Anything welding

Alright, so I wasn't sure if I should start a new thread or ask here.. figured id just ask you guys because 748 pages is rough to read lol

I know absolutely nothing about welding other than I've wanted to try it for a few years. Obviously as a beginner I won't weld huge projects, but if possible (In the very distant future) I would like to try a cab mount relocation, archive shock relocation, or maybe even build my own shock towers, bumpers, etc. the possibilities are exciting.


The downside is I have more exciting ideas than money
so im wondering if the harbor freight titanium 125 would suffice? seems like an upgrade from this one? maybe??

 

I’ve got the smaller one and I really really like it. Bigger one is just that much more awesome.

 

I would personally save up some extra and buy a welder than can use shielding gas and isnt flux core only like the titanium 125 that you linked is. Just going to give you more options down the road

Something like the MIG 140 (for ~400) or the MIGMAX 140 ( for ~570) for harbor Freight offerings. Id also take a look at the Hobart 140 which is ~500.

 

Some people will tell you different and I am by no means an expert but I own the cheaper of those two welders and I am happy with my purchase. I feel comfortable welding 1/4” steel reliably on the correct settings.

The titanium would be nicer than the Chicago electric because of the increased adjustability and improved duty cycle, but for me it wasn’t worth the extra $70ish. I built an entire rear dual swing out bumper for ~$650 including everything - all tools, supplies, wire, paint...

Main thing is practice. I would say that it would be nice to have more adjustability learning so you don’t have to compensate with how you weld as much, but it also could be overwhelming.

 

Or look for a used machine. Hobart, Miller, ESAB, etc all have better support and better machines than HF and will be more fun to work with, not to mention probably last longer.

 

Another truss on a d44. This miller machine is just about broken in I’d say

 

im having a hard time believing this did not warp.

 

If the fit up was good pulling things where they needed to go and the welds were spaced out.

Why would it pull out of shape.

Granted with no thought and just welding it would be a mess.

The trick is knowing how to use the fit up and welding to pull things to the position you desire .

I learned this in school before the dinosaurs .

 

When I was a kid we had a hacksaw, one blade, and half the teeth were missing, that was it. We were poor.

 

Beautiful!

 

Anybody else find themselves doing this?

 

...not my first rodeo

Time and variance of weld location are your friends in situations like these. Cool down process between welds is key... otherwise you’ll have an oversized banana like you’re saying

 

Yeah, same. This guy owns a company.

 

You will never break that habit even worse then nodding your head

 

So those TC alignment tabs I welded the other day was for my photographer buddy, and he wanted to take pics while I worked. I thought these came out pretty cool and wanted to share.

As you can see I like to get up close and personal with my work lol

 

Those are great pictures, I can’t see that close, lol.

 

Welding .065 metal sucks ass.

 

That is some thin iron.

 

What is that contraption?

 

I just figured it was art. No?