Clarke VS Harbor Freight?

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I was thinking about picking up alittle stick welder to learn on. I was thinking on buying the harbor freight arc 120 but now i might consider buying a clarke. Anyone know what is better. I thought clarke was built in italy but im not sure. Thanks
Reply:Honestly I would say its kind of a crap versus poo situation with Clarke and HF. BUT to answer your question I think they are both on par in terms of what you get in terms of fit and finish as well as reliability.'Mike
Reply:I would buy a machine that you plan on using not just learning on.  If it is just to learn a new skill take the $$$ and go take a class at the C.C.
Reply:Yeah honestly buying either of those machines is almost like tossing the money away. Its almost impossible to sell them and get anything for them. Check into HTP Invertig 160 or 201(this is an AC/DC unit) and on the lower price end would be maybe a Thermal Arc dragster 85. Buy something you will want to hang onto or you can at least sell and get something in return for it. Also going to transformer(non inver types) you get a LOT more machine for a LOT less money. A Miller Dialarc is a good choice for something to learn on that has AC and DC. Look around at Lincoln, Miller and thermal arc for non inverter based machines.'Mike
Reply:Why don't you get a used or new Miller thunderbolt AC/DC or a Lincoln AC/DC or HOBART  Then you can get RESPECT AND PARTS !Take good care of yourself buddy!Go to a real welding store. You will need good advice and technical support. You wont get that at Harbor freight i can tell you that!Should we come down there and HELP you?  Alright!! HaHaHaHaHahhahahhhahAWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Here is the dream....Go to a major welding store of your choice, or two or three stores.Buy a new welder and THEN go and get your self a nice dinner or treat!!Hahahahahhahahhahha... SeriouslyAWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Trust me i know how and what type brands of welders to buy. I have a lincoln mig. All i got right now is 120v wired out to the garage. I thought i herd some good about clarke i guess not. I was just asking for thoughts on the two. A maxstar is too much $$$ right now but i am starting to like the thermal arc dragster 85. I know shes small but it seems pretty good for my needs. Any thoughts on it? I know thermal arc is good. Anyone got a dragster 85?
Reply:How many Clarke or Harbor Freight SMAW machines do you see kickin' around at your buddies farms and shops? Everytime I see one of those, it looks like an attempt was made to use it, it fell short and it got put in the corner.
Reply:Originally Posted by welderShaneTrust me i know how and what type brands of welders to buy. I have a lincoln mig. All i got right now is 120v wired out to the garage. I thought i herd some good about clarke i guess not. I was just asking for thoughts on the two. A maxstar is too much $$$ right now but i am starting to like the thermal arc dragster 85. I know shes small but it seems pretty good for my needs. Any thoughts on it? I know thermal arc is good. Anyone got a dragster 85?
Reply:I used the T/A Dragster85 for a small misc. metal company and it works nice for what it is. Don't expect it rock 3/32 and don't even pretend you can weld 1/8 ANYTHING. But for lighter stuff its a good machine. My thing to you is this; do you NEED this right now and do you need to stick weld? If you just need a decent welder I would check out a 110v mig like a Hobart handler 135 or something in that class. If I were you I would wait to buy your stick machine until you can buy something you really want and not something you are settling for. Wait if you can.'Mike
Reply:Clarke actually makes pretty good stuff with a good warranty.My little clarke stick welder was 110 so it was ac only and not real powerful.I don't regret purchasing it early on though.My 110 wire machine will weld much hotter though.A stickmate or tombstone dc capable would make you happier if you can get 220.pro-level dumpster diver                                     Hobart 125EZ
Reply:Originally Posted by ironman715I used the T/A Dragster85 for a small misc. metal company and it works nice for what it is. Don't expect it rock 3/32 and don't even pretend you can weld 1/8 ANYTHING. But for lighter stuff its a good machine. My thing to you is this; do you NEED this right now and do you need to stick weld? If you just need a decent welder I would check out a 110v mig like a Hobart handler 135 or something in that class. If I were you I would wait to buy your stick machine until you can buy something you really want and not something you are settling for. Wait if you can.'Mike
Reply:I have had both the DRagster by Thermal Arc and the Harbor Freight.  I sold the TA to someone more interested in names and bought the HF used for $75.00. I have welded on boat lift supports on steel docks, tig welded, and various projects around the house. I cannot say that it is as durable as the TA however I have seen it thrown into tool boxes and left on the bow of workboats as water sprayed.I have been a professional welder for over 25 years. Good dependable equipment is nice to have. I will not be getting a Lincoln SA 250 to fix my lawnmower. What I use at home works well for me. I am pretty sure I can do some things with my $159.00 welder that others may have problems with the "good equipment". That being said, investing the money in a training class will help the most. Learning to weld with a 80 amp inverter is not suggested. I would develop some skill, save some money and get something a little bigger.The mainn thing I use the 80 amp inverter for is welding 3/4" emt conduit to make my wife chicken pens. 3/32" 6010's or 11 are the limit and those are a bit of a pain. A  miller thuderbolt is nice for the price and with the AC/DC model, tig welding can be done. It is a power hog compared to an inverter. But if you are only occasional weldiing, it may not be a concern.GeraldHave a nice dayhttp://www.weldingdata.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by gaustin It is a power hog compared to an inverter. Gerald
Reply:Several years ago, I was on vacation and needed to do a light repair job.  Northern Tool was running a special on 110 V Clarke stick welder so I bought one with nothing in mind but to do the one job.  With the amperage cranked, it would not burn 1/8 6011.  I found some 1/16 6011 and the little critter lit it up and performed very well.  You really don't want to consider a machine like that for anything critical that requires penetration but, for sheet metal or non-load bearing applications, it does okay.  I actually used it a couple of times after that before I sold it at a yard sale for $45.00.
Reply:I questioned the local repair shop regarding a used TA 85 they had. The response was it's a great little - stressed little - machine as long as you don't have any problems with the boards. If you just want to learn stick get some 220 and a Lincoln AC225. Probably half the pros on here started on one (it was a Monkey Wards AC buzzbox in my case though I have two ac225s sitting in the back of the shop for when more machines are needed). I really don't think you would be satisfied with any 110v stick machine unless you spend really big bucks.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.