Buying a welder

[Terry Morris]

I'm considering buying a MIG welder. I noticed Harbor Freight had one on sale for $199 but I don't know what features are important - is a cheap one just a waste of money? I want it for light duty use - any suggestions would be appreciated. I have a big CO2 tank I use for an airbrush. Could I use the same tank for a MIG welder?
Terry

 

[DC KNIVES]

Terry,if you want it for light duty, it will probably work.Check the duty cycle, it will say 20% or 30%, that means you will only be able to weld 10 or 15 minutes an hour.At $199 I imagine it is going to be Flux-core wire, which doesn't need a shielding gas.If it is regular wire you will need a bottle of inert gas.Argon or an Argon-CO2 mix is best. Straight CO2 is colder and wil not weld as clean.If this is something you will use all the time,buy something better.Good luck, Dave

 

[Terry Morris]

Thanks for the info. It was a big help. This one could use the gas (reconditioned) but the duty cycle was only 16%. I think I'll wait - I'd rather spend more and get a nicer one. At least now I know what to look for and I know to figure in the price of another tank and regulator.
Terry