Reasonable Welder for go kart/ mini bike

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I've searched these forums time and time again to find many answers, but not a clear answer to this one.  I'm looking for the lowest priced option for a welder to do go kart frame work and small motorcycle frame work.    Unfortunately I understand that I would be unable to use a 90 dollar harbor freight model (even though it is still tempting). I also understand that smaller units can be pushed to do anything by the flame gifted individual.  I am not.  I am new and plan on much practicing.  Therefore, I'm more concerned about price, and have no problem at all spending half my day sanding, grinding, and generally taking the super slow approach.  220 is also NOT an option.  It's looking like an O/A set up is what I'll probably go for off of Craigslist, but would like to hear some suggestions.  Also, what's the minimum power I need for this type of work?Cheers,bob z
Reply:spend 3 to 4 hundred on a good 110 fluxcore/gas mig..you wont be sorry.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I am also new to welding but what is wrong with the mig 100 welder sold by harbor freight?  I have seen it in their store several times and it looks like an okay machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by Robert MI am also new to welding but what is wrong with the mig 100 welder sold by harbor freight?  I have seen it in their store several times and it looks like an okay machine.
Reply:My experience with Harbor Freight stuff is you get what you pay for.  And most of their stuff is JUNK.  If you're hell bent on wasting $100 though...Matt in OKCLincoln 175HD
Reply:i have a clarke 90 amp mig fluxcore it does me fine i only weld as a hobbie id imagine it would be fine for what you are doing, mabey an oxy act would be good aswell if you have that tig will be a breeze i have heard.have fun-Ryan
Reply:Okay, If a harbor freight mig 100 is not the machine, what welder would allow me to weld 1" angle iron 1/4 to 1/2" thick and  medium gauge trailer iron?  I only have experience with MIG but would it benefit me to switch to TIG?Thanks for any help you can lend.Bob
Reply:Originally Posted by Robert MOkay, If a harbor freight mig 100 is not the machine, what welder would allow me to weld 1" angle iron 1/4 to 1/2" thick and  medium gauge trailer iron?  I only have experience with MIG but would it benefit me to switch to TIG?Thanks for any help you can lend.Bob
Reply:I really like the Clarke stuff.  It looks kinda cheap but I've had no problems.  I've never used the welder though.  I do have several other Clarke items though.  I really like the little lincoln I got, it welds good.  It keeps me from having to pull my welding trailer to the shop when I need something small welded.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:I've found a coworker who just recently bought an 80 amp max Clarke 110 volt (no gas).  Unfortunately he knows nothing about welding, however he has agreed to let me borrow the thing so as long as I pick it up from his house and buy some wire.  I'm definately going to try playing with it for a few hours to see how I like it.  Is this machine with such limiting power, able to securely fasten the frame of a go kart or mini bike together?   Or would I just be wasting my time completely?Either way I'll check it out, waste some wire, and god willing, create some type of beautiful abstract art to throw in the guest room.  cheers,bob z
Reply:You must be from the United Kingdom, right?
Reply:Can someone explain to me what makes any MIG Welder Machine a good welding machine?  Also, What makes a good welder choose a TIG Welding Machine versus a MIG Welding Machine?Thanks,Robert M
Reply:Originally Posted by Robert MCan someone explain to me what makes any MIG Welder Machine a good welding machine?  Also, What makes a good welder choose a TIG Welding Machine versus a MIG Welding Machine?Thanks,Robert M
Reply:Nothing beats a mig on production work though.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:So I'm going to go ahead and assume by lack of answers that a welder with this much power does have the strength needed to safely weld together a go kart without the needed addition of gas.  I'll practice this weekend and hopefully turn a shopping cart into a go kart within the month.bob z
Reply:If you are going to get a 120 volt machine, my recomendation would be an American brand like Miller.  At least 130 amp.  I bought a gold star Miller 130 several years ago and I picked it because the wire feeding mechanism housing is metal and all the other ones I saw, including Lincoln had plastic housing.  You can weld 1/4 or even 1/2 if you make several passes.  I'm 90% tig, but I do like my little Miller.  By the way, I bought it at Northern.
Reply:I'm planning on getting something like miller or lincoln when I do purchase.  However, after reading, I am wanting to spend more than I have, so I'm going to wait.  I don't like waiting though, so I am still planning on practicing with this and putting a kart of some sort together.  Craigslist has all sorts of free small engines available for pick up in my area, and I'd like to be able to have knowledge for when I am able to pick up my own welder.  I do appreciate the recommendation and will look into it.And no, not british.bob z
Reply:You would probably want a small wire machine. I have a clarke ac machine in stick and it works great for the money. I'm not british either. I was confused,mine says made in Italy.I just bought a cheaper model to see if I would enjoy it that much.They had the clarke machines around here at ace and farm +fleet and menards stores.Welding Depot on the internet has the best price and great service.
Reply:I don't understand why I've not heard anyone tell Bobby to try stick welding? To begin with Bobby stick welding will get you out a lot cheaper and the welds are much stronger as far as I'm concerned because of better penetration and that counts a lot on moving things like a go-kart or mini bike. Mig 'Looks' great but with a steady hand so can stick welding. Just what I think anyway as I have both. What I need is a tig that will do aluminum for a price my wife won't kill me over. Now help me out Bobby,,,,what the hell is 'Craigslist', I've never heard of it, and I'm old,,,,,lol,,,,,good luck with what ever you do get. Chuck @ Hi-Tec Tool Inc. a machine shop in Sugar Tit South Carolina ! And for those of you who don't get out much, Sugar Tit is a small community located between Greenville and Spartanburg South Carolina.
Reply:Uhh, you're letting the LACK of an answer determine your safety related questions???  WOW, whatever you do, please do a little more research first !  That question has been answered two dozen times in the last 6 months on this forum, a little more searching and you'll come to realize that many many many of these guys are professional welders and they buy the best because their work, lives, and incomes depend upon it.  It's hard to get a professional to endorse the use of an inferior tool.A stick welder will give you the best versatility, and not the cleanest welds (like you mentioned).I purchased my Lincoln wire feed at home depot and I really like it, it is much easier than stick.Let us know what you decide.Good luck. Originally Posted by bobby zSo I'm going to go ahead and assume by lack of answers that a welder with this much power does have the strength needed to safely weld together a go kart without the needed addition of gas.  I'll practice this weekend and hopefully turn a shopping cart into a go kart within the month.bob z