80 amp inverter JUNK DOA

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:05:43 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for 80 amp inverter JUNK DOA

So I came across one of those 80 amp HF machines for $40 and figured id try it out. Now going into this I knew not to expect much, After all it was only $40. It stick welded ok with some 6013, wouldn't trust it on the job but  it wasn't complete garbage. I was looking forward to seeing what it'd do when I hook up my field torch to it and  tried it on some s/s. Now I usually use a miller maxstar in the field or we have some good ol 3 phase dc welders. So im not a hobbyist by no means and I weld Daily at home and work. So anyhow i strike an arc for all of 3 seconds. About enough to get a puddle , a dab, then itd drop amps/loss of power. Most you know what I mean if you ever used a cheap machine before. Every once in a while id luck out and itd get to going ,id get a nice little inch or two out of it. Well I had it sitting there power on, only used it for a short time and then I look down and no light on, no fan running. Just a dead hunk of china crap on my floor. Now again I make a living welding and do it everyday. Ive read where people try to argue how these chicago machines are good and blah blah. It was only $40 but ive seen them on ebay for close to $200. Save  your moneyLast edited by Millwright86; 05-21-2016 at 03:36 AM.Norweld NL-130"The bug" wnp-200 HF 80
Reply:It actually welds really well. You are the first to complain about it. You also have to keep in mind it's a stick welder. When you Tig with it if you get too close the arc will drop by design. It's the anti stick feature for stick welding (Since there is no Tig mode). The fix is simple. Pull your arc back out and it will go back to full current in a second or stop and start again I have one and that's how I learned to Tig. No complaints.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I would say out of all the chicoms, harbor freight is a stand behind company, so even if you have an issue, you can find one to drive to , to get warranty or exchange without any grief...
Reply:Not exactly "Dead on Arrival" if it works.......
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleIt actually welds really well. You are the first to complain about it. You also have to keep in mind it's a stick welder. When you Tig with it if you get too close the arc will drop by design. It's the anti stick feature for stick welding (Since there is no Tig mode). The fix is simple. Pull your arc back out and it will go back to full current in a second or stop and start again I have one and that's how I learned to Tig. No complaints.
Reply:I had one of these machines and returned it.  It just didn't have the 80 amps advertised.  The cost of these 80 amp machines is no longer competitive in today's market.  This unit has been around for over ten years, has not seen an upgrade to features, but the price keeps going up.  With the increased purchase price, extra cost for extended warranty, cost of better leads plus the higher cost of buying small diameter 1/16 or 5/64 rods, it just doesn't make sense.  A much better value can be had for one of the small dual voltage machines.  People like the return policy from HF, which I agree is a very good thing (I used it), but ultimately I needed a better welder.  If they would upgrade the 80 amp machine to actually produce 80 to 100 amps, add a digital display with some decent leads and hold the same current price,  they could have a winner.
Reply:Originally Posted by Dee_veloperI had one of these machines and returned it.  It just didn't have the 80 amps advertised.  The cost of these 80 amp machines is no longer competitive in today's market.  This unit has been around for over ten years, has not seen an upgrade to features, but the price keeps going up.  With the increased purchase price, extra cost for extended warranty, cost of better leads plus the higher cost of buying small diameter 1/16 or 5/64 rods, it just doesn't make sense.  A much better value can be had for one of the small dual voltage machines.  People like the return policy from HF, which I agree is a very good thing (I used it), but ultimately I needed a better welder.  If they would upgrade the 80 amp machine to actually produce 80 to 100 amps, add a digital display with some decent leads and hold the same current price,  they could have a winner.
Reply:The dual voltage is also a very small lightweight machine and mine has the nice solid handle.  Never cared for just the strap.  It should be small enough to hide and I also found it is a lot quieter.  The 80 amp made a high pitched noise from the fan which forced me to wear earplugs.  The dual voltage is quiet enough so no plugs.Get a dual voltage and you'll never  look back.Last edited by Dee_veloper; 05-22-2016 at 10:25 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by Dee_veloperThe dual voltage is also a very small lightweight machine and mine has the nice solid handle.  Never cared for just the strap.  It should be small enough to hide and I also found it is a lot quieter.  The 80 amp made a high pitched noise from the fan which forced me to wear earplugs.  The dual voltage is quiet enough so no plugs.Get a dual voltage and you'll never  look back.
Reply:Originally Posted by CaliforniaThat one sounds like a better choice. Source, name? Link?
Reply:Originally Posted by Dee_veloperLongevity Stickweld 140.  Available online from various 3rd party sources or directly from Longevity.  Prices/shipping/warranty options vary by source.
Reply:buy welder at Home Depot and have delivered to store.1) they are responsible for stolen or lost boxes2) they are responsible for damaged boxes and you can not accept package and get refund3) 90 day return to store policy and if you prefer to pay extra you can get a 2 year return to store policy.not a issue if you have any problem with machine up to warranty expired. same as any item and any store. usually if it going to break it breaks first 90 days providing you use it often first 90 days. not smart to buy any item and have it sit unused til warranty is expired then decide to try it and then acting surprised if you have any problems.
Reply:Originally Posted by CaliforniaThanks.The Amazon reviews for that are all over the map. From Excellent down to DOA.  PIA.
Reply:Originally Posted by Dee_veloperI felt that if it had 4 out of 5 stars or so it would be fine.  I also ordered mine through a brick and mortar store.  I found that approach to be safer since I could return an immediate problem machine.
Reply:There are many welding choices out there.  Longevity is just one.Mail order is always riskier.  Amazon is usually quite fast, but the option to purchase from a brick store is always there.  Purchase direct from the manufacturer is usually more expensive.  Longevity may match an advertised price and possibly throw in shipping.  Never hurts to ask but their extended warranty is likely to be much more expensive.I found many negative comments were also from people who were not verified purchasers.  Many commenters might not be fully informed either. Some comments are old and out of date. The current warranty is one year without shipping.  Extended warranties from the outlet stores often include shipping costs as well as repairs up to the price of the purchase.Most stuff is manufactured in China.  Anything can end up being a lemon, it's just the global economy we live in.
Reply:Of the popular imports, Longevity would not be my first choice... For example, the Everlast 140amp is cheaper and has a 5 year warranty, and many more reviews on Amazon. It also comes with a case and tig torch.Last edited by KMA; 05-26-2016 at 09:35 PM.Everlast PowerMTS 211Si
Reply:Been off here for a while been down in texas working. I just wasn't a fan of the little 80a inverter.  I didnt have much into it only $40 off craigslist. It did weld well with 6011 considering what it is. Maybe using a syncrowave , maxstar and bobcat daily have raised my expectations and standards of machines if you know what I mean. Was just a deal breaker when the power light and fan goes off while it sits idle momentarily.Norweld NL-130"The bug" wnp-200 HF 80
Reply:Great little welder, but not for beginners. Light years ahead of the 80-90a buzzboxes. Any one with some hood time will be able to do a good job with proper rod selection. And no, it won't perform like like my Dynasty  200 dx. For a toaster sized welder it's got the thumbs up from me.