im lookin at buying a welder from harbor frieght either mig or flux somthin under $200ish but my friend told me ---- that runs on normal 110v probly sucks and hes welded before, i havent so.. i dont know..

also how hard is it to add a 220 socket into a garage?

 

Alot of good migs are 110. So ...No

 

there not bad, as long as you dont mind bird ---- leftovers

 

I have a Lincoln 135 and it doesn't leave birdshit welds. Its a great little 110 machine. Up to 1/4 it's fine.

 

I also have a 110v lincoln 135 and mine doesnt lay any beads that resemble bird ---- either(on aluminum, stainless and mild steel). I guess it all depends on, if the person using the machine knows what they're doing.
The harbor freight 110 is pretty shitty, I dont recommend getting 1 of those at all. my buddy has 1 and its night and day difference welding with the lincoln. If you just have to get one from harborfreight, get the Hobart.

save up and get a name brand welder you'll be happy you did

the drive roll and tensioner setup on the harbor freight migs are real shitty so the wire feeds inconsistantly and sometimes the wire falls out of the groove.

and when you turn the welder on there is current at the tip even when youre not holding the trigger( = dangerous + shitty )

 

I've got a Lincoln Weld-pak 3200HD and that's 110v as well. It actually does very well, but like everyone else said, go get a brand name one, preferably one that has gas attachments for mig welding. I've got to say that mine surprised me with the flux-core, mostly cause it actually lays down good beads with it, and it doesn't look like bird crap. But mig is definately better and cleaner. I'd say get one that starts off with flu-core (like the lincoln's) and practice with that until you get decent, then use the gas attachments for mig...that way you don't end up wasting gas until you get some practice in and get used to the welder and it's settings.

 

Yup, got the same Linc. Weldpack 3200HD and am about to graduate from fluxcore

 

220v is definitely nicer to use. You don't have to work your gun as much to push the heat and filler into the base metal.

For 110v you will just have to travel slower and work your heat. Birdshit welds come from someone that doesn't know how to set his welder, control his bead, and work the heat.

 

just because the welder isnt 220v dosent mean it is going to lay down "bird ----" welds. Just leams its not going to be able to weld as thick of stuff. 110 is the way to go. Unless you have a shop or the money. My millermatic 135 has never let me down. (I only use it for automotive) -Nick@Tubros

 

110 welders suck..if there not name brand......miller..or lincon are the ---- when it comes to 110....other then that..it is birdshit....