Craftsman Mig Welder
 

What do you guys think about this welder? I am a newb and have no welding experience, just looking for something to weld up stuff around the house and do an occasional exhaust job...

Link:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920569000P

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

i think they are actually clarke welders? Not really sure and i havent used one. I think you should also look into a lower end lincoln or hobart machine, they both work well and are comparably priced.

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

not sure if its the same model but my buddy had one a while back
it was good for thin ---- like sheet metal
but he said it had problems with something thicker (not sure what or how thick)

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

I read the same thing, and Clarke welders are made in Italy not in China like everything else...

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

I have the lowest end Craftsman flux core and it rules. The only things I don't like about it are the low power (duh it's a cheapass welder) and the arcing without holding the trigger in. If you just graze the wire across anything grounded even without pulling the trigger it'll arc, it can be a pain sometimes. Other than that it's sweet, even after the brass tip melted down on me I guess from being too hot it works. I imagine the higher end Craftsmans are even more badass.

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

Thanks man I am gonna get it! I just gotta make sure it is adjustable on both heat and speed.. The only bad thing is once i started MIG welding I need to buy regulators and line and all that crap...

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

lincoln's at home depot are about the same price.

I've only used lincoln's but they work really good to me.

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

I wouldn't worry about all the expensive gas ---- if you're just getting into welding. Flux can do steel and ----, it's cheap but it's also ugly so cleanup is key. If you're going commercial I'd say learn gas, but for your own private stuff flux that ----. Everything I do is flux even though I've done gas mig before. Flux you can just pick up and go with it.

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

If thats the case is there a point in spending $400 on a welder??

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

More control, higher power, ability to add gas later if needed. My cheapo Craftsman can't have gas added to it. All the gas welding I've done has been on another welder.

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

That's the same one I have. Works well, never had a problem with it.

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

do you use yours as a gas

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

Not enough control, but better than a HF welde.
Buddy of mine uses his all the time. It's not too bad to use, but his has broken twice under warranty. (feed mechanism once and the gas solenoid control the other time) Still better than an HF machine...

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

Here are the stats on it:
120 volt
20 amp input plug
range 30-150amp
duty cycle 40%@60a

what do yall think?

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

make sure you can add a gas kit onto it... you will REALLY regret it if you cant add gas later.

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

I have nothing to compare, but gas looks really good and it was easy as hell to pick up.

what's the point in even wasting time with a flux..........

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

i personally wouldnt waste time with fluxcore, id at least use gas, the welds are sloppy and kinda weak compared with actual gas mig welds. I would just make sure you can upgrade it to use gas, if not id find a better machine.

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

Definitely get a machine that supports gas. You'll thank yourself latter.

Re: Craftsman Mig Welder
 

I've had my HF Dual MIG/fluxcore welder for nearly 4 years and it works like a charm. Has gas hookups and has power and speed are adjustable. Don't be knocking HF ---- because not everything breaks before you take it out of the box. lol. I'd go with a Lincoln or Hobart though if I had to buy a new MIG though.