Weld quality using a Harbor Freight welder

[aruba]

Hi,

Have any of you ever welded with both a quality welder (ie. Lincoln) and a low end unit, like a Harbour Freight? All things being equal, do you notice higher quality welds with the better unit? or can you weld identically?

I am most interested in responses with the flux core or mig welders.

Thanks.

 

[blasto9000]

Re: Weld quality using a Harbour Freight welder

I've welded with an HF and Lincoln in flux core and shield gas modes. (I have a Lincoln WeldPak 125 now.) Disclaimer: I am not a certified weldor.

The wire feed adjustment speed on the HF was problematic. Through about 75% of its sweep it didn't seem to adjust the speed much, but that last 25% of the sweep made a huge difference in feed speed. It was almost like an on/off switch. The high/low amperage switches made a noticeable difference in the power, but not as noticeable as the Lincoln. For anything thicker than maybe 0.060" sheet the HF is a non-starter in my opinion. In high-power mode the Lincoln really lays down the law.

The HF overheated quickly. It wouldn't shut down when overheated, but you could tell because when doing a lap joint the wire would burn a hole through the top material and not touch the bottom material. (This could have been due to bad technique/poor grounding on my part, but I have not seen this issue with the Lincoln.) BTW... the Lincoln is the same exact size as the HF I had, but the Lincoln weighed like five times more. The HF had a clunky gun and feed hose too and was a pain.

Having said that, I have made many successful welds with the HF. Doing so is just a less reliable than doing it with the Lincoln.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Re: Weld quality using a Harbour Freight welder

Also the 90 amp HF is a AC welder and not a DC like lincoln and miller as well as hobart.....

 

[4x4gearhead]

Re: Weld quality using a Harbour Freight welder

Sounds like the potentiometer on the HF is bunk, its cheap components like those that will affect the quality of your welds.

 

[fobar22]

Re: Weld quality using a Harbour Freight welder

My first welder was the HF 90 amp, and looking back that thing was scary to use compared to my Hobart Handler 140. With the HF, the wire is always live, and it is very possible when feeding a new wire through the welder for it to poke a hole in the hose leading to the gun. I had that happen to me.

My first time using the Hobart it was a world of difference, I felt like I was able to lay a much better bead, and I had much better control with 4 voltage settings compared to 2.

I would highly recommend staying away from the HF 90 amp and saving your money to get a 110v MIG welder from a reputable brand.

 

[472scout]

Re: Weld quality using a Harbour Freight welder

I've used/owned HF, Lincoln, and Miller. The HF was almost useless.