IS A CHEAP WELDER A GOOD IDEA (and did I make a mistake)?

[@sworrall6104]

I find using the 'gas' shroud while using gasless wire helps a lot. The main cause of splatter really is from the user, settings or welding speed over the work piece. If youre in a hurry you'll get spatter. Consistency, patience are key. Sadly i used to blame my tools too...

[@ZeroToAwesome]

Well clearly it can’t be my fault. Must be the tool!

[@jongipson9714]

I have welded for 38 years was a diesel mechanic for 25 years.. when I retired bought a harbor freight titanium 200 I mainly use mig for the cleanly ness of weld on automotive. Use the tig for chrome molly on that machine

[@scrapmanindustries]

I’ve had the Lincoln 180 from Home Depot. I ran it for awhile then started a welding business. It was ok for awhile but when I got into building stairs and trailer ramps the Lincoln would overheat a lot. I bought a Lincoln 210mp and a fronius transsteel 2200 around the same time because they had more duty cycle. It depends what you’re welding and how often I guess would be the reason to get a bigger better one.

[@mkearn724]

Contrary to what you’re thinking, the flux core process has better penetration than regular hardwire short circuit mig. It’s a dirtier process but the spatter can be reduced by dialing in the settings as well as gun/travel angles. Regular short circuit mig is not recommended for anything over 3/8” due to its lack of penetration. Flux core on the other hand can pretty much go to any material thickness as long as the correct wire size and voltage is used. For more than 3/8” with hardwire you would need to use a different shielding gas and enter into the spray transfer mode which is around 30v and 400+ inches per minute

[@ZeroToAwesome]

The four pulleys I welded up with flux core that are holding a 6,000lb boat in the air are glad to hear this! And I do want to try spray transfer but need to find somewhere that sells c10

[@mrnobodysgarage]

Looking forward to enrolling in the BIG GUNS welding school for the spring semester 😉

[@ZeroToAwesome]

The school of “You bring it we weld it (and then grind a little cause that weld don’t look so good)”

[@Kami8705]

Gas will give a nicer weld so its less cleanup, but flux core is nice if you need to weld outside as gas just blows away. Theres ups and downs to both

[@jancaywood2099]

I just want to say “Thread Checker” in case there is a prize. Worthless welds are exciting!

[@ZeroToAwesome]

Nothing more exciting than a pickle beer fountain!

[@troysgarage]

When the scientific test doesn't go as planned..... "(shrug) let's see what 17 pumps does to the other one..."

[@ZeroToAwesome]

@@troysgarage turns out I didn’t do so well in science…

[@troysgarage]

@@ZeroToAwesome science is overrated anyways.

[@adammeany7807]

How was the “sun burn” after welding while wearing shorts and short sleeves? Bye once, cry once! The Miller is the best machine all day long.

[@ZeroToAwesome]

Feels like summer again!

[@kaylahook7180]

I have the titanium 200 also rhe miller 220 and Hobart all on gas they weld about the same I favor the titanium

[@murphthebeast]

Blue welder for red car? This is madness.

[@ZeroToAwesome]

It used to be red…

[@georgesimpson3113]

I can't be the only person to say this... that is NOT a mig welder then. Flux core is not mig. And the Lincoln didn't do aluminum well because you didn't have any gas.