Titanium 125 Welder [How I use it]

I made this video for my friends at Harbor Freight Junkies Facebook group. This is not a "How To Weld" video, or a review on this machine. I just wanted to show how I use it to get the results I get.

[@fernando-sl7qm]

That welder is freaking awesome Done big and small projects with that exact welder

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Yes it is! I think it's highly underrated. I have big mig and tig machines, and now the Outlaw 195. But this little flux core still gets plenty of use. I've been known to throw it on my shoulder and climb a 15ft ladder with it on site.

[@russelljohnson6243]

You are a pretty good welder! I am used to watching horrible welders "critiquing" Harbor Freight products acting like the problem is the Harbor Freight product in use. When I watch videos made by really good welders they always do a great job with almost any product they use, that is the only difference worth noting, the skill of the welder. Anyway thank you for posting this video, it was enjoyable!

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Thank you. Harbor Freight makes really good welders, and nobody should shy away from them. I've got some pretty nice mig and tig machines, but this little Titanium Flux Core unit gets plenty of use. A few weeks ago, I made over 160ft of handrail with it.

[@linemang4337]

@@AllStarWeldingSC That flux core wire your using. Weldcote. Where can I find it? It does very good for you. Thanks LinemanG

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

@linemang4337 yes, I'd say it's probably the best flux core wire I've ever used. I get it at my local welding supply store. Weldcote is a big brand they carry. But you can also order it from Amazon, and I think straight from their Weldcote website.

[@damageinc81292]

I love mine. Best machine i ever bought. I've welded everything from up to 1/4 on truck framed, rear ends, etc all the way down to exhaust and sheet metal

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Yeah, it's a highly under rated machine. It it gets a bad reputation because of flux core, but if people knew how much flux core is used in industry, they would change their attitude towards it.

[@Team81MTB]

I bought one three weeks ago to weld steel 3/16" plates to rebuild my rusted out truck frame. Well, ive almost got it done already and absolutely love this little welder. Cant live without it. 👍

[@Don-dr8zm]

I need one for the same reason how did it do with the rust?

[@Team81MTB]

@@Don-dr8zm Id use an angle grinder on the rust. Welds so much better like that.

[@brianwebb9121]

Can you please confirm what your settings diagram under the hood shows on your welder please? Mine says .030 1/8" E.5 and 10. For 3/16" there is no .030 setting. It tells you to use .035 wire at F.5 and 10.

[@jimmyhall1903]

By far best video on this little machine, keep it up!

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Thanks Jimmy. I wouldn't say it's the best video, but I cut out all the fluff

[@cottinghamr]

Great video! I like the different techniques for laying the weld that you did and I took notice that when you moved over to the thinner material you didn't make any setting changes, thanks for explaining your "goto" settings of D & 5.5. You can hear nearly hear how clean that weld is going to be as you lay each one. Appreciate you!

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Thanks 👍

[@RG-wy1ol]

Thank you sir for making and sharing your experience with us DIY people 👍🏽👍🏽

[@yankomaceda34]

Thank you very much this is great knowledge that you have shared with the passionate ones that will like to start welding! At 45 and I’m about to start. Thank you

[@DD-gd3fr]

Very impressive ! thank you for sharing your a great welder Im a beginner will pick one up today

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Thanks for the kind words. And thanks for watching

[@kennethschauer1801]

Just bought 2 of these for $129.99 each i set 1 up on .035 and the other one on .030 love these little welders

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Right? They are highly understood. They are great for when I get called out for a simple handrail repair, or other things too small for stick. I have one in the shop and one on the truck.

[@AXNJXN1]

Great video and even better tips; agree with all of it!

[@juniorwhelchel6337]

I have a Chicago electric flux and a craftsman flux welder they both do pretty well too

[@atticusfinch3931]

Thanks for the video I got a lot out of it nice dimes

[@Foshogi]

you earned a sub just because of this video. thanks brotha!

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Thanks for the sub!

[@kuehnel16]

Looking to pull the trigger since they are on sale for 129. Wondering what other equipment you might recommend

[@TheRaulr151]

Great welder. If the welds look like crap it’s because of me. Lol

[@timbrubeck4212]

Yeah them are some awesome welds and then some

[@redspain349]

Whip and paws look pretty good stick Manipulation look good, your little E’s look like you had some overlap.

[@brianduran6547]

Thanks bud...great vid!

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Glad you liked it!

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Go to my channel and look for the video about me giving away a Titanium 125

[@nightrocker9639]

Would this be a good welder to build a roll cage for a racecar?

[@sll-tt6bj]

Enjoyed the video

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Thanks!

[@troyweatherford9874]

Wow,looks great to me

[@wetcatfur9982]

What wire size and machine setting did you use for the qrt inch steel

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

It's in the video... but I used .030 wire and settings are usually D and 5.5

[@user-ru7jh5df9z]

About your go-to setting of "D" and "5.5"- I've found with my welder (same machine) that if I max it out (or nearly max it out), my breaker trips almost every time. Is that why you use those settings, or do those settings just work for you for pretty much everything? Those are pretty welds, and I liked the sledge hammer test to demonstrate the penetration.

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Well, those are just my go-to starting settings. I vary it a little, either on the machine, or by adjusting how close I'm working to the meta (stickout). Go a little closer and it's a tad hotter, and back out a bit and it will be a little cooler. In my shop, it will trip a breaker, as you said, pretty easily, if set too high. Even if I'm running off a 25amp circuit off a generator. I really like flux core, especially outside or on location when I don't want (or can't) lug around my mig and tank. Having said this, I'm looking at another flux core machine. All my welding machines in my shop are PrimeWeld. So I'm looking at thier Flux 160 unit. It's larger than the Titanium. But it can run 110/220volts which would be great. A guy I know runs a spool of flux core wire in a modified aluminum spoolgun. He extended the leads to 25 feet. Wouldn't that be helpful? If I do that, I will certainly make a video about that.

[@user-ru7jh5df9z]

@@AllStarWeldingSC Oh so you run Primeweld equipment? That's going to be my next welder, most likely TIG 225 for stick and TIG, then I'll probably get one of the MIG welders to go with it. I've been looking at Primewelds for about a year and for the money I don't think you can find anything better. Supposedly, the customer support is unlike anybody else, and it just seems to be really good equipment. That's good stuff to know, and thanks for expanding on your experience with the Titanium Flux- good little machine for what it does compared to what it costs. My first roll of wire was something called "Victory Alloys" 0.35, and it seemed to run extremely smooth (picked it up at my local Gas and Supply). I think they are headquartered in your neck of the woods, or maybe NC, not sure.

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

@user-ru7jh5df9z yeah. All PrimeWeld. I have the 225 for tig and it's awesome. Most people get the water cooler for it also. They have a bigger tig now, but I really don't need it. If I do thick stuff, I usually go for the spoolgun on the MTS-200. It's a great machine too. I've pushed it to the limits and abuse it daily, and it still keeps chugging along. I use it for stick too. The MTS-200 has more stick options in the menus than any of their other machines. I've ran 7018 at 160amp for a few hours and never had a problem. It also goes pretty low too. I've ran it at 40amps without problems. PrimeWeld has the most amazing customer service that you could ever witness. They really are awesome.

[@frederickshipp8013]

@@AllStarWeldingSC I have one of those little welders too. It's considerably better than my Lincoln and much lighter when moving to use it outside of the shop. I've had people tell me my welds look like I did it with mig instead of fluxcore. I wish it would take a 10lb spool conveniently though because a 2lb spool doesn't last me long. I made a setup so I could use a 10lb spool on it but it's not that convenient. I didn't like the gun angle so I took it apart,put more of a curve on it and put the trigger on top,that works better for me. I went to a 30 Amp breaker on the circuit that I use 110 welders on and keep an eye on the 12 gage wire to make sure it doesn't get too hot. It's never more than warm if even that so I figure it should be fine. I would try that on anything smaller than 12g though,and it's not recommended for 12g. I pretty much use the same techniques you use depending on the position and situation.

[@noellwilson1273]

I’m used to setting Amps and speed on older MIG welders. Is that D 5 1/2 the same setting you’d use on a Lincoln for the same weld - or different for every welder?

[@jamesfield6568]

Is that a wooden welding table?

[@michaelwoods7458]

What your wire speed?

[@RZawistoski]

Can I weld my galvanized steel boat trailer with this? I will grind off the galv first. Existing joint broke under load, no rust present. Thx!

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

I've done it. Just make sure you get the galvanized off first. After you are done, hit it good with a wire wheel on your grinder. Then spray it with "Cold Galvanized Spray", available at Lowes/Home Depot. Good to go. If the crack/break is along a structural part, weld on some flat plate on both sides just for extra support.

[@larryperry2094]

For less than $150. Not too shabby. I get to try one out today on some exhaust work. Seems like a pretty good little rig.

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

If you get that done, you're better than me. I've not had much luck with thin stuff and flux core. FC burns pretty hot. Definitely use the .030 wire and lowest setting possible. I wouldn't try to run a bead. For exhaust and sheet metal, I've found it better to do the "zap...zap...zap" method. Good luck!

[@larryperry2094]

@@AllStarWeldingSC I was wondering that very thing. Galvanized thin metal and no argon. Ugh. I'd bet money zap zap zap is the only way to go. Ima find some other scraps of mild steel lying around and give it a whirl.

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

@larryperry2094 it will work that way, especially just for exhaust. Make sure you point the wire between middle and end of the previous "zap". Repeat that all around. If it starts to get out of hand, just step back and let it cool down a bit, then continue. Same process to fill a hole too.

[@larryperry2094]

@@AllStarWeldingSC nailed it lol!!! Yea. Knowing when to walk away from a hot piece of metal.

[@michaelsaine]

@@larryperry2094 i just got my own like a day ago and havnt used it, but a shop i worked at had one, and i used it on some exsoust, i found that i could use it and run a bead instead of zap zap zap. they wernt the best lookin, but thats me not having the most exsprience and not the welder at all

[@gillihansmobilewelding]

This machine shoots out weld like water. It's funny because my settings are always E-6 or F-7. I use it for tacking my fit ups and then bring in the Primeweld Mig 180 with .045 flux core for anything 1/4" and above. The Titanium is great for fences, gates, exhaust etc. I'll almost use it on anything 3/16" and below.

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Heck yeah! Good to see another PrimeWeld user too.

[@satgod]

just picked up one today for 129.00 to offset my 2 larger welders needed something easily portable handy for working on hand railings

[@Slim1423]

You got a good price for that welder!

[@kennethschauer1801]

I just bought 2 of these on sale for 129.99

[@Slim1423]

@@kennethschauer1801 Great deal!!

[@dougbarkdull3469]

have the same welder but an absolute beginner..no matter what it seems the wire feed is too fast at the lowest setting..would love to see a vid on setting it for different material..the guide under the cover is not idiot friendly

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

That's a really good suggestion. Let me see what I can do about that!

[@tjmltv]

Do you think I can build a trailer with that welder? I have the same welder and I would like to build a trailer. 6x10. Using 3/16 of an inch metal.

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Yes, very much so. Depending on what rod you use, you will be running about 70-90 amps. This goes to 195 amps.

[@tjmltv]

@@AllStarWeldingSC but the titanium 125 is only flux core wire.

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

@@tjmltv I'm sorry... I was thinking of another welder. But YES, the Titanium 125 flux core is more than able to make a trailer.

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

The material I was welding in the video is 1/4"

[@tjmltv]

@@AllStarWeldingSC thank you.

[@denverscott37]

I caught this welder on a black Friday sale few days ago, got it for $145 , I've never welded anything in my life, but I'm about to teach myself how to use this thing. Don't have any real need to projects more of a i just want to learn how to weld thing. Man if i can get where i can lay down welds like the ones you just did, i would be a very happy man..!!. I've watched quite a few of these videos on this welder, lots of good ones on KZbin, but your welds are definitely the nicest ones I've seen so far.. I'm sure I'll have to play with this thing to get the feel for it, but what settings were you using for this video? Like the wire speed and such? I know you were using quarter inch, I'm assuming you want to go a bit slower with the thicker metal like that? So would you move a a little quicker for thinner material? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated, thanks. I just hit the subscribe button bro, when i started roofing 34 years ago, i saw this old guy lining box gutters and soldering, i knew he was the man i wanted to learn from, i just had that same feeling watching you weld, i can tell when a guy really knows his trade, and that's the guy i wanna learn from. I've been staring at this welder for a few days, just got the auto darkening helmet, got the wire fed thru the machine, come on day off..!! Haha..

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Thanks. I really appreciate the comments. The Titanium 125 really is a great little machine. It's an important component in my welding arsenal. When I get called out of the shop, it usually comes with me. Many times I'm using the stick machine, but sometimes all it takes is flux core. It doesn't take much wind to blow away shielding gas on the mig, so often, Flux core is the answer. In the video on that 1/4" plate, I am at D-5.5. If I need more, I jump up to F-7. For light gauge stuff, I will drop to B-3. With those 3 settings, I can do nearly anything.

[@denverscott37]

@@AllStarWeldingSC thank you so much for the reply, and the info..!!. I'm hoping tomorrow is the day I finally get to try it out, I'll probably do one tack weld and be stoked all day haha.

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

@@denverscott37 just like learning a new musical instrument, don't practice too long. All you will do is reinforce bad habits. Set up your work area. Decide that you will stick these 2 pieces of steel together. Run a bead and stop. Look at it and figure out what you did wrong. Too fast? Too slow? Too cold? Too hot? Try once or twice to do it again. Then stop.

[@denverscott37]

@@AllStarWeldingSC got it. I kinda do that now at work, if I get stuck on something I'll walk away for a minute then come back to it, I'll even have another guy take a look and get his opinion, just to get a fresh set of eyes on the situation. Man I really appreciate all the info, thanks a lot

[@coreymcneil5372]

I have this welder and just ordered some of the wire you used. I’m building a 120 gallon offset smoker 1/4” you think it’ll be fine for that?

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Yes. Use the .035 wire, and go slow. Watch the puddle. Practice on some scrap of same size and go for it!

[@coreymcneil5372]

Awesome. I’ve already ordered some coupons so I’m gonna give it a try. Thanks

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

@coreymcneil5372 I don't know what you are paying for coupons, but I can get 1/8 x 2 flat stock 20ft long at my supplier for about $30. Cut it up in 4" pieces and you have 60 coupons.

[@coreymcneil5372]

@@AllStarWeldingSC oh yea that’s cheaper than I paid. I got 6 4” 1/4” coupons for $20 offline.

[@kuehnel16]

Which harbor freight helmets would you recommend

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

I stopped using the HF helmets. But just because of the lack of replacement head gear and covers. Look on my video list and you will see what my go-to is now. It's just a simple pipeliner style hood with a 2x4 lens. It costs about $20. Then I use a Tefauwe 2x4 F-series auto lens ($70). I have a video review about that as well. I think the combo is really hard to beat, and is all I need. I keep one in the shop, and one on the truck. It's the only one I will use now.

[@juniorwhelchel6337]

Where do u buy that flux core wire you said u use

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

I just get it at my local welding supply shop. Weldcote is a well known brand. they make wire, rods, filler, helmets, etc. If your local doesn't have it, check their website, or Amazon. I use Weldcote flux wire, and sold mig wire. I think its the best flux core I have ever used. It fumes just like any other, but I really think it spatters the least. what bb's do stick, they easily clean up with the wire wheel, without the need to grind.

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Also, you can see from the video that there is very little spatter. I also use Weldcote gloves.

[@keithcochran8299]

Is this flux 125 Titanium machine DCEN (gun NEG) out of the box? thanks.

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Yes it is. This one is about 3 years old. I have another one that I got about 2 months ago. It's developed a fan noise, so it may het returned for a replacement. I got the 2 year warranty on it.

[@keithcochran8299]

Thanks! @@AllStarWeldingSC

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

@keithcochran8299 it can't be configured any other way without take the machine apart and doing some major modifications. It's designed just as a fluxcore DCEN

[@mattwaters6987]

Great video and welds. I'm learning to stick weld. Subbed too. Any tips to share? 😊

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Stick just takes practice, practice, practice. Just as important in wire welding, with stick you have to really steady your working hand. When I learned stick, an old timer cut a bunch of rods in half and handed then to me. That way I was able to work with a shorter rod and not have my working hand so high. It really helped in learning to steady my hand and not wonder around. 6013 and 7014 are easiest to learn quickly. Then move to 7018, and then 6010/6011.

[@mattwaters6987]

@@AllStarWeldingSC great advice. Thanks!

[@bobd.fletcherjr4912]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍Bob Elkhart

[@billsturm7178]

can you weld cast iron with this ??

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

No, for cast iron you'd want something like N-55 rods.

[@jakegorman7121]

Seems like no matter what wire I use it spatters like crazy....any suggestions?

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Try getting a little closer to the work. Or in other words, shorten your stickout. Watch the video again, and notice that even before I clean it up with the wire wheel, there's not much spatter. And after the wire wheel, there is none. 4 things to help with that is 1) Quality of wire. That WeldCote wire has the least spatter I've ever seen. 2) Shorten your stickout. I'm usually at 1/8 to 3/16. 3) Run it just a tad hotter than your setting chart shows. Just a tad. 4) Anti Spatter spray. Spatter happens with Flux core, can't get around it, but you can minimize it. This past weekend, I put up 90 feet of handrail. 2x2 square tube 14 gauge. Did it all on my usual setting of D and 5.5, as stated in the video. I used that same twisted knot wire wheel to knock off the slag. There wasn't any real spatter to speak of, and wiped off the dust with my glove. Now he tore down the railing on the downstairs patio for me to do that this weekend. Did it all with the Titanium.

[@user-vx3st2th9n]

And make sure it is set for DCEN, or electrode negative. The standard mig setting (for sheilded mig) is DCEP. The difference in the spatter is like night and day!! @@AllStarWeldingSC

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

@user-vx3st2th9n this particular machine come DCEN only. It's meant for only flux core. The only way to switch it to DCEP is to take it apart and do some serious surgery to it.

[@Allen-ln6gz]

Can I use 23 wire in titanium 125?

[@Allen-ln6gz]

Can I use 23 wire in the titanium 125?

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Just .030 and .035. I don't think I've ever seen .023 flux core.

[@Allen-ln6gz]

@@AllStarWeldingSC guess the 23 wire is for mig only

[@johnstephenson165]

Subscribes and liked; your giveaway video, hit the bell button, but was unable to leave a comment as you wanted.

[@michaelwoods7458]

Do i need a mask for the fumes?with the helmet

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

That's always a good idea

[@Rudimentary007]

💪🇺🇸💪🇺🇸👍 subbed

[@brianwebb9121]

I NEED HELP!!!! I just bought the Titanium Flux 125. I'm welding 1/8' coupons and the settings say E.5 and 10. WTF? I watch other videos and when they pop the hood on their Titanium 125's, their picture shows settings of E.5 to F.5 and 6 for speed. Did this Welder change in the last 6 months or did China slap on a total horse crap sticker inside mine with jacked up settings? This is nuts. HELP ANYONE!!!!!!

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Mine says E.5 - F.5 and 6 (.030 wire). E.5 - F.5 and 7 (.035 wire)

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

I would say thats a misprint on the sticker

[@AllStarWeldingSC]

Of you just bought it, take it back and swap for another one

[@bobd.fletcherjr4912]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️

[@timbrubeck4212]

Hey bro just record from behind another welding helmet or lens …

[@redspain349]

Sorry I’m in school and my flux core looks way better than that that looks like my overhead F4.