WHAT'S THE BEST HARBOR FREIGHT WELDER FOR DIY/HOBBYISTS & MY THOUGHTS ON THE TITANIUM MIG 170

If you've been following me for the last couple of weeks now. Then you know I've been looking to upgrade my current welder to something that offers better penetration, has the ability to run gas if I should so choose, and has a way for me to order parts if needed in order to replace anything that may fail over time. It's always a good idea to get a warranty. When I bought the 90 AMP Chicago Electric Flux Core I didn't bother because I knew that it would make it longer than the two year warranty. Since I've owned one in the past I didn't bother. I figured it was a throw away at $100; However, this time I decided to purchase the one year warranty from harbor freight because I was paying a lot more for what I feel is a better quality welder. At $500 I wasn't going to throw it away. Also Since Titanium is still a pretty New Line up I wanted to make sure I had the ability of returning it hassle free should something go wrong. I also learned that if I come back into Harbor Freight before my warranty expires I can Re-New my warranty and I will continue to receive the hassle free return or exchange. I Love that! I have also learned that with Vulcan as well as Titanium that there is a number that I can call, tell them of my issue and they are more than willing to send me the replacement component that has failed should I decide not to Re-New my warranty. Awesomeness!! Even better!! So needless to say I am very happy with my purchase and the super awesome information that I received from their employees and store managers. I will put the telephone number down below so you can call and speak with someone if your having any issues with your welder or any other Tool that you've purchased from Harbor Freight. Since I'm not planning on using this welder everyday and I'm not using it professionally I have no problem recommending this welder to all of my DIY guys and gals or Hobbyists that are just getting started. It's Night and Day with the type of Welds that this Titanium can do over the Chicago Electric. Hope you enjoy the content. Give me a thumbs up if you like the video and share if you'd like to. I'll try to post some time stamps down below to help speed things along and get you to the point of the video your interested in.
My dad and I will be doing a more in depth review and breakdown of the Titanium MIG 170 vs. The Miller 211 using gas, flux and 120v compared to 240v in a future video. This video will be posted on his channel so make sure to subscribe to him so you can be notified when we do the video. He'll also be sharing his thoughts on the Chicago Electric 90 Amp flux core. I'll put the link to his channel down below.
The Home Handyman:
/ @thehomehandyman
Thanks for watching see you guys next time. Deuces!
HARBOR FREIGHT TOOL PARTS/CUSTOMER SERVICE:
[phone] MONDAY - FRIDAY 6AM TO 6PM PCT
OR YOU CAN EMAIL THEM:
[e-mail]

[@denoftools]

Great video. You should add the word Titanium in the title. Lots of guys are looking for hands-on reviews on these and that will go a long way in helping them find the video. Also, never listen to a thing Brad says, he is a notorious liar and will steal all your hand planes!

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Thanks Brother Bear! I appreciate you stopping in. I’ll do that thanks for the feedback 💯

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

I'll be doing a more in depth video with my dad, who know's a lot more about welding then I do. He'll cover setting's, gas, and 120v vs 240v and what the difference between welds are. We're also going to be doing a showdown between the Titanium MIG170 vs the Miller 211. We'll set it up for gas, flux, 120v and 220v and at the end he'll share his thoughts on what he thinks about them. He'll also be trying out my old Chicago Electric 90 Amp Flux Core welder and give his opinion on it as well. We're going to post it on his channel. I'll put the link down below. Thank You for your support. We watch your channel all the time! The Home Handyman: kzbin.info/door/A94-Hr5LQGoiQlufnUIxtg

[@denoftools]

@@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway Wait? That's your dad? I watch his videos all the time. lol.

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

The Den of Tools Yes Sir. Thanks for your support and interest in our channels Brother Bear. Always grateful to have good people you share a similar interest. How are you liking your Tool Chest so far? Was wondering if you would be doing any kind of a tour of it? Thanks again for your support. 🍻

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Antonio Claudio Michael Thanks Brother 🍻

[@dennismeunier1473]

Always wear a face shield when you are grinding, or you will eventually see how it feels to have a metal shard picked off your eye with a needle.

[@megastick9324]

Oh yeah! Had that MANY years ago. Thought it was out. For days my eye hurt, then didn’t. Back and forth. It was my eye trying to heal over the metal splinter. Went to the Dr, they numbed it with drops, put dye in, then used a pick to “ spud” the piece out ( their words). Filled my eye with salve and a patch and sent me home. About 1/2 hr later the numb wore off, holy sh*t that hurt!!! I wear a shield AND glasses when bringing or welding ever since. Could’ve lost that eye. Metal was starting to rust as it healed over.

[@johnbarnham6744]

Magnet, I used a magnet to pull out a shard from my eye. I first used one of those telescoping ones you can get at any auto parts store. Then once it came out with the magnet 🧲, I wanted to be sure I had it all. So then I tried a bigger magnet like from an old Pyle base speaker I had lying around. Anyway, I got all the metal out from the first magnet. Whew. I was sh!tting a brick the whole time from the walk out in the driveway to the bathroom all while holding my eyelid open. About 3 years later I went to a eye doctor friend of mine and told him this story. He said wow, the eye healed really well because he didn't even notice any scarring. Eye works just fine boys but yeah, wear those goggles if that's your thing. Face shield 🛡 works for me.

[@paulcondie2520]

I've had a piece of rust in my eye years ago and they put my head in a type of a vise and they had to grind it out!

[@Muddface100]

Factz! Dont be a Dummy

[@billycolwell4263]

Those techniques only work if you do it right away. Q- tips work great to. I've had several pieces drilled out of my eyes. One lady did it freehanded blew my mind. Steadest hands I had ever seen.

[@darmstrong9334]

2T is standard trigger function. 4T is trigger lock meaning you can pull the trigger and let go and the trigger will stay engaged until you press the trigger again. Also if you put a bevel in your joints before welding, you an avoid lack of penetration after the welds are grinded down

[@lelandcox4089]

A BIG BLACK EYE FOR HARBOR FREIGHT I have a Harbor freight TITANIUM FLUX 125 WELDER purchased from Harbor Freight a couple years ago. I am a retired plumbing contractor and backyard hobbyist. I love to build things in my spare time and help friends and neighbors that need something repaired. When I retired and closed my business, I had a stick welding machine but had no convenient place to connect it at my home! It would require an upgrade to my electrical service not worth the trouble and expense! When I saw a couple reviews on KZbin for this Titanium 125 welder, I thought that would be the way to go. I already had a 110 Volt 30 Amp circuit to my workshop! It took me a while to get adjusted to the flux wire welding. I built a minibike from scrap pipe I had left over from the plumbing shop. The welder allowed me to make other things and make repairs for others I wouldn’t be able to do without it. In the middle of my last project, I cut a couple pieces of metal and got ready to weld them and when I pushed the button on the welder, nothing happened! It was dead! The fan did not come on but the light on the ON/OFF indicated there was power to the welder. I checked the manual for a reset button or a fuse and found no mention of either. So, I called the Harbor Freight 800 number and was told there was no repair for this welder. Harbor Freight has no repair facility, and no support is available. I was told by two different tech reps there is no schematics or parts list available from the factory where this is manufactured. “It is not worth getting it repaired and cheaper to go purchase a new one!” If you purchase this welder or many other things from Harbor Freight You only have 3 Months Warranty. It is considered disposable after that! All the reviews and discussion I have read about HARBOR FREIGHT I have never seen anything about their total lack of support for their products! I didn’t even get an “I’m sorry” or any offer for a discount on a new welding machine! I am retired, was an electronics technician in the Navy, active Ham Radio operator and electronics hobbyist. I feel like the electronics in this welding machine is straight forward non computer controlled and any decent electronics tech should be able to repair this given reasonable support. I removed the circuit board from the welder and found where a small component burned of course not knowing the component value or purpose will make it difficult to replace. Providing a schematic and parts list is a very inexpensive form of support that should be a minimum requirement. Their claim to revenue of 7 Billion Dollars tells me they could afford it!

[@lucky13driver]

Great video, Hobart is owned by Miller and it's a basic version of the entry level Millers. I also own the Titanium ez flux 125 for portability. All of them make great welds. The key to any good weld is prep. One thing I do to all welders is buy a good ground clamp. Almost all manufacturers cheap out n the ground clamp.

[@wcjcnc]

I bought the EZ Flux 125 to use for small jobs in my small engine repair shop. Love that little welder. It’s tiny but works great. First thing I did was take the wire that came with it out and throw it away and replace it with Lincoln wire and replace the ground clamp with the heavy duty one.

[@taneilsimpson4689]

Welders are in high demand in a number of major industries including shipbuilding, pipeline construction, aerospace, and automotive repair. As demand continues to exceed supply, skilled welders have the enviable position of being able to pick and choose jobs based on the type of work they like to do, where they would like to live, and how much they would like to earn. A professional career in this industry will allow you to travel, all the while earning a solid income; not many jobs can compete with that!

[@bobsmyth7590]

Thank you for your honesty- not being a welder', but a now & then graduating thru experience.. I think I just bought my next welder- because of YOU

[@douglassmith2055]

Great vid, this is how we learn, learning on your small welder for a long period of time is a good thing. When you grind your welds try to just take off the bb's and smooth the bead out only a bit. If you need a flush fit up like under your table, bevel the material to make a "V" notch for the weld to fit down into. If you enjoy welding now using flux core, wait till you run gas. You will be able to see the puddle way better (which does help you learn) and less spatter. But need calm air like inside g-rage. Be careful with flux core the smoke is quite hazardous, keep your head out of the plume and be xtra careflul in a g-rage with flux core. Always try to use good ventilation when welding. Lastly, welding tips and tricks videos and listening to their weekly podcast will help a lot if you want to advance quickly.

[@earnestarey3409]

Step one should always be to read the instructions and learn what every adjustment might do so you never have to guess while learning how something is supposed to work!!!!!!

[@otismyman5112]

Bingo

[@kellyokamoto1604]

I used to be one of those, "I got this!!" type of dudes that DIDN'T read instructions because I believed I was pretty mechanically-inclined, but I've learned THE HARD WAY to read the INSTRUCTIONS!!! Only took me 50+ years.

[@jockellis]

That’s not the American way.

[@mhildack]

Nice to have cheaper descent welders. I bought it, it work’s

[@davidusry5048]

When you buy something like this you want to try it ASAP. Read the directions on the toilet a few days later

[@yaseenkhader3758]

I own millers and lincolns as I was in the mobile welding business myself , however around the farm I keep grabbing this welder for repairs and light work. I was impressed at how well it ran the Lincoln flux core. I welded cow ajouté and lamb alleyway exclusively with this and have had zero failures. I have the older mm211 and o believe the the flux core runs smoother. The trigger has a few issues but they may be due to it setting it the dust a couple times. It’s a home gamer welder. Can use it for small professional work but I would recommend the Miller. However this does run decent on dirty power and is a big step up if you run a transformer unit now. I would recommend this welder for just about anyone that needs a welder with enough power for Most stuff.

[@mikeazeka1753]

Been using the Titanium 200 for 6 months, which has been a very good flux core welder ( no shielding gas). The 2T and 4T switch is for TIG welding on my T200, don't think it makes any difference on flux core. Using 120V will do thinner gauge steel, but will trip off or overload 20 amp outlets on thicker material, so I use 240V from the electric dryer outlet, using a heavy duty 240V extension cord with different male plug. It works really well, good penetration, strong welds, look like pro welds. Welder will run 0.030 wire for thinner gauge, or 0.035 wire for thicker gauge metals and higher voltages. Like that it comes ready for stick welding up to 180 amps, and equipped to MIG or TIG with just a gas bottle and flow setup. So far has worked perfectly.

[@johnchang1412]

BEST REVIEW ever......You covered alot in a short video......love it how you went compare prices and value and picked out the one an average joe like me should be using or buying ...LEARNED alot from you.........and you went on to show details on the product itself and warranty too.........BRO AMAZING......!!! THANKS

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Glad you liked it!! I appreciate your comment. Cheers & Happy Weekend!

[@samuelvealjr2666]

I was going to research some welders and decided to checkout some reviews, and my man you made up my mind. Thanks Justin!!!

[@xinixxagnix201]

I am after a year still very happy with my Titanium!, thanks m8.

[@johnathanreigard512]

Hell yeah! I started welding with like a $50 Craigslist stick welder then a couple flux cores and mig and I'm getting ready to take the next jump like you b4 I weld a straight axle and cage in my rig. Im not an amazing welder but I think we are doing it right brother great vid!

[@ActiveAtom]

EVERLAST for amateurs like these two starting to learn welding maybe this year the thing is going on 3 years now still no use yet, we are a patient people here. 220 connected here. H.F. we bought that welding cart, we then mounted it to there steel mess bed on it then we replaced the 4 air tires with solid, we can now take our welder cart, welder tank, and welding supplies to the actual place we need to weld around this little property. Thank you Lance & Patrick.

[@Braunschweiger89]

great info. Helpful during my search to get my first welder.

[@arleyrivas9963]

Great review man! You made my decision so much easier!

[@avid0g]

If you want stronger welds, then you have to grind bevels into the tubing ends so more tubing surface area actually melts together. Extending the entire tubing cross-section area into the junction is where the strength really is. The exterior fillets are just an extra bonus that reduces stress concentration from bending, but diagonal braces work better for that.

[@danielkuklinski7056]

Yeah bud that’d be great if the metal wasn’t 1/16” square tube.

[@arthurchavarria8867]

@@danielkuklinski7056 what he means is, beveling rather than not equals better penetrative reinforcement in the work piece and a stronger weld as opposed to a regular surface weld

[@arthurchavarria8867]

@@danielkuklinski7056 even if its a slight bevel on thinner material

[@jerrystevens1865]

A definite suitible bevel for good penetration on the butt welds of your heavier 1/4' and and thicker framing stuff. Maybe even bevel 3/16" stuff.

[@ernesthinojosa5110]

Great video and sound like a great welder . It was a whole lot quieter than I expected.

[@edwardpadilla7543]

Your videos helped decide to get the Titanium 170.

[@chadalcock7275]

I've been thinking about getting one, thanks for the review.

[@Mike-su8si]

Same here

[@robertfrancis9439]

I recently picked up a Titanium Easy Flux 125 inverter welder. What a great little welder it is! It does everything I need it to do around the house and out in the garage

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Very cool! Me too. Love that thing! Cheers!

[@benitoaguilar2925]

I just buy this 125 an is amazing little machine

[@paulkurilecz4209]

One thing to keep in mind is that the power of the welder governs how quickly weld metal can be laid down. 2T and 4T governs how the power ramps up and down. Another thing to keep in mind is the duty cycle. Lower end welders may often have a lower duty cycle than higher end welders. Duty cycle means the percent of a ten minute period that you can weld. For example, a 40% duty cycle means that you can weld for four minutes and then have to wait for six minutes for the machine to cool down. As far as what machine should be bought depends on what you are going to weld. Buy the welder that can do what you want to do.

[@andrewc8448]

Just picked one up super happy with the purchase thanks for sharing 👍

[@kalebasellars]

Set your amps higher and a little faster wire speed I can hear it pulsing when you weld it should be a consistent sound, and some of those welds were not hot enough the beads raised up, when it looks like it's on top of the metal it's too cold, its gotta be sunk in there and flatter hope this helps good job though just a tip

[@LetUsKnot]

You don't set amps, amps are calculated during the MIG Process, it's his Volts that he needs to turn up. He doesn't need to turn his wire speed up, less wire speed, less spatter.

[@fishhuntadventure]

Nimbus Nimbus That won’t get you a decent weld

[@mikecastleberry9671]

Place ground cable 6in from the weld always

[@matth9359]

definitely the type of video that will get a bunch of idiots debating nonsense for no reason. Experts and arm chairs. The best.

[@kronicsoldier]

amps are WFS...

[@DocHuard]

"I don't know what this does" "I might be doing this wrong" "I might be a little high, I don't know"... Dude RTFM!

[@TheFlatlander440]

Who the heck has time to read manuals or instructions? Ha Ha.

[@dvdrwsor]

15:11

[@billrandell4641]

OMG..

[@gregorytimmons4777]

"Did my due diligence, at least on the one i'd already decided to buy, as far as the warranty anyway." "Still don't know what that one switch does."

[@sophiaholt1458]

Amen

[@hp7093]

Man this is a great video. Answers so many questions, i hit the like button

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

bsa 1970 Thank you. More to come. My dad is going to show me how to set up for gas and the difference in welds. Also going to see how 110v compares to 220v and the difference between the Miller 211 and the Titanium 170. His link is in the description.Cheers!

[@jfcalix]

I got a Lincoln 140 20 years ago still working like the first day and sometimes I do $4000 fences now I got the Lincoln 140 mp great video

[@XxChrisxX51]

Love your channel man. Idk much about welding but im a aspiring auto mechanic. Look forward to more content.

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Thanks for your support. Welcome to the World of Fun Land!! Where everyday is met with a New Challenge. Glad to have you on board.

[@sen3990]

they sometimes go hand and hand

[@thethreewheelercowboy521]

I did the same thing, used a 90 Chicago for years. Best advice I can give someone that wants to weld, go spend $100 on a flux core and go to town.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

The only welding lesson I ever got was from my grandpa on our farm back in the late 70s with an old Lincoln "buzz box" stick welder. The first welder I ever bought was a Century 125 amp flux/mig in the early 90s. It lasted until about 5 years ago and I used it a lot! When it finally died, I weighed my options for a while, and finally decided on an Eastwood mig 175. I bought it complete with a spool gun for $500 and absolutely love it. My welder only runs on 240v, so, since I don't like using extension cords for high draw equipment, if I didn't have the proper outlet in my shop, or, my 6500 running watt generator when I have to weld outside, I would've definitely considered the Vulcan if it would've been available back then though. I know a few people using them and they love theirs.

[@twn5858]

Right on! I'm glad you are enjoying your new toy.

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

I am. Can’t wait to use it more.

[@mikes1947chev]

I bought the titanium 170 I've welded 1/2" thick and had it turned up 7/8 of the way and it was under cutting . this welder rocks.....welded in a mustang front suspension kit into my 38 Chevy coupe have a Lincoln 135. But wanted a better weld so I bought the 170.

[@Gears.and.Gadgets]

Thanks for sharing. You got a new subscriber. I'm looking at the titanium multi-process welder. Update I picked up the multi process welder. Happy with it so far.

[@daltonhaston]

Do you still like the multi?

[@johnnyh64]

Do you use the stick and Tig options much or do you mainly stick with MiG and Flux-Core? I have the 170 myself and wondering if it’s worth the extra $300. Any thoughts?

[@wefilmfood4033]

Wow very nice i been on the fence about these welders. But huge difference

[@carldalsasso8603]

I got scammed into owning the Vulcan 220, and honestly its been great and reliable for the last few years. I will be replacing the trigger soon as it's starting to miss on occasion. Was very happy with the variety of options it comes with, runs great on generator 110 or 220.

[@unclebob4208]

Good for you. It sounds like it welds fine. I have the Lincoln LE31MP multi-process from Home Depot. You'll need 220V to weld 3/8", unless you make multiple passes. Your hairline cracks after grinding your table legs are probably from traveling too fast. But I'm not an expert!

[@icemonk12]

450 is nice buy bro👍🔧🍺 I always try & read instructions on symbol settings. Great review👍

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

ooohhh yah I'm excited!! My dad and I are going to be doing some collaboration videos comparing the Miller 211 to the Titanium 170 and he'll be showing me how to set it up for gas and what the difference is between 220v and 110v

[@FredCOdom]

Great video you have made my decision on purchasing the Titanium. Thanks Fred

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Glad I could help

[@RK-df1tk]

Great review. Thank you for putting in the time....!

[@gunchief0811]

those Titanium series welders from Harbor freight are the best thing to happen to Home hobbyist welders as well as small business owner/ welders in 25 years i say Good purchase and great warranty coverage as well. Good job. and stop selling yourself short. welding is all about practice as well as the knowledge. just make sure your safe and that you read the manuals and apply the proper amperage for the thickness of the material that your welding on and you should be able to produce good welds. don't put yourself down. welding is a great science you are in the field of Metallurgy it's amazing. and you are applying scientific principles and using electricity as a way to join two pieces of metal together to become one {G.M.A.W.} or in your case {F.C.A.W} . Flux cored arc welding process... good for outdoor use so the wind won't blow away your shielding gas. indoors use the M.I.G. withs some Gold gas { 75% argon 25% Co2} those will be very nice looking welds with a good machine like the one u got there. Oh, by the way, these welders are far better than the Lincoln welders sold at Home depot.. these beat them hands down. in every category.. including VALUE! keep melting steel brother...

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Awesomeness. Thanks for your support and feedback about the Titanium MIG170 nd other helpful Tips and suggestions. I appreciate it. Cheers!

[@machinist7230]

From what ive seen, the Vulcan is a really good welder(see AvE s BOLTR on it), while the Titaniums are full of typical chinese shortcuts. Third party consumables are available for the Vulcan, im unsure about the Titanium. Both suffer the same problem that hampers so many offshore products - spare pats availability. So yes you can return it, but what about 5 years down the road, when a board craps out? My Miller Vintage ( essentially a simplified 250 Millermatic) made in the early 90s, still has parts available, depite being discontinued 2 and a half decades previously. Its why Miller and Lincoln welders have such high resale value. My personal advice to people looking to buy new, and cant afford blue, red, or yellow, and plan on keeping it for any serious length of time, to instead look at Hobart. Owned by Miller, many of the Hobarts are essentialy simplified/ consumer grade component versions of miller welders. The Hobart handler 211 is just under 200 bucks more than its Vulcan equivalent, but it assures that it can be fixed if something craps out years out of warranty. And oh, its available witha spool gun for under a hundred bucks more, something that cant be said for the Vulcan.

[@Dirty17366]

Great video... I'm in the same boat as you.... Thanks for the info and great video

[@jcnme2020]

Great Video Brother, I just Subscribed to your Channel. Thank you for sharing this Excellent content with such a candid and straightforward attitude.

[@doomsandwich7292]

12:00 lol I didn’t realize he was holding it in place at first and I was like well that’s a weird balance technique

[@c_mac7773]

JUST EYEBALL IT JIMMY!! absolutely love that shit when I am installing trim or flooring specially doors that’s the best! It only needs to be level and plum enough to collect a paycheck for most people! You don’t notice that as fuck until the final finishings are getting installed. Yeah sorry that has nothing to do with welding but that’s my rant

[@cojobesta11]

First comment on any of your videos, but great job so far. If you want the flux core wire to start easier, I’d suggest a set of mig pliers. Each time before you start a weld, cut the wire, and nip that balled end off. I saw in a comment above to bevel your edges and that’s correct, but also welding “uphill” is going to allow for more penetration as well. It’s harder to see what your doing though. Another thing I’d suggest is a twisted wire cup wheel, but that’s because I’m not about that welding hammer and brush life. Looks like a great welder, looking forward to new videos.

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

conner sebesta Thanks for your comment and advice. I appreciate it

[@Gokraut]

Great video man as always!!!!!

[@user-yw8ms6wu5q]

Итак ей эспипионн

[@racekar80]

I have the same welder but use gas, works great. Just replaced the inner and outer rocker panels on my sons truck. Perfect job. Also welded a spare tire mount to my trailer, no problem with penetration.

[@TheHomeHandyman]

For what you paid you got a great deal and it looks like it will do everything you want it to - good you found out how to get replacement parts if you need them - for me the customer service and parts if I needed them played a big part in my decision on buying the Miller - You also checked into it so good move................youll love this new toy

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Thanks Dad! Can't wait until we do a Collaboration Video where you can put it to the full test and share your thoughts on it. It would also be cool to see how to set up gas and if the 220v or gas make the welds any better.

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Gotcha. Thanks for the great advice. I will work on that next time I bust it out!

[@THEWORX99]

ive got vulcan omnipro its great dose everything i need it to and the presets are sweet.

[@andrewvillanueva4222]

Awesome video Justin!! I am so glad he not scared to buy harbor freight machines and give a honest opinion.

[@dannymcphee]

Thanks Justin, I'm looking for a new wire machine as well. Your video is very helpful.

[@RamTahoe]

I appreciate the review of the unit. I'm contemplating a higher powered unit and was very curious about those......

[@yaseenkhader3758]

You will like it

[@rjverackajr]

Buy a Miller or Lincoln multiprocess machine. Don’t throw your money away

[@tomharrell1954]

Doing great! When you figure out that gas will weld prettier and cheeper you will be at the next step!!!!!

[@russelljohnson6243]

Yeah buddy, pretty fricking awesome! Great move and great purchase and if you are not going to need a 100% duty cycle welder you are in great shape, congratulations!

[@michaelromano3717]

Nice review and I'm diggin the honesty! Not many would go on the channel and admit they didn't know what the inductance adjustment did, or guess at the voltage and amperage settings. I love it, nice job and keep on learning. Seriously though, with some practice study and technique you can get really nice beads out of a chic elec fluxie 125. And least, I did till my torch kinda uh, melted. Keep on keeping on really enjoyed the review.

[@wbayrbro]

I’ve done quite a bit of welding with my Chicago electric welder. I op’ed for the model with gas. It does a much better job with the gas (75/25 argon co2) if you ever have a chance you give it a try. Great video and you helped me make the decision to upgrade to a titanium welder.

[@Saladon89]

LOL they got rid of most of Chicago Electric Welder, I think theres only 2 left

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

Most steel u can weld with co2, on the railroad we only used a2 to certify

[@doyouevenfishbro8748]

When you see a crack like that you gotta grove it with a 3” grinder then throw a weld in. Or get a number #9 drill a hole grove it and throw a weld in. Either way works

[@jimalessandra5908]

Honest and real, appreciate it!

[@johnmbradley]

Don't buy a welder at a discount hardware store like Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Lowes, or anything similar. Parts aren't standard on the import machines and if they stop selling them you can't get replacements. I work at a welding supply store and we see this all the time. Even if you buy a name brand like Lincoln, they are made of lighter and cheaper materials that don't hold up. Even the welding wire isn't the same. You're better off going through a store that supplies machines and gas to professional companies. Yes, you're going to pay more, but you'll have far fewer problems.

[@GreaseMonkey803]

Yeah I'm a sucker I bought one used it the 170 out works my 140 miller I've had for years. Very pleased with this Chinese product so far. I'm seeing this video after running mine, dude is spot on. Good buy.

[@rustycrustymakesstuff6528]

Just got mine for Christmas. So far so good. Actually welds smoother than my Lincoln I had before. We’ll see how it holds up over time but so far very pleased. Great review!

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Rusty Crusty CJ7 Awesomeness! It’s a big jump from my 90A Chicago Electric Fluxcore. 🍻👍

[@ChrisCraftWow]

So does this statement still hold true, You guys still liking it after 2 years?

[@rustycrustymakesstuff6528]

@@ChrisCraftWow it really does. Zero issues with it to date. Used it to repair cracked frame on my truck and many other projects around the garage her. Very pleased with it.

[@victorgutierrez5826]

I recommended to put a least a welders blanket behind your cutter shop to prevent stain your beautiful wall stained.

[@ljaysperspective1775]

Good review thx, i have been a Handyman for the past 3 yrs. I do allot of personal projects. So i normally do not have the funds to spend on a Miller or Milwaukee and for personal DIY projects i can't justify the funds. But Harbor Freight has allowed to take on projects without necessarily breaking the bank. Good review thx again

[@michaelcostello280]

We've been using the Vulcan Omnipro that we have been using for stick and Gas/MIG. It has been great for fabbing and armoring our Jeeps.

[@Lucky7MudMowers]

Today is your lucky day . I picked your KZbin channel to watch all of your videos. Well i'm at work. You will get one more view on all your videos, I'm Playing all videos to show my support. Lucky 7 Mud Mowers

[@johnnyturbo8460]

The Titanium 200 hands down.. i love it

[@stevehartlieb]

Thats what I got been great for 2 years so far

[@johnnyturbo8460]

@@stevehartlieb I agree

[@tilted_travvy_on_2975]

Recently got the titanium 200 multi-process welder. Thing is so sweet!

[@thomaspasqualone7584]

Thanks for your video. I recently bought a HF flux core welder, and am seriously considering a MIG unit. I actually attended a welding course, some 30 years ago, but want to get back into it. Again, thanks!

[@damondiehl5637]

Both Vulcan or Titanium have multi-process versions that make it possible to MIG, TIG and stick weld with just one machine. They both can run at 110 or 220. The only downside is that it is lift start TIG (no high frequency start).

[@houseoquinnizyodaddy]

If your worried about penetration then bevel the insides of the 2 peices your gonna weld. Its a good practice to get into. I'm a union pipe welder and I make x-ray welds in stick, mig, and tig with all different types of metals. Beveling the material will give you more penetration and an overall stronger weld.

[@carpediemarts705]

Plenty of vids on yt with no bevels. People think that the weld reinforcement IS the weld and don't understand penetration. The difference between welds for industry and what most people do for yt are night and day.

[@houseoquinnizyodaddy]

@@carpediemarts705 Just because somebody does it on YT doesn't mean that it's the right way to do it. A weld doesn't tie into two straight edges like it does beveled surfaces. Straight edged welds will give you trapped slag and rolled edges. I'm just trying to help the guy out.

[@scorcher617]

The reason you have cracks is small welders don't penetrate well , so what you have to do is bevel your edges. Then when you grind your welds you didn't grind all your weld out. You have to do it on thick pieces also it just prep. On your table were you had seams just run a grinder down the crack and cut a ditch in it go deep you can make more than one pass. I live by Lincoln Electric and I'm a pro-welder have 6 welders all red you can get parts for them. But if someone wants a welder you should look into the Longevity brand I was looking to get a small 110v machine they have good prices and great reviews . Keep at it your doing pretty good play with your setting that will help with splatter but that's flux core. If you were running 220v on your machine you should be able to do 1/4" on a single pass. A dual voltage welder can be a good choice gives you options .

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Thank you for your advice. I’ll do that. Thanks 👍

[@nathanjenkins8284]

From a newbie welders POV. Great video. Answered many ?s that I had that a pro may not had gone over because the answer was thought to be obvious. Don't make us newbies look like newbies. Pick up the instruction manual. LOL 😆. Also you are a goofball. Don't change a thing. Except inst manual thing. You got my vote! New subscriber here.

[@frankcloskey7789]

Excellent Review on mig 170. 2/18 2022

[@Mzandiotis]

Your weld on the 1/4" section was much improved, remember those settings and the speed at which you were moving the gun. Also it's called "splatter", all the little bits of weld that pop around your main work piece, mainly when using flux-core. Spackle is a drywall repair product. Good video though, I appreciate the honest opinions.

[@Badeau68]

SPATTER Is the metal particles expelled during fusion welding that do not become a part of the weld.

[@Mzandiotis]

@@Badeau68 yes spatter is what I meant, auto correct strikes again

[@codelicious6590]

You made the EXACT vid I was looking for man! I been looking for info on those machines that are just a bit better than the $99 ones, but not the huge money pro stuff because I'm just looking to break into the craft with no experience at all. I think there is a line with certain tools or trades for a beginner where the quality of the tool does help or hinder the ease of learning, and others where it doesn't really matter whether ya get a $2000 one or a $50 thrift store version. The problem is I do not know where this line is with welding machines. Example; if a guy was looking to learn how to play guitar, the quality of instrument would only matter a very small amount, while if it was timberjacking or woodworking, then the actual quality and most likely the price also, of the tools would play a larger role in how easily the person could learn certain techniques and procedures . I just dont want to get a piece of machinery that's going to work against my will to learn metal fabrication. Anyone who may have any thoughts or response to this comment I would appreciate.

[@rampagewsu]

I totally needed this video! I think you just sold me on the Titanium.

[@livinthedreamohyeah4268]

Good video!! Was looking at these!! Thanks

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

No problem 👍

[@jimgarrett7078]

When your grinding the welds flush you have to bevel your metal on the ends.

[@bayoutrapper3782]

Turn the heat up hot, and adjust your trravel speed and angle. Bevel the ends on your 1/4"- 3/16" . push your arc straight into the bottom of the groove for the root pass then angle the arc toward the thick piece, so that most of the heat is directed to it. Doing good with your welding keep practicing. I'm a certified steamfitter/welder for 32 years. My motto has always been turn it up hot as hell and run with it, but starting out turn it up as hot as You can handle practice making proper welds speed will come later. Keep up the good work. God bless you brother.

[@LaGrandeBayou]

It’s a great review of this titanium model. Great advice for us novices bayou trapper. Will definitely implement your tips. Do you have Any specific advice or recommendations on equipment for someone with zero weld experience trying to weld aluminum? using Schedule 40 and 1/4” material.

[@powderriver2424]

My buddy borrowed a friends Hobart I didn’t look at the model it was, however good for 110 and I’m not sure if you could hook it up to 220, doesn’t matter it welded pretty well as a flux core. This Titanium welds as good as the Hobart I’ve watched other YT vids on the Titanium 170 it performs very well in my opinion. For the hobbyist I don’t think you can go wrong with this welder.

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Powder River Thank you I also watched a handful of videos on this welder prior to my purchase and I agree. I think with a little more practice and knowledge in welding it can only get better

[@ChatGPT1111]

You had me at the Vents. Gotta have nice vents!

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks Justin nice review good job Sr

[@JoseTorres-dl3kh]

Great video. I'm looking at doing some work to my truck and was looking for a welder I could use for some frame work. This one looks like I could do some good work on my frame and trust the welds. Especially if you're getting as good of penetration as you demonstrate. The 1/4 inch steel was what sold me on it. My project is an 89 gmc k1500 and I'm doing a full restore with 6in. Lift. And this titanium mig 170 looks like the perfect tool for the job. Thanks for the video and you got me as a new sub. I look forward to your other videos.

[@cesarchavez507]

would you recommend for rocker panels on a 74 c10?

[@JoseTorres-dl3kh]

I dont see why not

[@billyjones9045]

if you're doing framework you better get a good welder .. that is 220 and know what you're doing

[@artconnolly9519]

Try grinding a V groove and fill that in when your welding. That way you can grind it flush with no issues

[@fishhuntadventure]

....or! try using enough volts for the wire speed to get acceptable penetration. Geesh. I have a 120V Lincoln with .030 fluxcore that I could burn right through his material with if I don’t properly progress the arc. No reason for a cold weld or poor penetration

[@steveclark2103]

Grind a small 45 deg. angle on the end of your tubing to get more weld in the gap.I have the smallest HF TITANIUM Easy-Flux 125 Amp Welder 20a 120v ,use it with a small generator to make mounts for my saddle bags on my bike and it worked great for $175 on sale.Took a chance when it first came out ,bought the extended warranty, it still works great after a year .

[@curve5746]

Just bought the titanium 125. If you use blue demon wire you can get a half inch penetratrion. I love mine. For what I do this is the best solution. For the money you can't beat it. Great video. Ignore the arm chair experts.

[@luckyterry9085]

Really like the way you think! I bought a flux core welder at northern tool. 120 volt. Not getting the penetration I want on some welds. Looking at harbor freight . Also looking at Hobart welders. Titanium looks like a good deal. Self taught here too. Not really going to weld something somebodies life depends on. Some of these people need to chill. You're just enjoying a hobby

[@kenbrownlee4170]

I realize you already bought but esab also makes an excellent weld machine !

[@thomaskriehn509]

I just picked up that same machine lastnight Good!!

[@luisframirez2]

You should get paid for this review. Great review with no unnecessary info. You sold me on it.

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Glad it was helpful!

[@James7082]

Lincoln 210mp mig tig stick works awesome.

[@SirShoddrick]

James Nelson yea, when you win the Lotto...

[@manguydude287]

I have a flux90 that has been good for years but I melted the hose a little. But after fixing it enough I got tired of it and got a used Miller arc welder for less than my harbor freight

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Manguy dude Craigslist is a great way to go as well. Welder tend to go fast. Garage sales and swap meets are a couple of other good ways to pick a good quality welder for cheap

[@crazytekkie1]

Absolutely great video... You covered everything I had been checking on and considered between them too... Couldnt decide between the same units... Considered warranty and what if it breaks.. Glad you covered everythibg without spending forever on unboxing for example... Just perfectly covered what I needed to know.

[@ni_wink84]

That weld is getting better but it’s too hot, you can tell because it’s blowing out at the end, turn the amperage down and feed up, that’s a nice little machine you just need to get the settings dialed in and your welds are gonna look great! Slag and splatter will clear up quite a bit! Great video! That’s an impressive hobby welder!

[@DGPHolyHandgrenade]

Going to say, for a review and kind of glossing over an important feature with "I dont know what this does even" Kinda dangerous. The 2T 4T switch changes what happens when you press the trigger. 2T allows for the welding current to start when the trigger is pressed and stop when the trigger is released. 4T allows for the welding current to start when the trigger is pressed, but does not stop the current during the weld if you release the trigger; to stop the current you need to press and release the trigger again. Good assumption to stay with 2T but if you dont know how your welder works, you really should read the manual. Not knowing that the current wont stop when you release the trigger in 4T would create a very dangerous situation.

[@Mike-su8si]

Thanks for explaining because now I know before getting a welder I'll keep mine on 2t

[@DGPHolyHandgrenade]

@@Mike-su8si it's in the manual. I looked it up (harbor freight has all manuals available online)

[@Mike-su8si]

@@DGPHolyHandgrenade mine should have came with the book if it did I'll be reading it i haven't even opened the cheap thing up yet cause it's to wet an cold outside to fool with it

[@Superb_Legend]

We call that trigger hold and I hate it most the machines at my job have it on lot more complicated to turn off tho

[@prelich01]

More vids on you using that welder please!

[@jeffruebens8355]

I took a building construction class in college. We welded 2 thick steel plates together with 45 degree beveled edges. The teacher put one side in a big vise and hit the other side with a big sledgehammer. If the weld broke, you failed. If the weld bent without breaking you passed. Good practice. The best welds look like artwork and need very little grinding afterwards, like the aluminum headstock for my Kawasaki sportbike- the welds look like a stack of dimes tipped over.

[@garymathews4042]

I bought a Hobart 210 MVP for $799 at Blaines Farm & Fleet,no tax .I also got the matching spool gun for $180 .I bought a Hobart 140 at Northern tool for $408 after tax ,I use it for flux -core welding only .I picked up a Hobart 230 welder from Fleet Farm for $1308 after tax .

[@mattrob15]

Justin I've watched quite a few of your videos, and I can respect how you've come to learn how financing tools, having a snapon account, etc is a ripoff and you should just buy the tools when you have the money. I just wanted to tell you that I feel paying for warranties is relatively the same. Warrunty payments is a huge source of revenue for these companies, and they design them to where they make money off of you AGAIN. Think about all the money you have paid for warranties and how much money you have have saved by using them. Usually if you add up all the money you've paid for warranties, it doesnt even come close to what money you would have had to pay to just buy another tool when one breaks outside the manufacturer's warrunty. Call me crazy but I havent bought extended warranties in years.

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

Everything is set up to last just long nough to be out of warranty when it quits, 99% of the people out there weld toocold

[@LivingFaith2]

Matthew Robinson - MAN! Can't you see how utterly self-contradictory your post is? I dont get exteded warantees for everything, but I have always purchased the extended warantee with every Harbor Freight winch I bought, and it has always been to my benefit! They exchange it for a new one, and I am VERY happy with that! If I get a welder there, i will surely get the extended warantee.

[@kennethgrimes5494]

You got to change polarity on all welders when you move from flux to gas.

[@yourmomsdildo3938]

Thanks for the video. Gonna pick this up for my son.

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Hope He enjoys it!

[@stevehartlieb]

I've had one for 2 years its been great

[@azbikerider49]

Cool man, I learned on the same type of metal. Watch out for putting too much heat in one spot for too long. Also no matter how much "penetration" you have, i you grind too much away you will get that seem your talking about. Lastly I'd make a back drop for your chop saw so your not shooting sparks on your house. I use to basically drape a welding blanket over the rear of my chop saw when I was working near the house/cars etc. works great and cheep fix. All the best. I'm looking to get a Everlast multi machine soon. I have the Everlast mig 140 now. and like it.