Garden tables, can someone recommend a basic welding machine? Can I use stick?

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Hi, I would like to build quite a few of these tables to hold my plants and was wondering  if it can be done with a stick welder like this https://www.harborfreight.com/weldin...der-64978.html. Or if something else would be better like a flux core (Easy-Flux 125 Amp Welder (harborfreight.com)). Thank you. Also are the parts called channel and expanded metal?



Last edited by Mghtfarms; 16 Hours Ago at 11:00 AM.
Reply:It sounds like you have very little welding background. I would recommend a Harbor Freight Chicago 170 with flux core wire E71T-GS or E71T-11 0.030" [0.8mm]. You find other about same type welders on Amazon and Walmart too. The 240 volt type works best . The 120 voltage type can hard to use as they weld cold or you flip the breaker.Dave

Originally Posted by Mghtfarms

Hi, I would like to build quite a few of these tables to hold my plants and was wondering  if it can be done with a stick welder like this https://www.harborfreight.com/weldin...der-64978.html. Or if something else would be better like a flux core (Easy-Flux 125 Amp Welder (harborfreight.com)). Thank you. Also are the parts called channel and expanded metal?




Reply:You could stick weld it if you had a lot of skills, otherwise I wouldn't advise it. Same for the flux core. Flux core is not great for thin materials and I think you would have a hard time with the expanded metal (assuming you are tacking it to the channel). I think a small MIG unit would serve you better. something like this https://www.harborfreight.com/weldin...put-64804.htmlThat unit has a variable inductance setting, so you could realistically use 100% CO2 gas for shielding, which is cheaper than argon CO2 mix.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:It is 1x1x⅛" angle iron flux core goes down to 20 gauge.  Flux core great for outdoor work.CO2 or other types gas will blow away outdoors.  All 120 volt welder I have own did not do well you keep the welding cold or breaker flipped. Dave

Originally Posted by Louie1961

You could stick weld it if you had a lot of skills, otherwise I wouldn't advise it. Same for the flux core. Flux core is not great for thin materials and I think you would have a hard time with the expanded metal (assuming you are tacking it to the channel). I think a small MIG unit would serve you better. something like this https://www.harborfreight.com/weldin...put-64804.htmlThat unit has a variable inductance setting, so you could realistically use 100% CO2 gas for shielding, which is cheaper than argon CO2 mix.
Reply:The expanded metal is very thin and prone to melting through.I'd use  a    MIGEasy-Flux 125 Amp WelderNot Available Until Mar. 18  if you need it now. I don't know how controllable it is at low settings.The expensive brand names seem to be better at that.Channel ?It's not traditional channel ironIt looks more like it's fabricated punched out of sheet steel.Angle iron is probably suited to doing that instead.Last edited by 12345678910; 14 Hours Ago at 01:19 PM.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Mghtfarms

Hi, I would like to build quite a few of these tables to hold my plants and was wondering  if it can be done with a stick welder like this https://www.harborfreight.com/weldin...der-64978.html. Or if something else would be better like a flux core (Easy-Flux 125 Amp Welder (harborfreight.com)). Thank you.
Reply:Welcome to the forum.here's a thread on the HF Easy Flux.https://weldingweb.com/vbb/threads/7...-Easy-Flux-125If you can wait it seems like a good machine.If yer budget allows the HF 140 is also a good choice.You can start with Fluxcore and then also have the option for Solid wire and shielding gas, of course it is more money plus the cost of the shielding gas jug.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:This from past post from California It is option a 120/240 voltage Dave This one? I like the dual function (flux or stick) and the rod holder is included. And dual voltage. A real ground clamp not a battery charger clamp.I expect you would be as happy with that as I am with my Amico.But it does seem to be a roll of the dice to buy any of these cheap welders. I would buy it. After checking it out, add the $21 3 year Amazon warranty!https://www.amazon.com/Welder-Weldin...s%2C346&sr=8-1

Originally Posted by Mghtfarms

Hi, I would like to build quite a few of these tables to hold my plants and was wondering  if it can be done with a stick welder like this https://www.harborfreight.com/weldin...der-64978.html. Or if something else would be better like a flux core (Easy-Flux 125 Amp Welder (harborfreight.com)). Thank you. Also are the parts called channel and expanded metal?
Reply:If welding the expanded metal with flux core, couldn’t the weld puddle be focused on the angle and the puddle quickly touch the expanded and back off or will it still burn through too fast for the puddle to cool?Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Mghtfarms

Hi, I would like to build quite a few of these tables to hold my plants and was wondering  if it can be done with a stick welder like.... Thank you. Also are the parts called channel and expanded metal?
Reply:I have two different thoughts regarding choosing a machine...If you're starting out welding, I think an AC/DC 240V stick welder is THE thing to get.However, with no experience and just wanting to get this project over with, I think a flux core wire welder would be easier. If you asked me to weld those tables up, I would use my Lincoln stick welder and 3/32 6010.In summary, if you are trying to get into welding, I suggest getting a Lincoln 125/225 AC/DC, a Miller Thunderbolt, or a similar machine used off Craiglist or whatever. HOWEVER if you just want to make the tables and get done with it, a low price flux core wire welder will be easier starting out. If at all possible, you REALLY want a 240V machine. Welding something like that, you could get away with a 30 Amp circuit. Doesn't need to be a 50 Amp.
Reply:https://www.amazon.com/MIG-130A-Volt...%2C409&sr=8-11Maybe this one? I dunno.
Reply:Looks great simple to use 120 & 240 voltsGreat price 👍 Dave

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

https://www.amazon.com/MIG-130A-Volt...%2C409&sr=8-11Maybe this one? I dunno.
Reply:

Originally Posted by smithdoor

Looks great simple to use 120 & 240 voltsGreat price 👍 Dave
Reply:I would purchase the Amico but did see till lately.  I am happy with my Harbor Freight 170.But do like idea of 120 and 240 volts my HF 170 is only 240 volt ⚡ .Dave  

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

I have an Amico HF start plasma cutter and I've been really impressed by it. Exceeded my expectations. The FCAW machine is linked to looks like it has the same ground clamp as my plasma cutter. Honestly, it's a nice clamp. Copper strap between the jaws and all that. WAY nicer than the one that comes on a Harbor Freight 170 or 180.
Reply:like already mentioned,  I'd buy a MIG machine. Much easier. once you get the hang of it, that expanded metal will go real fast with a mig.....  kinda like quick spot welds.... zap zap zap zap zap.Miller 211Hypertherm PM 451961 Lincoln Idealarc 250HTP 221  True Wisdom only comes from Pain.
Reply:Yes. It looks like channel.  Probably recycled from.shelving system or maybe it is shelving?Good luck.
Reply:

Originally Posted by John T

like already mentioned,  I'd buy a MIG machine. Much easier. once you get the hang of it, that expanded metal will go real fast with a mig.....  kinda like quick spot welds.... zap zap zap zap zap.
Reply:

Originally Posted by tapwelder

I have nwver foimd expanded metal to.go particularly fast.  Layimg it.out.and cutting can.be.a.pain.  then weldimg.it... How many spot weld....500 spots later..it is steell noisy.
Reply:Expanded steel is so much fun to work with.I use grinder on light gauge and a torch for heavy gauge. Welding is is part.Dave

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

The glass top on my "wrought iron" patio table broke and we decided to replace it with expanded steel. Ended up just taking it to a shop with a CNC plasma table to have it cut and welded in. Turned out really nice. It's pretty heavy gauge steel and they just welded every 6 or 8 inches all the way around. Think the table is like 5 feet in Dia.
Reply:

Originally Posted by smithdoor

Expanded steel is so much fun to work with.I use grinder on light gauge and a torch for heavy gauge. Welding is is part.Dave
Reply:Curves not to bad I use a string and soapstone for layout. Then 4½" grinder to cut out circle.I did all this before cnc/robots.It is cheaper than sending out . Dave

Originally Posted by 52 Ford

Straight cuts are fine. Gets tedious doing big, curved cuts and that sorta thing. Let the robots cut the tedious stuff.
Reply:The wife saw something similar to what you are wanting to make, but used pressure treated wood, stair stringer’s, 2x4 steps and frame, and set buckets with plants on each tier.