Ultimate Guide to Harbor Freight Welder: The Real "BEST" Setup!

Harbor Freight has 15 welders. Wondering which one to get!
I'll go over these listed below and which ones to forget.
Chicago Electric: Flux 125, 80 Amp Stick, 225 Amp Stick, MIG 170
Titanium: Flux 125, Stick 225, MIG 140, MIG 170, Unlimited 140 & 200, TIG 200.
Vulcan: MIGMax 215, Omnipro 220, Protig 165, Pro tig 205
If you are just starting out, Harbor Freight is a great place to start with welding.
Here are some of my favorite things:
Spatter Spray- amzn.to/403sStH
Nozzle gel- amzn.to/3ZLqNmg
Helmet- amzn.to/3JBQfVO
Gloves- amzn.to/3Jbw1kd
Angle Grinder- amzn.to/3mJe2Kt
Horizontal Band Saw: amzn.to/3JgdG5t
Magnets- amzn.to/3lcr5DQ
Clamps- amzn.to/3YF1xg9
Welding pliers- amzn.to/3Ta4lks
Wire Brush- amzn.to/3YOVuWu
Chipping Hammer- amzn.to/3Fp357h

[@raymondcbaker30]

Thanks. I no longer will pursue my lifelong dream of learning to weld. You have saved me thousands.

[@gb123-ej8wh]

Huh? I paid $80 for my blue flux core machine 12-13 years ago and it still works fine. If you want a MIG machine get one. MIG and a good stick welder will be easier to get good beads out of but these AC flux core machines are inexpensive, and with practice and adjustment fiddling you will get acceptable repairs and bonds. I have the blue AC wire machine. I want to eventually upgrade to a proper DC machine for the flux core wire, then a MIG and a TIG for where the bead matters and a good stick for heavier stuff that the flux core wire isn’t quite the best at. Also I don’t know the duty cycle on the old blue Chicago electric machines but I have never had it shut off on its own before. I have considered doing the AC to DC conversion but I know how to get acceptable strength from it as is and they’re not bringing the blue ones back, so why not buy one set up so I can use it DCEN for flux core wire? I have the bridge rectifier, heat sink, and capacitors but haven’t cut into it.

[@zugzug1107]

I bought the Omni Pro 220 back when it was on sale for $899 and have never regretted it. You tell it what you're welding and it sets itself up. Bought 2 of the cheap HF auto weldding helmets and both went bad. Then I bought the Vulcan helmet with the lifetime 20% coupon that comes with the welder. No more problems.

[@dc7061]

Got the MiG 170 about 6 weeks ago. Really like it so far. Newer to welding and first big fabrication project finishes last weekend.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Right on!

[@robertlucier8279]

alot of information coming from an intelligent, and well-spoken product tester. Thank you for your very helpful review

[@homeslice1179]

I have to say that the Vulcan 165 is a great machine! It is so light and so great for onsite welding. What sets it apart is that it has a high frequency start for TIG which is a game changer. I’ve used mine almost everyday for about 6 years now and never had any issues

[@niceguydmm]

Very happy with my TIG 205. Welds as good as the Miller I used at work. I also have a TITANIUM MIG 170 and it also welds very well. Can't really complain about either. I got the three year protection plan on both. Harbor Freight is good with the protection plans.

[@HiTechDiver]

I already have a TIG/Stick welder, so opted for the Vulcan 215. HF allowed me to use the 20% ITC coupon on it, so got a good price. I've heard some people heavily using this unit, and still very happy with after a few years.

[@dmitrykorovnikov2035]

I recently got titanium 125 flux core , I used to have Chicago electric one before , and it’s a huge improvement 1 DC voltage = less spatter 2 comes with actual flux core tip 3 light weight I got Lincoln electric wire and an upgraded clamp -so my connection is all copper. Result is hard to believe I’m able to do deep , clean welds on any material thickness that it claims , overall it’s a best bang for your buck as diyer 👍

[@-DIYPRO-]

Right on, agreed!

[@shizzyranks]

Thinking about picking up a Titanium 125 for old Jeep stuff...frame welds, axle trusses, etc. Think It will be good?

[@dmitrykorovnikov2035]

@@shizzyranks it will probably work for it , you might have to buy 0.035 wire instead of 0.030 , and weld on both sides inside and outside with multiple passes.truck and car frame is a structural welding , 240v stick welder could be a better solution for you. I’m not a professional weldor, it’s a hobby for me.

[@athecal6878]

if you want to see some great welds run gas on your flux core. i don't care what armchair experts say. it is not a waste of gas, it makes a huge difference.

[@joshuathomas8529]

I went with the vulcan because it has a because of the tig foot pedal. Aloso because it has 10% more weld time before it regeneration.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yep the foot pedal does put the vulcan tig welding above the others.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Have fun welding! 👍👍

[@ColumbiaWaterGardens]

Thanks for the great video. I want to build an electric trailer dolly for my boat. Is the 170 aluminum setup going to be the right choice? I also have trailers that need occasional repair as well as spot welding for gabion walls that will involve a steel cage using concrete grid wire that will be welded to rebar. Thanks for your reply in advance, when I get started I'll tag your channel on my video teaching people how to build them. I presently have 20k subs.

[@helidude3502]

My stepfather left a nice stick machine in the garage when he passed away. Problem is I can’t stick weld for 💩 I just make porcupines 🤦🏻 I do ok with mig or tig. So the extra $50 for the Titanium flux core would probably be the best value for me. Looking forward to an auto darkening hood also. I hate doing the head flip to drop the hood down 😠 While not a full review, this video covers some good points. Thank you 👍😎

[@hugoma5088]

I live next to a harbor freight and just need to weld something small to my bike frame, so I thought ill just by a cheap one and do it myself

[@-DIYPRO-]

That's how I got hooked!

[@Slim1423]

You are lucky to have a Harborfreight store next to you. Many deals there for all of your tool needs. I try to catch items on sale there, and sometimes i get a 25% off manager coupon. HF has so many things that i like there, so save where you can.

[@hugoma5088]

@@Slim1423 Harborfreight sucks, the welder is the only thing that i have bought from them that was worth it and good

[@advil000]

I wanted a 120v/240v welder that I'll use 240v most of the time with flux core wire exclusively. The Titanium Mig 170 was available last week with a 20% no exclusions coupon for $440. That was a smoking deal so broke down and got one.

[@ChasandAmyChasandamy-zw4jg]

Very good content ty

[@Slim1423]

Can the titanium 125 be run off of 15 amp or 20 amp home circuit?

[@chip9177]

looked at the titanium 125, went with the Yeswelder YWM-160...dual voltage unit

[@Slim1423]

Do you like the Yeswelder, after using it? What is the pros and cons of it?

[@markmunson6192]

For welding thick stainless steel tools (over 1/4” thick) would the titanium stick 225 be suitable?

[@Derpherppington]

do u know which one is the cheapest for welding aluminum

[@thewampus97tj]

Appreciate the indepth breakdown. Great info, subbed.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Right on, thanks!

[@tyg5265]

Im interested in hearing your opinion on the YesWelder205DS VS the Titanium 125. I have never welded anything in my life. But i am very much wanting to learn. With that said i am mostly interested in flux at least starting out. So im curious if the titanium would be the better machine to start with? Or spend a bit more money on the YesWelder run flux with it and have the ability to also use stick. Maybe someday mig and tig. Just another note to consider, I currently only have standard 120 in my garage. Idea being to eventually run 240.

[@-DIYPRO-]

Ironically enough I just picked up the 205, it will still be a couple week before I pull it out and run some beads. I would have to say their old blue 205 was pretty good so assuming they only made upgrades I have high hopes for their new version.

[@Jason5267]

US prices are insanely expensive 😅. I recently bought a multipurpose machine, MigArc 195amp, supports stick, mig (with gas) and lift Tig for R4000. That's about 220$. It's a Chinese machine but it works really well. Brand is called Pinnacle

[@-DIYPRO-]

Good deal!

[@200130769]

I can't find anyone that sells pinnacle to save my life. I'm in the US. Also seems pinnacle is a south African company.

[@gb123-ej8wh]

I have my Blue Chicago Electric Flux wire welder. Takes getting used to and makes some ugly welds BUT metal will stick together. And as time goes on and you change things like your stick out and angle to the work beads look more like beads and repairs look less crappy. But grinder and paint right?

[@darzo7527]

Oooo you threw in some Slagporn, nice

[@-DIYPRO-]

I'm surprised it didn't get flagged!

[@dkdogs]

Can you run the 120 or 140 on an extension cord or does it heat up the cord too much? I have two outlets in my garage and neither are in good working areas.

[@-DIYPRO-]

As long as you have a big enough gauge wire, then yes. There are a bunch of charts online that tell you the correct gauge to use with the length and amperage needed. (If running at max settings on the machine you'll be using 15-20 amps.

[@kinguin7]

IDK the name, but, there's a Chicago stick/tig welder. Don't think it's on the site any more, but they've had units at my local store for a while. All on clearance lol.

[@kinguin7]

165 amp

[@-DIYPRO-]

I remember that one, I think they are fazing that one out. Haven't seen it for a while.

[@kinguin7]

@@-DIYPRO- yeah I think I saw it on clearance about a year ago, think there's still a few on the shelf at my local store. Kinda interesting that it seems to have a foot pedal, not be lift TIG. Steel only, though, can't find any reviews, and not cheap enough for me to grab on a whim.

[@protectork9831]

They have vulcan 225 commander stick on sale at my local harbour freight for 690$. Can't decide between vulcan and arcCaptain 220 for 120$ . Not sure what I get extra in Vulcan

[@-DIYPRO-]

Which one did you end up picking? Haven't ever had the commander.

[@protectork9831]

@@-DIYPRO- arccaptain. And I put holes in all my project steal. 16 and 14 guage. Also bought titanium flux 125 and will try my luck with that welder

[@johnpapa8681]

I have a titanium 125, and I really like it, but the gun is short and a little uncomfortable. It's too straight for welding downhand, but ok for vertical or overhead. I wish I could upgrade the gun.

[@-DIYPRO-]

True, with the gun hardwired can't switch it out without getting into the machine.

[@johnpapa8681]

@@-DIYPRO- i took the gun from my lincoln 140 and installed it in the titanium 125. Way better now. I was thinking of putting a spool gun on the lincoln anyway.

[@trailactiv]

Hello, Is it possible to use a Titanium Easy Flux 125amp welder to weld in 1/8 steel for a Toyota 4runner frame? I have a few rusty hole sections that need to be cut out on frame near exhaust. Are the flux welds just as strong? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you

[@trailactiv]

If so, which would be the better option between the Titanium Flux 125 $169 and Chicago Electric Flux 125 $139. Thank you

[@-DIYPRO-]

Yes 1/8" thick tubing is right in the range of what the Titanium can do. Yes it is plenty strong enough. My only suggestion is if this is your first welding project do a bunch of practice prior to throwing down on the actual part. Would be a good idea to have someone that's welded before inspect the practice piece or do a bend test on it so that you know if you have good penetration or not.

[@-DIYPRO-]

If you have the little extra I would suggest getting the Titanium 125 over the CE 125.

[@trailactiv]

Sounds great! I picked up the Titanium Flux 125 yesterday. I will start practicing soon enough. Thanks for the feedback.

[@EliB0217]

Would love to see your progress. I plan to learn also to work on my truck. And as a Toyota lover I’ll definitely have a older 4Runner or tundra in the very near future

[@anthonyherrera8600]

Thanks for the info. Who won your giveaway?

[@-DIYPRO-]

If you are referring to the welder giveaway that will be posted this Friday 4/21. Thanks!

[@ronkennedy305]

Under 1/4 Chicago is great

[@hankclingingsmith8707]

ANY PRIME WELDER IS ALSO GREAT. 3YEAR WARRANTY

[@-DIYPRO-]

Have only tested the 225, I've heard good things about there others as well.

[@bigray3360]

Might 170

[@jasonlopez4855]

I like my 155 amp blue 🔵 220v for years since 2003 still welding race cars frame's. I miss the 90 amp blue 🔵 110v

[@-DIYPRO-]

Right on!

[@petersachs764]

I'm a nube hobbiest who bought the Protig 165 because it was reduced to $350 at Harbor Freight. I have no welding experience and feel like I got in over my head and have been thinking of selling this and buying a cheap flux-core 220v. Thoughts?

[@-DIYPRO-]

I'd say it depends on what kind of projects are you looking to do and how much do you want to invest. If this is just going to be for the occasional weld job here and there then it's not worth the investment and time to learn TIG. You can always keep it and learn stick and then one day make the jump over to TIG!

[@BadmonBuilt]

Ill trade your titanium 125 for a blue chicago lol

[@-DIYPRO-]

Lets not get carried away, I just said I wish I still had it, not that I'd trade my baby for one, LOL!

[@user-vk1bg1en1q]

i'm still lost ..