Tool

what welder would be better a 115 volt from northern tool or a campbell hausfeld . in the 250dollar range .?

priced one at tractors supply 199.oo an one from northern tool for 249.00 tractor supply flux core wire only , one from northern tool was a 130 flux core wire or gas will be used for automotive repair . both welds uo 3/16 thick material, but i have never welded before an didnt wont to buy one that dosnt work well or hold up . thanks for any help.[ pete]

Public Comments

1. I bought a Lincoln flux core mig from costco. when welding light metal do a spot then go an inch away and do another spot 1/8 of an inch. then come back and do the same beside the one spot you just did keep doing this a spot at a time. this stops the light metal from getting to hot and stretching and warping. you should look at spending around $400 for a 85 amp- to 135 amp. around 85 amp will work on regular house current and will be usable most anyware
2. Flux core is useless on thinner material / automotive work. If you gave me a flux only welder, I would sell it and buy a different one. I recently helped a friend do some rust repair on his Jeep at his brothers house who only has a flux. I wanted to go home and get my gas / wire feed to finish it. If you buy a welder with a gas shielded weld, I would recommend C-25 gas, not straight CO-2. The c25 produces less spatter and a nicer weld. If you are going to buy a welder, you can try the flux core, but buy one that will also work with shielding gas. Also, I wouldn't buy anything other than a Miller welder for what you are doing. I know others who have cheaper machines, and they wish they would have bought a better one. You need precise heat control for thin sheetmetal so you don't burn through. The cheaper machines don't always have enough adjustment for heat / power.