what kind of welder do I need?

[SeanHoughton]

Hello all,

I would like some advice on how powerful of a welder I need to weld some 1" mild steel square tube. Around 16 gauge? I would like to use flux core wire as well. Any and all advice appreciated.

THanks
Sean

[usmcpop]

A Handler 125EZ would do that. Other units would give you the option of using shielding gas some day, and a bigger welder is more versatile.

[SeanHoughton]

Thank You USMCPOP,

I live in Canada and that welder is not available locally. WOuld a welder with the following specs be sufficient?
Attributes & Specifications
Type MIG
Input Voltage 120V
Input Current 20A
DC Output 75A
Duty Cycle 20% @ 75A
Wire Feed Speed 98 to 750 inches per minute
Welding Capacity (metal) 22 gauge up to 1/8in.
Heat Settings 25 / 35 / 50 / 65A
Ground Cable Length 6ft
Shielding Gas Required Gas or gasless

Thanks
Sean

[calweld]

You left out the manufacturers' name .....

[Hotfoot]

I aklso reommend the EZ125..but only because you specify Flux Core as your choice. they are wonderful welders.

So, No Hobarts sold in Canada?? Pity...

I don't feel you can "Spec-Out" a welder and get the best...the quality in a Hobart or Miller, Esab, Lincoln goes deep into the quality of each and every component. I'm sure the Chinese machines have great specs, for example...but just do not weld as well as the big names.

[Roger]

1/8 inch 0.1250 inch 3.1750 mm

16 ga. = 0.060 inch 1.6 mm

So according to Princes Auto specifications for that made in china welder it should work.
Priced same as fluxcore only welder at 199.99 on sale.

6 foot work/ground lead is short. I wonder how long the electrode lead is? If it is less than 10ft, is it to save money or put less strain on weak wire drive motor?

Lincoln® Easy MIG 140 Welder 649.99 is much better welder.

Let us know how it it works out.

[usmcpop]

It is very hard to recommend a welder of unknown origin and dubious design. Most here prefer the tried-and-true brands. You can glue things together with lesser equipment, but it depends on what you are trying to accomplish and how long you need the tool to last.

Our Miller Dialarc 250 stick welder is about the oldest one made, circa 1974. Still welds beautifully and cost us $300.

[Northweldor]

Thank You USMCPOP,

I live in Canada and that welder is not available locally. WOuld a welder with the following specs be sufficient?
Attributes & Specifications
Type MIG
Input Voltage 120V
Input Current 20A
DC Output 75A
Duty Cycle 20% @ 75A
Wire Feed Speed 98 to 750 inches per minute
Welding Capacity (metal) 22 gauge up to 1/8in.
Heat Settings 25 / 35 / 50 / 65A
Ground Cable Length 6ft
Shielding Gas Required Gas or gasless

Thanks
Sean

Sean:

Where in wilderness Canada are you? I have 5 Hobart dealers within a 10 mile radius, and I'm sure that if you phone Hobart Canada at 1 877 422 9353, they will arrange to have a Handler or any other model delivered. Also, a 75 amp 20% duty cycle no name is not a good buy for anyone, except someone who is only going to do a few sheet metal jobs.

[usmcpop]

You can look up dealers here:

http://www.hobartcanada.com/

Oops, that's for the filler metals. Try this:

http://www.hobartwelders.com/wheretobuy/?type=equipment

[Blacksmith]

I'm pretty sure you won't be nearly as good a welder with what you listed as you will be with a Hobart 125 ez, 125 or 140. More than a few people have been frustrated and given up what is a very rewarding hobby/skill by starting with a marginal unit. We won't even talk about the $19.95 "toaster" arc welder my Dad bought out of the ads in the back of Popular Mechanics in the 1970s. He never mastered welding.