So I have a couple of coupons saved up for harbor freight and have had my eyes and heart set on getting a welder for the better part of a year. With a newborn and being young cant swing $400+ for a big name welder but for around $100 I can get their 90 amp flux core welder. Does anybody have anything decent to say about it or should I keep looking on Craigslist for used big name machines

 

If its the one with gas and 240 volts get it

 

I'd save up and get a good used one. Harbor freight is great for some things but not major items like welders.

 

I'd buy a used Lincoln off Craigslist before I'd buy a chinese unit from HF or Northern.

 

AAhh its not that bad, good for someone who is not in bussiness and will be using it a few times in their driveway.

 

for a personal welder, its good, my buddy has the flux core 90amp welder that harbor freight sells, and has done c/notches, body drops and all that on s10's. Mind you, this was over 3 years ago, and they are still holding strong, and the welder is still working well. You just gotta practice and learn how to use it.

 

just don't break any of the plastic pieces, harbor freight doesn't have a service/parts dept.

 

If/ when I buy it ill be getting the unlimited warranty

 

Hope ya like welding for a few minutes then waiting an hour cause that's the duty cycle on harbor freight machines. I own one, it sits in the back of the shop under the bench cause I had to get a real one (hobalt). Harbor freight welders have short duty cycles, no fine controls, and use cheap parts. Personally I wouldn't weld on anything mine or others lives depend on with a welder that has no settings.

I have plently of HF tools (mini mill, mini lathe, press, hand tools) and happy with them. A welder save up for and get a good one. I got mine used for well over half what it was new.

 

I am personally going to get one from Nothern tool.