How thin can you go with harbor freight 115v welders?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:05:46 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for How thin can you go with harbor freight 115v welders?

I'm looking for a welder that can handle 1/16" to 1/4" steel.  My first project is on 1/16" steel. I've read on the internet that the harbor freight 115v flux core welder will blow through thinner metal; so I want to be sure it will weld down to 1/16" without blowing out.  I understand the operator has a lot to do with it, and I will practice first, and I have no problems converting the welder to DCEN; if it will help.  I'm on a pretty tight budget. So, what do you say?  Would you recommend the harbor freight 115V flux core welder?
Replyower end should be good on 1/16" but not easy, especially on things like but joints, but under real world conditions you'll top out at maybe just a bit over 1/8". To do decent welds on 1/4" steel, you are looking at a 230v 180 amp class mig, not a 115v one, no matter what the manufacturers lit might try and tell you. You simply don't get enough input power out of a 20 amp 115v circuit..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by sven556I'm looking for a welder that can handle 1/16" to 1/4" steel.  My first project is on 1/16" steel. I've read on the internet that the harbor freight 115v flux core welder will blow through thinner metal; so I want to be sure it will weld down to 1/16" without blowing out.  I understand the operator has a lot to do with it, and I will practice first, and I have no problems converting the welder to DCEN; if it will help.  I'm on a pretty tight budget. So, what do you say?  Would you recommend the harbor freight 115V flux core welder?
Reply:I'm a beginner at arc welding. My little Performax 110v inverter arc did ok first attempt on 3/32" thick mild steel. It was a square edge but joint. Being a low power welder I plan bevel the edges in the future for better penetration. I also realized my vision is a bit poor and ordered a 3X cheater helmet magnifier hopefully I'll see and follow the groove better.