Hopefully some welders will enlighten us.

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'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773

I hope this helps.

Andy

Why wouldn't the cheaper arc welders work? I grew up with these things (from dirt-dobbin to laying a pretty good bead).

Why wouldn't one like this one from Harbor Frieght for $100.00 (welds up to 1/4" plate)work out?

HERE or http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40388

For someone that doesn't do a lot of welding, $400 is a pretty steep price.

I just saw THIS also (MIG flux cored wire welder) for $100.00

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=33244

Thanks for the input.

I think I'll go with the "buzz box" (for now) and remember your comments.

I just can't see paying someone to come out and weld something for me for $100 minimum when I coud've bought a little welder for the same price and have it at my disposal. Granted, it's not as nice as the pro - but as long as it gets the job done! Plus, I don't intend to go into professional welding anytime soon!

Thanks again,

Rick
BTW, I'm gonna use your sig on other boards! funny stuff)

I wound up buying a Chicago Electric from Harbor Freight ("My name is Rick Book and I'm addicted to Harbor Freight." - the first step to recovery). The price was reasonable ($250) and I believe it will suit my needs.

Text taken from Harbor Freight's site.

115V (didn't want to have to run a new 60' 3 phase line to entry of garage).
For mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Welds with gas or perform flux cored gasless operations. Features 4 heat settings, variable speed wire-feed regulation and automatic thermal protector with warning light. Optional 7-1/2'' reel adapter lets you use 11 lb. wire reels.
Welding current range: 25 to 85 amps
Input: single phase 115 volts, 60 Hz
Open voltage: 19 to 30
Duty cycle: 16% @ 75 amps
Draws 15 amps @ 115 volts
Weldable wires:
.023'' to .035'' steel and stainless steel
.030'' to .035'' aluminum
.030'' flux-cored
Dimensions: 9-7/8'' x 13-1/2'' x 17-3/4''
Shipping weight: 57 lbs.

The duty cycle is the only drawback I can see.

Any comments from users of this machine (before I open the box)?

Thanks,

Rick

He assured me it was a "chick magnet".....'Will update with photos of "chicks" as they become available.

Looks like they call the FP100 now.

"Versitile Stick Welder From Firepower - The model FP 100 stick welder from Firepower can be used for a variety of welding jobs. This light 27 lb. unit features adjustable welding output to 85 amps AC with a 15% duty cycle. Easily welds 18 gauge up to 3/16" steel. The FP 100 includes permanently installed 6' cables with attached ground clamp and stick holder, and complete instructions. Welding shield/helmet Not included."

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'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773

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'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773

I almost bought the stick welder but a lot of my welding needs (currently) are underneath the car, requiring me to weld 'upsidedown'.

I've used the stick welders before and actually was very satisfied. The few drawbacks I know of are the necessity to have a 220 outlet nearby. (I couldn't find any information on the FP100 or AC100. Is this welder operated by 110V?).

Also, upsidedown welding is a "b&*%$" with those.

Do you have a link to show? I might be interested in getting one of those in addition to the one I got.

Thanks,

I'd like to get a mig welder too. Let me know how you like yours.

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'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773

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'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773

Thanks,

Rick

p.s. Too late, I already mailed the cap to you. Also, expect a few visits from JW's during your dinner times. No need to thank me.

quote:

---

Originally posted by RickBook:
Also, expect a few visits from JW's during your dinner times. No need to thank me.

---

There's a temple a few doors up on my road. They know better than to try to talk to me again!

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'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773

"Larry you probably want a MIG machine. They can be adjusted to work smoothly and you have the option of 'spot welding' and stopping to admire your work. That's pretty handy if your work is inverted. It does take a little practice. The advantage is that they fill gaps and are not too fussy about a little scale , dirt or paint. They are also faster. That and you don't have to hold the welding rod and operate a foot pedal. I built a trailer with a my TIG and it was a farging pain trying to organize all that stuff to put down a weld. They don't call MIG welders 'squirt guns' for nothin'. If your going to weld stainless or aluminum thats another story. A MIG is a bit limited for that, and a TIG will do it all, but not very conveniently for the rough work. That and the TIG welder is really fussy about dirt and other impurities, you pretty much have to make it a surgical operation with TIG. PS. With MIG, flux wire sucks. You really need to use gas."