Bill-
My welder is from Harbor Freight. Chicago Electric, 2 power settings.
Works great for around the house and light body work. Used it to patch in a
rear rocker panel on my Jeep about 6-months ago. No problems except the
operator (uh, that's me) allowed the metal to get too hot and slightly
warped the panel (Dohh!!). Application of big hammer and a little body
putty, no one knows the difference. Good point here is that it's not as
easy as it looks. Get some discarded sheet metal from a body shop to
practice on before approaching your baby.
As for the regulator, Flux-core wire creates it's own gas during the welding
process and therefore doesn't need a supply of gas or a regulator. However,
I've been told that the gas type welders work better than the flux-core
types as the gas makes a better sheild resulting in a smoother weld.
As usual, YMMV.
Later-
Chris
'64 Spitfire4
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-spitfires@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-spitfires@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Bill Gingerich
Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 10:59 PM
To: Spitlist
Subject: Welder question
Greetings, Fellow Listers,
I have a question for all you welders out there. There has been much
discussion about MIG welders in the past. I'm interested in picking one up
for bodywork purposes. Yes, I need to learn to weld. No, I don't have 500
dollars to spend. Harbor Freight has a reconditioned unit from Chicago
Electric for $190. The ad says:
Weld standard carbon steel with self-shielding flux-core wire or use regular
welding wire for mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Includes mask,
brush/hammer, fluxcore wire, welding torch, and cables. Factory
reconditioned, factory perfect.
* Manufacturer: Chicago Electric Welding Systems
* 110V, 4 power settings
* Wire speed control
* Welding current: 25-85 amps
* Duty cycle: 16% @ 75 amps, 60%, 40 amps
* Dimensions: 8-1/4'' x 14-1/2'' x 17-3/4''
* Shipping weight: 57 lbs.
I realize the gas regulator isn't listed, and may be an additional expense.
If my primary purpose is bodywork, would this unit do the job? Or does it
sound so limited that I pass it up? TIA, etc.
BillG
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