Looking at this welder...

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I am looking at getting a Campbell Hausfield Flux Core Wire Fed Auto strike welder. PN# WF2050.The reason I like this welder is that it is in my price range, and seems easy to use. I am going to be doing mostly exhaust tubing (16 gauge aluminized) is this welder a good choice? Keep in mind I dont have enough money for a gas mig. Also any tips/tricks, size wire to use on 16guage exhaust tubing would be much appriciated. thanks!
Reply:Have you looked at the lincoln 175 if you have 230 volt avail. if not the 135 is a nice machine and is 120 volt.Then there is the millermatic 135 or 175 as well.I chose the millermatic passport and am very happy with it but it is alot more money.It does gas or flux core and is multi voltage which for me is important for portability.Nobody moves nobody gets hurt(safety first)millematic passportmiller 375 plasmacutter
Reply:it will work for what you are saying you want to do.  as far as the correct wire, i will let others who weld exhaust tubing more tell you as i am mostly a stick kind of guy.  just a question.  have you considered a stick machine?  it is within your price range and you have a wider range of application.  i have welded exhaust several times with a stick and it works great.  i had a thunderblot ac machine for years before it went south.  it was used and i bought it with new 20' leads for 75.00 from a pawn shop.  i used a 6013 or a 7014 rod for exhaust. just a thought.
Reply:Flux core on thin tubing is tough and has a much greater tendency for burn-through.  Gas is the better way to do it.  Is aluminized like galvanized, but with aluminum?  The coating might pose a problem either way.  You may have to grind off the coating to weld and then re-apply it after welding.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Yeah, I was looking at getting a stick welder but from what everyone was telling me about burning through i thuought that a flux core welder would be better and make better, stronger welds on 16 gauge aluminzed pipe.
Reply:Well you'll be able to get by with flux only on decent exhaust. It's just not a top choice is all. With flux the smallest wire will be .030 and flux is more penetration and less fill than solid. But if All I had was a flux rig I'd make do and do fine. I can tell you that if you plan on butting some rusted out crap up against new pipe, you're gonna have fits with anything. Knowing the difference, and if I was looking for a nice rig to do exhaust and more, one limited to flux only wouldn't be my choice. I'd get a dual function machine that would give me all sorts of choices.  I am very empathetic to budget issues, one thing I do tend to take issue with is bottom of the line machines. Not that a guy needs top of the line for everything but some cheap equipment is actually a waste of money and can end up being a budget buster. You've spent money on soemthing that isn't going to pull the wagon. I'd look around for a clean little used brand name. Nothing wrong with that. Get something comparable to the weldpac 100 gas ready or one of the 135/140 class machines gas ready. If you get some money saved up, upgrade to gas.
Reply:my first welder was a thunderbolt ac unit.i welded a exhaust on two trucks, several fourwheelers/threewheelers, and a couple of riding mowers.  on the tubing, you can use a 3/32 rod and fly with it.  i would use either a 6013 or a 7014 rod.i know everyone is a mig fanatic and i probably would be too if i had one.  but i love my stick.  i am now having fun learning dc welding.
Reply:BlackHow much exhaust do you plan on doing?  How clean do you want it?  Are you doing other thin gauge metals? I'd agree with Sandy, look for some used stuff.  If you cannot get a quality mig, then I'd to with stick. You can find good quality sticks for 100 dollars.  I have a dragster 80 by thermal arc(stick/tig),  I happened to get it for 100 dollars.  Got an old 220v for $25, though 50-100 dollars seems to be standard.          There several factor to consider when purchasing a cheap mig--the motor must be strong enough to push the wire, Spool size( small roll are expensive, should be able to handle 10lbs.)  Quality of the internal parts( can be frustrating in the spool holder breaks and you cannot purchase a new one or the tensioner strips and you cannot tighten the rollers to the wire).  Quality of the gun. Availibility of replacement parts.You could rent a mig welder to get your project done.  A cheap mig might cause more frustration than it is worth.I prefer stick first, then flux core, I MIG only when cosmetics are important.
Reply:for my welds,6013 - it leaves a nice profile.  i would give the profile a 7.5-8.  i can make the weld look great but most of the time it isn't going to matter.7018 - it leaves a beautiful profile.  i would give it a 8-9.  i simply love this rod.  it is used for all structural, life important welds.7014 - it leaves the best profile.  i would give it a 9-10.  this rod can actually run itself.  as far as cosmetics are concerned this is the rod of choice.  anyone can run this rod and make a pretty weld.6011 - it leaves an ugly profile.  i would give it a 4-5.  you can manipulate the rod to get a better profile, but that is not really the intent of this rod.