PNW Riders

coastiepete · 11-02-2009, 07:15 PM

I want to pick one of these up next week when the Home Depot gives me a military discount on Vet's day.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

Anybody have/used one of these? I know there's better, but as far as budget goes, this is it. I will already have to change the wiring and breaker in the garage to handle a 20 amp load. And yes, wire feed is the way I'm going. No stick for me! Lol. It seems like a nice little machine to do small jobs with thin gauge and sheet metal, etc.

Any input on this? without telling me about some $1000 welder that's better?

Thanks!

X9Firebolt · 11-02-2009, 07:17 PM

lincoln makes a good welder, id trust it. as long as it has a decent duty cycle and gas port on the back for gmaw, you should be fine with whatever projects you have

coastiepete · 11-02-2009, 07:27 PM

Yeah, i trust the brand. It has a 20% duty cycle. up 88 amps, which i should be able to get 1/8" done. maybe 1/4" if i weld both sides.

X9Firebolt · 11-02-2009, 07:45 PM

yea, or learn to lap your welds...im going to school for weldin n fab right now, unfortunately the only welder i have is a cheap harbor freight 110 running fcaw:/ got it for 50$ on CG, cant complain...im completely budget..

coastiepete · 11-02-2009, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by X9Firebolt

yea, or learn to lap your welds...im going to school for weldin n fab right now, unfortunately the only welder i have is a cheap harbor freight 110 running fcaw:/ got it for 50$ on CG, cant complain...im completely budget..

I hit up the pawn shops today. i found a Pro-X-One MIG 200 for 180. but i have never heard of the brand, i think it's made in china. but it did have metal feed wheels, and looked clean. dunno. i think i would rather spend 100 more and get a lincoln with a warranty.........

X9Firebolt · 11-02-2009, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by coastiepete

I hit up the pawn shops today. i found a Pro-X-One MIG 200 for 180. but i have never heard of the brand, i think it's made in china. but it did have metal feed wheels, and looked clean. dunno. i think i would rather spend 100 more and get a lincoln with a warranty.........

with welders, if your going to use it a lot stay with a trusted brand....chinese knock offs take bad short cuts. even my harbor freight one is made in italy...the top 3 for me, and many pro welders out there are miller, lincoln and hobart

coastiepete · 11-02-2009, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by X9Firebolt

with welders, if your going to use it a lot stay with a trusted brand....chinese knock offs take bad short cuts. even my harbor freight one is made in italy...the top 3 for me, and many pro welders out there are miller, lincoln and hobart

Yeah, i looked at a hobart from northern tool, but it was 150 more. i stll need lots of parts for my cafe bike, so i need to be a good budgeter.

X9Firebolt · 11-02-2009, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by coastiepete

Yeah, i looked at a hobart from northern tool, but it was 150 more. i stll need lots of parts for my cafe bike, so i need to be a good budgeter.

ya know, if your building a small fab tool collection id honestly go harbor freight for a lot. stick with the trusted name welder, but grinders, grinder wheels, chop saws...etc etc etc...harbor freight has decent stuff for light duty work, and should anything break they have always stood by it for me, always replaced without hassle...which makes it convenient. i do most fab at school, but in my garage i make due with HB stuff...cuz like i said, im strictly budget

coastiepete · 11-02-2009, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by X9Firebolt

ya know, if your building a small fab tool collection id honestly go harbor freight for a lot. stick with the trusted name welder, but grinders, grinder wheels, chop saws...etc etc etc...harbor freight has decent stuff for light duty work, and should anything break they have always stood by it for me, always replaced without hassle...which makes it convenient. i do most fab at school, but in my garage i make due with HB stuff...cuz like i said, im strictly budget

I partially agree with you, but sometimes i only want to buy the tool ONCE. I'd like a grinder, sander or drill to last a while.

X9Firebolt · 11-02-2009, 08:07 PM

lol yea, well i have a hb grinder thats done its job so far, but certain tools definitely one time buy only...mac tools drill and a lot of craftsman tools in my garage also

Wrench · 11-03-2009, 07:13 AM

I wouldnt buy that one. I dont believe it has the gas setup, so you will have to use flux-core wire.

When I shopped for welders several years ago, I picked up a Hobart Handler 135. Best bang for the buck for a 110v welder, and welds absolutely beautifully! I think they have now replaced it with the Handler 140.

Save your dough and get one at least on par with the Hobart listed above. Anything less and I am sure you will be disappointed.

Mic · 11-03-2009, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by Wrench

I wouldnt buy that one. I dont believe it has the gas setup, so you will have to use flux-core wire.

When I shopped for welders several years ago, I picked up a Hobart Handler 135. Best bang for the buck for a 110v welder, and welds absolutely beautifully! I think they have now replaced it with the Handler 140.

Save your dough and get one at least on par with the Hobart listed above. Anything less and I am sure you will be disappointed.

I was reading through this whole post to see if anyone else caught that.

Do not get a Flux Core welder (Wire Arc). Get a Gas Welder Setup (MIG).

You will kick yourself in the ass for not down the road.

With a Gas Setup, you'll be able to do aluminum as well. It's not the most perfect way to do aluminum (TIG is the best way to go... Pretty much for anything anyways), but for quick fixes or small fab it is just fine.

sschering · 11-03-2009, 08:22 AM

The problem I see with that model is it cannot be upgraded to MIG with a conversion kit..

This model can be upgraded and adds a 2nd control to manage power level and wire speed. (I'm not sure what the other model single knob controls)
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

If you are going to be doing sheet metal and have the cash I 'd get this one.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053
Same as the first one I linked but with the Mig kit built in.

get a bottle of co2/argon mix and go to town.. Gas makes the welds much cleaner. (reduce spatter) and the non flux core wire costs less.

Just to throw it out there.. always weld in long sleeves with a full face shield..
The UV from the arc can give you a nice sunburn.. Beware of the hot rollers when welding overhead!

have fun..

Great welding forum..
http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/

El_Diablo · 11-03-2009, 08:25 AM

All a stick welder like that is is a large transformer. You can make a low powered one out of a couple microwaves that is similar:

Edit: Oops that's not a stick welder sorry didn't look closely enough.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Buil...memade-Welder/

X9Firebolt · 11-03-2009, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by Mic

I was reading through this whole post to see if anyone else caught that.

Do not get a Flux Core welder (Wire Arc). Get a Gas Welder Setup (MIG).

You will kick yourself in the ass for not down the road.

With a Gas Setup, you'll be able to do aluminum as well. It's not the most perfect way to do aluminum (TIG is the best way to go... Pretty much for anything anyways), but for quick fixes or small fab it is just fine.

aka FCAW and GMAW... aluminum is hard to run through the line unless its as straight as you can get it, hence why they have thort throw spool guns

youd have to change your gas for aluminum also

odin544 · 11-03-2009, 09:36 AM

I had a little 110v miller for a while. It did what I needed it to at the time, but I couldnt run gas. Finally decided to buy the last welder I'll ever need and picked up a miller 252. Save your money and get the best one you can afford. I wouldnt waist my money on one that cant run gas. You get one that wont run gas and you will eventually regret it. keep an eye on craigslist. I see them on there quite often.

j_rock · 11-03-2009, 10:08 AM

hey it is a good welder but but it is a cheaper version when they put it in a retails store they have to cut cost on parts to sell it for a cheaper price it wont be the same as one bought at a weld shop, my buddy got one from there and its ok, i got one from a weld shop and it works better and it higher quality!

Time2Ride · 11-03-2009, 10:20 AM

Looks like that model doesn't allow you to add a gas bottle. Since its states it comes ready to go with inner shield wire. (meaning the flux is inside the wire, it burns off when you strike an arc creating the sheilding gas, but it is crap imo)

You preferably want a 95/5 mix of argon and co2. Hell even straight co2 would work better than just inner shield wire, but straight c02 tends to lay colder welds. Doesn't penetrate as well.

Inner shield wire sucks... Dual shield is one thing, but inner shield BLOWS!!!!!!

I vote if you can't add a seperate gas bottle for shielding don't buy it.

X9Firebolt · 11-03-2009, 10:23 AM

yea or not 95/5 mix but 75/25?? talk to your local airgas...if theres an intelligent person behind the counter, they will be able to help you

skinny · 11-03-2009, 10:25 AM

millers are always good and get my vote

sschering · 11-03-2009, 10:59 AM

C25 (75% argon/ 25% co2) is a good gas mix for general mild steel welding and easy to find at OxArc, airgas or Praxair.

I've also used a 90% argon 8% co2 2% oxygen bland that I really liked for thin gauge sheet metal (it's also great for spray transfer but no 110v unit can do that..)

j_rock · 11-03-2009, 07:28 PM

and yes it does run off gas!!!!!

Michaelb · 11-03-2009, 08:22 PM

CL, and ask for a demonstration of how to use it to make sure it works. Pretty simple and you can sometimes get everything you need. As long as it is one of the big four brands they are well supported for service.

Fast Eddie 919 · 11-03-2009, 08:40 PM

They're OK for a little plug-n-play Buzz box, you will find the welds a bit cold for anything above 10GA and you gotta keep the whip pretty straight or the wire feed binds and starts to skip. Get a regulator and rent a bottle of shielding gas at a welding shop, flux core sux unless you got a 3 phase 220 machine, that little machine doesn't have the juice, cold fluxcore welds look shitty and break easy. Buy extra tips, and cones, keep a pair of side cutters or needle nose pliars handy, a bench grinder is handy for salvaging boogered up tips and cones. Always work in a ventilated area, C02 poisining will kill ya dead.

X9Firebolt · 11-03-2009, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie 919

They're OK for a little plug-n-play Buzz box, you will find the welds a bit cold for anything above 10GA and you gotta keep the whip pretty straight or the wire feed binds and starts to skip. Get a regulator and rent a bottle of shielding gas at a welding shop, flux core sux unless you got a 3 phase 220 machine, that little machine doesn't have the juice, cold fluxcore welds look shitty and break easy. Buy extra tips, and cones, keep a pair of side cutters or needle nose pliars handy, a bench grinder is handy for salvaging boogered up tips and cones. Always work in a ventilated area, C02 poisining will kill ya dead.

argon will kill ya even deader.

Fast Eddie 919 · 11-03-2009, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by X9Firebolt

argon will kill ya even deader.

Werd.....Hey, since X9F brought it up, Why not get a TIG welder? Awesome for sheet metal! Pure, strong welds!

coastiepete · 11-03-2009, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie 919

Werd.....Hey, since X9F brought it up, Why not get a TIG welder? Awesome for sheet metal! Pure, strong welds!

Cause i ran out of plasma to sell!

Fast Eddie 919 · 11-03-2009, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by coastiepete

Cause i ran out of plasma to sell!

LOLZ! My Tig welding fund is a little light too!

odin544 · 11-03-2009, 10:25 PM

I have a plasma I'll sell ya. ESAB powercut 650

coastiepete · 11-03-2009, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by odin544

I have a plasma I'll sell ya. ESAB powercut 650

Plasma cutters are the shizzle. We have a shop on base tons of this stuff, but it's hard to get the use for personal projects. I'm hoping i can use one of the 6 115v wire feeds in the next couple weeks. That is, if i can clean off the dust from them not being used in 2 years..........

sschering · 11-04-2009, 08:13 AM

If you hunt around you can find older used TIG's for $400-$600
By older I mean 500-1000lb monsters.. Be sure it's a single phase unit.. Welders to not play well on rotary phase converters.


11-02-2009, 07:15 PM	#1
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	Decent welder? I want to pick one of these up next week when the Home Depot gives me a military discount on Vet's day. http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053 Anybody have/used one of these? I know there's better, but as far as budget goes, this is it. I will already have to change the wiring and breaker in the garage to handle a 20 amp load. And yes, wire feed is the way I'm going. No stick for me! Lol. It seems like a nice little machine to do small jobs with thin gauge and sheet metal, etc. Any input on this? without telling me about some $1000 welder that's better? Thanks! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 07:17 PM	#2
X9Firebolt Pit Crew Joined: May 2009 From: talent, oregon I Ride: XB9r FirebolT	lincoln makes a good welder, id trust it. as long as it has a decent duty cycle and gas port on the back for gmaw, you should be fine with whatever projects you have __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 07:27 PM	#3
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	Yeah, i trust the brand. It has a 20% duty cycle. up 88 amps, which i should be able to get 1/8" done. maybe 1/4" if i weld both sides. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 07:45 PM	#4
X9Firebolt Pit Crew Joined: May 2009 From: talent, oregon I Ride: XB9r FirebolT	yea, or learn to lap your welds...im going to school for weldin n fab right now, unfortunately the only welder i have is a cheap harbor freight 110 running fcaw:/ got it for 50$ on CG, cant complain...im completely budget.. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 08:07 PM	#10
X9Firebolt Pit Crew Joined: May 2009 From: talent, oregon I Ride: XB9r FirebolT	lol yea, well i have a hb grinder thats done its job so far, but certain tools definitely one time buy only...mac tools drill and a lot of craftsman tools in my garage also __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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11-03-2009, 07:13 AM	#11
Wrench Zone Head Joined: Feb 2005 From: Pasco	I wouldnt buy that one. I dont believe it has the gas setup, so you will have to use flux-core wire. When I shopped for welders several years ago, I picked up a Hobart Handler 135. Best bang for the buck for a 110v welder, and welds absolutely beautifully! I think they have now replaced it with the Handler 140. Save your dough and get one at least on par with the Hobart listed above. Anything less and I am sure you will be disappointed. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 08:22 AM	#13
sschering Streetfighter Joined: Sep 2008 From: Kennewick, WA Blog Entries: 14 I Ride: Whatever old bike isn't broken, 1977 XS-400D, 1978 GS-750E,1979 GS-1000L, 1960 BSA C15	The problem I see with that model is it cannot be upgraded to MIG with a conversion kit.. This model can be upgraded and adds a 2nd control to manage power level and wire speed. (I'm not sure what the other model single knob controls) http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053 If you are going to be doing sheet metal and have the cash I 'd get this one. http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053 Same as the first one I linked but with the Mig kit built in. get a bottle of co2/argon mix and go to town.. Gas makes the welds much cleaner. (reduce spatter) and the non flux core wire costs less. Just to throw it out there.. always weld in long sleeves with a full face shield.. The UV from the arc can give you a nice sunburn.. Beware of the hot rollers when welding overhead! have fun.. Great welding forum.. http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/ __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 08:25 AM	#14
El_Diablo Superbiker Joined: May 2007 From: SEATTLE I Ride: SV650, DR650, LIFAN GY-5, VFR700	All a stick welder like that is is a large transformer. You can make a low powered one out of a couple microwaves that is similar: Edit: Oops that's not a stick welder sorry didn't look closely enough. http://www.instructables.com/id/Buil...memade-Welder/ __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by El_Diablo; 11-03-2009 at 08:31 AM..


11-03-2009, 09:36 AM	#16
odin544 Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Kennewick, Washington I Ride: '08 Ducati 848 street , '03 R6 race (for sale), '07 R6 race	I had a little 110v miller for a while. It did what I needed it to at the time, but I couldnt run gas. Finally decided to buy the last welder I'll ever need and picked up a miller 252. Save your money and get the best one you can afford. I wouldnt waist my money on one that cant run gas. You get one that wont run gas and you will eventually regret it. keep an eye on craigslist. I see them on there quite often. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 10:08 AM	#17
j_rock Training Wheels Joined: Apr 2008 From: mount vernon,arlington I Ride: custom 2000 cbr 929rr with nos, 2005 cbr,03 raptor	hey it is a good welder but but it is a cheaper version when they put it in a retails store they have to cut cost on parts to sell it for a cheaper price it wont be the same as one bought at a weld shop, my buddy got one from there and its ok, i got one from a weld shop and it works better and it higher quality! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 10:20 AM	#18
Time2Ride Endorsed Joined: Aug 2008 From: Bellingham I Ride: the same way I live...In the fast lane.	Looks like that model doesn't allow you to add a gas bottle. Since its states it comes ready to go with inner shield wire. (meaning the flux is inside the wire, it burns off when you strike an arc creating the sheilding gas, but it is crap imo) You preferably want a 95/5 mix of argon and co2. Hell even straight co2 would work better than just inner shield wire, but straight c02 tends to lay colder welds. Doesn't penetrate as well. Inner shield wire sucks... Dual shield is one thing, but inner shield BLOWS!!!!!! I vote if you can't add a seperate gas bottle for shielding don't buy it. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 10:23 AM	#19
X9Firebolt Pit Crew Joined: May 2009 From: talent, oregon I Ride: XB9r FirebolT	yea or not 95/5 mix but 75/25?? talk to your local airgas...if theres an intelligent person behind the counter, they will be able to help you __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 10:25 AM	#20
skinny Endorsed Joined: Aug 2009 From: Salem, Or Blog Entries: 2 I Ride: CHF 50S8	millers are always good and get my vote __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 10:59 AM	#21
sschering Streetfighter Joined: Sep 2008 From: Kennewick, WA Blog Entries: 14 I Ride: Whatever old bike isn't broken, 1977 XS-400D, 1978 GS-750E,1979 GS-1000L, 1960 BSA C15	C25 (75% argon/ 25% co2) is a good gas mix for general mild steel welding and easy to find at OxArc, airgas or Praxair. I've also used a 90% argon 8% co2 2% oxygen bland that I really liked for thin gauge sheet metal (it's also great for spray transfer but no 110v unit can do that..) __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 07:28 PM	#22
j_rock Training Wheels Joined: Apr 2008 From: mount vernon,arlington I Ride: custom 2000 cbr 929rr with nos, 2005 cbr,03 raptor	and yes it does run off gas!!!!! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 08:22 PM	#23
Michaelb WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Jun 2007 From: South	CL, and ask for a demonstration of how to use it to make sure it works. Pretty simple and you can sometimes get everything you need. As long as it is one of the big four brands they are well supported for service. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 08:40 PM	#24
Fast Eddie 919 Superbiker Joined: Jan 2009 From: Vancouver, WA I Ride: 04 Kawi ZZR 1200	They're OK for a little plug-n-play Buzz box, you will find the welds a bit cold for anything above 10GA and you gotta keep the whip pretty straight or the wire feed binds and starts to skip. Get a regulator and rent a bottle of shielding gas at a welding shop, flux core sux unless you got a 3 phase 220 machine, that little machine doesn't have the juice, cold fluxcore welds look shitty and break easy. Buy extra tips, and cones, keep a pair of side cutters or needle nose pliars handy, a bench grinder is handy for salvaging boogered up tips and cones. Always work in a ventilated area, C02 poisining will kill ya dead. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 10:25 PM	#29
odin544 Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Kennewick, Washington I Ride: '08 Ducati 848 street , '03 R6 race (for sale), '07 R6 race	I have a plasma I'll sell ya. ESAB powercut 650 __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-04-2009, 08:13 AM	#31
sschering Streetfighter Joined: Sep 2008 From: Kennewick, WA Blog Entries: 14 I Ride: Whatever old bike isn't broken, 1977 XS-400D, 1978 GS-750E,1979 GS-1000L, 1960 BSA C15	If you hunt around you can find older used TIG's for $400-$600 By older I mean 500-1000lb monsters.. Be sure it's a single phase unit.. Welders to not play well on rotary phase converters. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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