet metal are great I have the 131 and have welded plenty of patch panels with it .I do however also have a Miller 225AC/DC thunderbolt stick machine and a Miller Dialarc 250AC/DC stick welder if I need to weld anything of substantial thickness .Just in case anybody wanted to think I dont have a real welder too .

Rick