Chicago Electric 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder Review

I needed a new welder so I decided to go with the Chicago Electric 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder from Harbor Freight. So far it has been a great welder, but only time will tell how reliable it is. Still, for $150 it is perfect for my hobby metalworking needs.
Buy this welder here:
www.harborfrei...

[@DragonBuilds]

UPDATE: The welder worked for almost three months but it started randomly shutting off and having trouble maintaining an arc with 7018 rods. 6011 seems to work fine. In my case, I have no harbor freight store in town, nearest is one hour away so as a result I will be returning this one and buying a reputable brand locally simply because of the trouble of dealing with Harbor Freight. If you have a store locally and want a cheap welder, by all means go for it! However, I would highly recommend spending an extra $50 for the Forney, which I have been using for six months with no problems and handles 7018 electrode effortlessly. I reviewed it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXPWZX95abKggsk&ab

[@ScubaDude68]

Welders can be a bit finicky with different rods. The previous version of this machine didn’t like 7018 rods either; at least mine doesn’t.

[@actualchannel8379]

Right at the 90 day warranty

[@DragonBuilds]

@@actualchannel8379 Yeah Harbor Freight sucks

[@tsbrownie]

Very interesting to know. You might pin your UPDATE comment so it remains at the top of the comment section.

[@loganwork7024]

​@DragonBuilds mine is about 5 years old now and still works good. It is the older blue model, but has the same specs.

[@JSRMax]

I have had this welder for about 1.5 years I do side jobs on the side from work and this welder has paid for itself many times over and has made me good money making wrought iron fences carports and anything in between using 3/32 6011 at 70 amps just make sure you have a good outlet or a good generator to avoid tripping the breaker

[@12vLife]

Hi, Do you think my van's 2000 watt inverter that can usually puts out a solid 1500 watts (110v at around 13amps max)? Think 3/32 is thick enough to well two .375 rebars together?

[@growingthegarden]

Hi dose this unit overheat alot?

[@somethinburnin]

I bought 1 yesterday. Went overto the shop, found some 3/16 plate scraps, and tacked them, then welded them together with 3/32 6011 at 75 amps on DCEP. 6011 is my nemesis but with a few practice runs I ran those 2 pieces together pretty nice. I even stacked some 7014 3/32 beads over those on DCEN best results. I have 6013 in 1/16 and 5/64, 7014 in 1/16 and 3/32, 6011 in 1/16 and 3/32. 6013 runs at 35 Amps 1/16, and about 45 amps with 5/64 Have not tried smaller 7014 or 6011 yet. Did not trip the thermal lockout with the 3/32 rods despite running above 70 Amps and the 30% Duty Cycle.

[@brianl4310]

the thing about "testing" a welder is welding two pieces together and see how strong the weld is not running a bead on an unbroken piece

[@stephenrosenthal5252]

Yes and no. I think a bend test might tell you something about the machine but might tell you more about the mechanic. You could have the most expensive machine in the world. But if the operator doesn't know what amperage to set it at, the size of the electrode, at what pace to run at, how to prep the material, electrode angle, or what electrode to even be running on that machine or that amperage. See what I'm saying? Way too many variables for the operator. I would say that if the machine has the capability of running a decent bead and doesn't overheat too quickly, and lasts for multiple years then you could say it is a decent welder

[@minnesota341]

Nice Video! I really enjoy Harbor Freight products. This little unit looks like it is everything and more than you could hope for at that price level. By the way, as a very very average hobby/basic ability welder, your first two beads are honestly very impressive. Keep it up and I would love to see you demo some of their higher end welders.

[@DragonBuilds]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked my video.

[@jordanbrown1337]

Yeah I love mine it’s nice being able to do the job and not stress over carrying a bolder LOL!

[@Nuvajr]

Just purchased my own, can't wait for it to arrive. Just for basic diy stuff.

[@DragonBuilds]

Keep in mind that Harbor Freight tools are really just for light duty DIY projects. If you are frustrated with the quality or performance of Ryobi, you won't like Harbor Freight. Mine broke after three months.

[@miguel-ib9lg8kt3h]

You convinced me I'm buying one this week! Thanks for recommending it 👍

[@goodmorningmyneighbors6921]

Just found out welders get really small and now im going to get into it.

[@samueldoss]

I have this little welder and I absolutely love it, I'm an amateur but it's nice for the price, also not sure if you're aware but after you threw down the bead you didn't knock off the flux so we didnt get to see your bead

[@DragonBuilds]

I did end up buying a slag chipping hammer. This little welder can be used for heavy work! I built a digging bar with it yesterday.

[@samueldoss]

@@DragonBuilds nice, post up some videos, also fyi if you're looking for scrap metal to practice with hit up some metal recycling yards I picked up 200lbs in my area for about $50

[@samueldoss]

@Joe Black I don't believe this little guy would do aluminum as it's DC and I'm pretty sure aluminum requires AC I could be wrong as I'm still kind of new to welding

[@frankmarti8984]

Good review thank you for sharing

[@yakov5604]

How’s the Chicago electric 80 amp welder holding up? Would you still recommend it

[@console_rebel2667]

The black one goes in the positive the ground goes in the ground The negative

[@arinasan247]

Thanks!

[@sh32atta76a]

Question guys?, Can use one of these too welders too reboot some old lead acid bateries?

[@hdrjunkie]

I have the Oder version of this and love it except that I can only use 1 /16 or 5/64 sized rods with it, it just won’t arc without anything bigger. That said, does anyone know if these can be used in DCEN ? Like if I were to just switch the cables around? I want to try but I don’t want to ruin my machine as it’s all I have for arc welding with for now Thanks!

[@DragonBuilds]

Yes you can use DCEN! I have no trouble using 3/32" 7018 or 6013.

[@hdrjunkie]

RiceFlavoredGum cool thanks!

[@rob-artfarmingnz6138]

Work piece preparation is everything. Don't weld Rusty crap, clean it up first.

[@12vLife]

Thanks. Can I run this off a 2000 watt inverter in my van that can usually run anything at around 1400 watts with the engine running? Will I be able to weld .375 rebar in a cross using 1/8 rods?

[@DragonBuilds]

It should run fine from a 2000 watt inverter on the lower settings.

[@12vLife]

@@DragonBuilds Wanted to share this in hopes that it helps somebody as it took me two days of testing with a variety of products and configuration to get it to finally work... In most single battery automative applications a 2000 watt inverter placed under driver seat 3' from the battery with 0ga copper cables can produce a maximum of about 13amps of 115v power (about 1500 watts) with the engine running. I've tried larger inverters and it's produced no more than that. 1500 watts and 13amp is a lot of power .. It can do most anything, but welding was a bit of challenge. here's the combination that work for me... The Chicago electric 80amp arc welder connected to my inverter and set at 45amps (no more no less), with the electrode on the negative lead (DCEN) and E6013 1/16 rods from Harbor Freight. They stick a little, but if I push top down when they stick they weld and puddle nice enough. As a new welder I realized I was pulling back with the first spark and blacking of the lense and that my lense needed to be 10 shade to see. I was even able to operated the welder 50' away using a 14ga extension cable from my inverter. For me this is gonna be a game changer!

[@vidacrazy]

why did he put the electrode holder on neg?

[@irishlush364]

Negative electrode is for stick and fcaw welding

[@adventureguy4119]

So this can be plugged into a standard outlet

[@DragonBuilds]

Yes, it works with a standard outlet on a 20 amp circuit

[@sasanm.5689]

Hi, can I use it for body work in car? My car rocker panel is rusty, I have to replace it, and it need welding! Indeed I want use it with my house electricity. I want to be sure I'm not effecting anything and this right welding machine for welding my car! Thank you

[@DragonBuilds]

Stick welding is for general construction use. I would recommend buying a good quality flux core welder for car work.

[@derekjackson2008]

sure you can just have a grinder handy to smooth it out lol

[@sasanm.5689]

@@DragonBuilds Thank you very much. You're the best!!!

[@Matanumi]

@@derekjackson2008 yeah.. First past 6011.... clean it up and a few 7018 after that

[@HDK8305]

Which one is better? Arc or Flux welder?

[@DragonBuilds]

Depends on what you're welding

[@johnsun2416]

will it work on regular 120v/15 amps outlet?

[@DragonBuilds]

You need a 20a circuit. But it has a 15a plug.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Something about you is very likeable

[@dantecalvillo6902]

The stinger is positive the ground is negative

[@timhenderson6473]

Depends on polarity .can be used both ways depending on the rod you're using

[@irishlush364]

Best welding with stick and fcaw is negative electrode

[@just4knives57]

How’s it work on trailer frames and car frames

[@sterlingwallstrum8975]

Can you turn this up to max amperage if your on a 20 amp curcuit?

[@DragonBuilds]

Yes you can. You can also use an extension cord if it's at least 12 gauge

[@michaelangelod5008]

Would i beable to weld my motorcycle exhuast and weld a mount on my frame

[@DragonBuilds]

Probably with some practice.

[@toddjenest3212]

Do you think that this welder would work with the Predator 9000 watt generator?

[@bunythebeastgamer6920]

Yes 😂

[@sentry8992]

Yes. I have the predator 8750 generator and 6 different Harbor Freight welders. The predator generator powers all of them. Even the 220 volt machines using the generator extension cord that HF carries and a adapter that turns the 4 prong twist lock outlet into the 3 prong 220 plug that comes with machines.

[@neechie00]

What kinda outlet did you run this on? Or breaker?

[@thedoughs8031]

It’s just a 120v 20amp regular house plug

[@fishinginthergv9697]

Would it work to make a steel pipe bumper?or do you think i would need a bigger welder

[@willbecker5632]

I recommend a Amico power 225 or a Lincoln AC 225 for anything as far as small scale fabrication goes tbh, but I'm sure if you never everything and run 6013 at 75 amps this little welder should get the job done just fine

[@patmercer8591]

Instead of laying a bead, why didn't you weld something together?

[@Ezdvd1]

Can this be used to weld cab mounts on a pickup? Only the middle mount of three mounts on each side. Also rocker panels?

[@steveniedowicz8335]

I don't see why not. My question is could it handle 7018

[@Matanumi]

@@steveniedowicz8335 probably but you gotta crank it to near Max and it might over do it

[@farklestaxbaum4945]

Will I be able to run this on a normal 20amp outlet in my garage?

[@DragonBuilds]

Yes, it plugs into a standard grounded 120v outlet. If you don't have anything else on the circuit it will even work on a 15a circuit.

[@andystoolbox]

I had the old Chicago electric 60 amp. Useless little machine. Left it with some guy at the swap meat and just kinda walked away. That machine is a little pricey, I am getting an ebay deal for about 2/3rd what they want.

[@DragonBuilds]

Don't get eBay no name tools. This little welder is actually decent. Many cheap tools like Black and Decker are terrible, but Chicago welders aren't bad at all.

[@richardkenworthy9312]

I don't understand about switching the + and - leads .can you explain. Thanks

[@patmercer8591]

I have no idea what this dude is talking about. You don't switch leads EVER. It would be the same as putting battery cables backwards on a battery.

[@aoq2857]

DCEP vs DCEN welding it actually works both ways...

[@raffighookassian1724]

@@patmercer8591 no disrespect but you are the one that has no idea what you're talking about. DCEP and DCEN may need to be switched according to the rods used. This is nothing like a battery. All switching electrodes does, is change the ratio of heat being applied to the base metal vs the electrode. In the end, the goal is a short circuit, which is the complete opposite of your car batter analogy

[@kengrimes4586]

@@patmercer8591 you can switch leads that's how you change from neg to pos welding depending what rods your using neg or pos to your stinger have been a welder fabracator for 30 plus years and have several welders and these little sticks changing the polarity you swap the leads.

[@sentry8992]

@@kengrimes4586 under what circumstances would you use DCEN? When is that beneficial?

[@levipankey]

What rod are you using

[@counterthirty]

3/32 rods

[@Matthew-ib2kz]

Get a wire brush to it and lightly hit the weld with a hammer

[@patmercer8591]

If you want a cheap welder, just use a 12 volt lawn mower battery and some jumper cables. Works the same.

[@sentry8992]

For how long?

[@timhenderson6473]

This is a bench welder.wont strike a arc if u use a extension cord.amp control is not accurate.their are much better 110 welders out there.this guys never welded b4 but he sure knows a lot lol

[@NrlyWrx]

Great little welder BUT…so you know, won’t weld with stainless electrodes worth a damn…