What welder should I buy to weld TC cam tab gussets?

Just wrecked my truck which bent the shite out of my driver side lower control arm mounts and those super shitty LCA cam tab gussets that were actually already bent on my truck just from offroading (just not as bad as they are now obviously). Just straightened out the mounts by beating the shit out of them with a rubber mallet and a piece of wood in between the two mounts and thought I’d take this opportunity to learn how to weld and do the Total Chaos Cam tab gussets instead of trying to bend back the gussets. Always wanted to learn to weld anyway

Was at Harbor Freight today and almost pulled the trigger on this flux welder just to learn on and dick around with for the random times a year I need to weld something around the house: Thoughts? Called my friend who works as a mechanic and he said he would never buy that and it wouldn’t be strong enough for what I wanted to do. Said to just give him the $150 and he’d do it after work one day. Seen decent reviews on it on YouTube though?

 

I wouldn’t buy that. For a MiG, you really should get one with gas capability. Shop around, and you can pick up a good name brand at a decent price. I have a Lincoln Electric 135SP plus - older unit but is a good work horse for a 120V unit.

 

I went with this..... Along with a cart and a bottle of Stargold. We have fabbed a bumper and some other items and is still going so far....

 

how much did the Stargold run you? I saw this welder there too but was hoping I could go the cheap route without having to buy gas

 

The Vulcan or Titanium brands at Harbor Freight are vary good welders.

The craptastic Chicago Electric flux core units have ruined a lot of peoples experiences on learning to weld. I'm a skilled MIG wilder and have a hard time making these rigs produce nice welds. Do not get one of these.

Spend a little extra and get a gas capable MIG welding rig and have the welder for a lifetime. When the cost is spread over 50 years, its not much money. They are not cordless drills that wear out in 3 years.

The Vulcan MIG Max 215 is one great welder and Harbor Freight is very good about backing up the sale IF you have problems. Look at some YT vid reviews and you will see that they are a good deal.

Come over to the "anything welding " thread and ask the same question. You will get much info to help with your decision.

 

I bought the big bottle per my little brother who welds for a living, think I spent $200 on the bottle deposit and gas or so. But it'll last for quite a while here.

 

Give the local welding/gas supply shops a call as well. I bought mine and they gave me a full gas bottle for free.

 

Whatever you do, make sure you are buying the tank and not renting it.

 

A friend of mine TIG welded my tabs.