Cheap flux core mig

[Old Doug]

Not sure were i got it but i have a cheap 110 mig and i need to weld a washer on a 5/16 rod at another shop away from any welder. I bet i got this welder out of the trash ??? some were and last night i got it working. Has anyone here used one of them much?

 

[DDoug]

a 2lb roll of .030 gasless flux core from HF would be my best guess.
Have used it, have not used anything more expensive, to judge otherwise.

Have read online forums touting "Blue Devil" flux core as being better.
Have to order it online though.

But on a Sunday, the convenience of HF can't be beat, and at 2lbs your not
too committed as you would be for 10-11 lbs.

BTW make sure you check polarity, as gasless flux core run's opposite
of some other wires.

 

[92U 3406]

Not a fan of 110 migs. I bought one brand new a few years ago and its more useful as a door stop. Half the time I can't even get a tack to stick to the base metal with it turned up to max. Will barely put a passable weld on exhaust pipe its so pathetic.

 

[DDoug]

Not a fan of 110 migs. I bought one brand new a few years ago and its more useful as a door stop. Half the time I can't even get a tack to stick to the base metal with it turned up to max. Will barely put a passable weld on exhaust pipe its so pathetic.

Some of the first ones were so bad....to make them sell for $99 they:
1. got rid of the contactor, so the wire is hot all the time, trigger just turned
on the wire feed.
2. got rid of the diodes, and the welding was done with A.C.
3. got rid of a multi tap transformer and just had "hi" and "low" settings.

they have gotten better over the years.

 

[92U 3406]

Some of the first ones were so bad....to make them sell for $99 they:
1. got rid of the contactor, so the wire is hot all the time, trigger just turned
on the wire feed.
2. got rid of the diodes, and the welding was done with A.C.
3. got rid of a multi tap transformer and just had "hi" and "low" settings.

they have gotten better over the years.

I paid about $500 for mine. Maybe I just got one that slipped through quality control. I don't think I would buy another 110 machine unless I was able to try it out first.

 

[LN Pipeline]

My dad bought a Century 110 Mig welder about 20 years ago. It’s actually been a decent welder. I’ve run a lot of NR205 wire through it. It’s light enough to pack around by hand if you have to. I can’t say I’d recommend one, but it’s not a complete piece of junk. I think he only paid $130 for it at the time.

 

[John C.]

I've had a Hobart Handler 120 for over thirty years. I only use hard wire and 75/25 gas in it. Works OK on sheet metal and passable on 1/8 or 1/4" plate. I wouldn't trust it for anything structural.

 

[DDoug]

My dad bought a Century 110 Mig welder about 20 years ago. It’s actually been a decent welder. I’ve run a lot of NR205 wire through it. It’s light enough to pack around by hand if you have to. I can’t say I’d recommend one, but it’s not a complete piece of junk. I think he only paid $130 for it at

About that time, Century came out with a gasless only with a NiCad battery pack inside (remember those).
Was made for just the job the OP has.

 

[HarleyHappy]

I had a Hobart 140 Handler for 5 or six years. With a solid 20 amp outlet, it did pretty good for what it was.
Very useful for around a farm, paired with a Tombstone AC welder and a dryer outlet.

 

[MarshallPowerGen]

Old ones were ugly welds and splatter, but could make small stuff stick together.

The little green Harbor Freight inverter units are really nice for what they are. Cost nothing, weigh like 15lbs and much cleaner welds. Mostly just thrown in the work truck and repaired exhaust with mine.

 

[Old Doug]

I did a couple practise welds and welded what i needed to . I didnt like it the best but it will work. If i had some spare time i maybe would try to get better with it but it mite not get a lot better?

 

[HarleyHappy]

Gasless welds never look that pretty to begin with. Unless it’s a straight up fillet weld on super clean steel, almost always looks like some porosity and chewing gum fix but generally holds what you need within reason.
The people trying to rebuild a bush hog are not going to get it done with 15 amps.