Portable flux wire welder recommendation

[JusBud]

We do a lot of boondocking and off roading so I carry an 80 amp wire flux welder.
It's too small even for around the house.

Not sure if a 130A will be much better especially on 115volt but it won't break the bank.
130A

I like this one since it's dual voltage. I do have a 220volt outlet at home.
You can also use sticks and I've welded with those too.
I probably won't get gas bottles and gauges but at least it has the option.
165A

[JusBud]

I'm not looking to build a Golden Gate bridge.
I also drive a 13 year old rv by a manufacturer that went out of business but it serves the purpose for our intended use.

I'm looking for something for the occasional repair and I can bring it to my friend when I get home who has all the right stuff.

[Gdetrailer]

JusBud wrote:
Decided on a DC inverter welder
The Century FC90 has good reviews and priced right
Half the size and weight that i currently have
FC90

Tractor supply has something similar but 140amp
Probably not worth the extra money for what I need
140 amp

What utter garbage..

Do yourself a HUGE favor and buy a REAL welder up front the first time, then you will never have to revisit finding another one..

Something like a Millermatic autoset..



Millermatic 140A Autoset..

That pix is what I bought quite a few years ago after banging my head against the wall which inferior cheap garbage MIGs.

Hands down the autoset feature WILL make your life easier.

In auto set mode, you simply set the dial to the metal thickness and it will automatically set the current output AND the wire feed speed to the proper settings.

No joke..

I have no issue welding SHEET METAL with the autoset, don't try that with those cheap welders.

Do yourself another HUGE favor, do not bother with self shielding wire and get the shielding gas, your welds WILL vastly improve..

Not sure if that model is still available

I believe they may have replaced my model with this one..



Millermatic 211 which may be an inverter version..

Expensive, yes, but well worth doing right the first time instead of beating your head against the wall..

[JusBud]

Decided on a DC inverter welder
The Century FC90 has good reviews and priced right
Half the size and weight that i currently have
FC90

Tractor supply has something similar but 140amp
Probably not worth the extra money for what I need
140 amp

[fj12ryder]

IMO it all depends on what you plan on using the welder for, how often you're going to use it, and how particular you are about the looks of your welds. If you're going to do a lot of welding, the the MIG makes more sense to me. I have the little Harbor Freight buzz box and it works for the light weight stuff I do every six months or so. But serious welding really calls for a serious welder.

[mchero]

Nice toaster cart!

[3_tons]

gbopp wrote:

2manytoyz wrote:

I like this cart. :C

Dang, thats the first time I ever saw a toaster on a cart :h

[gbopp]

2manytoyz wrote:

I like this cart. :C

[Dave_H_M]

so 2many, is that Lincoln a DC?

You sure posted some nifty looking welds with it.

[Lynnmor]

The real cheap welders from Harbor Freight and others, are usually AC output. You should buy only a DC MIG welder if you want anything that resembles a good weld. Finding a DC that runs on 120 volts might be harder.

[2manytoyz]

I bought a Lincoln 100A model years ago. I later bought the optional kit to make it a true MIG welder. Absolutely fantastic for all my home projects. I have the larger 140A version at work. Even nicer, but bulkier.

Here's my 100A:







Once you use a MIG welder, you won't bother with flux core again. Virtually no clean up, welds are ready to paint.

Here's the small pony bottle I take when using this in the field:

[gbopp]

Tom_M wrote:
Read the fine print. Coupon not good for welders. Their cheapest wirefeed is $114.99. It routinely goes on sale though for about $90.

The 20% coupons are nice but, they're like an extended warranty. They have a lot of exclusions.

[Vw_triker]

I bought one from northern tool. It's a little more, but much better than the one at harbor freight I think anyway, read the reviews before you buy.i did try to run mine off a h/f 4000 Genny, wouldn't do it.
Really like the h/f gennys, I don't think they are very loud. Of course I only use it for the house.

[Tom_M1]

JusBud wrote:
I was just printing out their 20% coupon.

Read the fine print. Coupon not good for welders. Their cheapest wirefeed is $114.99. It routinely goes on sale though for about $90.

[JusBud]

Funny you mention that.
I was just printing out their 20% coupon.
Going over there later today
Thanks

[enblethen]

Why not look at one of these from Harbor Freight welders