absolutely. I remember back in my agricultaral mechancis (shop) i dont think the libs will allow such things to be taught, you know, life skills, but our teacher had us doing all welding from tig to mig to brazing even solder. god I hated brazing, anywhoo some of the students like this gentle men had NEVER welded before, I was a hickerbilly so ofc i could weld stick or gun... but braze? I was down right laughable, still to this day 30 yrs later haha
@@dubb7530 Has nothing to do with libs, don't be paranoid, it has to do with lability, schools don't have shop class anymore because a kid gets hurt and the school is getting sued. Be nice if they'd bring them back though, everyone doesn't need to go to college(I'll give you that the idea that everyone needs to go to college is more of a lib idea) and we need skilled workers, it would introduce young men and women to other options.
So is the secret ingredient a little courage and humility? Not many guys would want to make their first welding attempt public. Thanks for showing us how it is done.
I’ve been watching videos as I’ve recently brought a welder similar to yours. They’d say with flux coated wire you need to reverse the polarity of the machines to stop all the splatter. I’m not sure if yours is set up that way but worth a check and test
In my 20’s I was a welder for a few years learned in shop class in high school, now in my late 60’s with more time than $$ I bought the cheapest Harbor Freight flux core welder $150.00 replaced my floor pans in my truck and having fun with it. And now my neighbor is tapping me on the shoulder 😂always a pleasure to watch Dave ☮️
I've got a cheapo flux cored welder but I picked a really good auto darkening helmet at a flea market new battery and outer cover I was in business! Welding opens a whole world of opportunity!
I've the exact welder you have, as a certified welder...20 yrs ago when I was building garbage truck bodies...pour the coals to it with this welder, heat setting on a higher setting, dial in wire speed. If ya blow thru, move wand quicker, or dial heat down a notch or two. Also, you don't drag the bead, you push it. So, when welding right handed, you weld right to left pushing the bead along as you go holding wand at angle ///// like this but more like a 45 degree to the work. That keeps the heat in the steel. I've welded a bunch with mine, for the price, it welds beautifully once correct settings, remember, amps are your friend when welding. Penetration is key to a weld.
I'm a complete novice. I bought one of these to do simple welds. With flux core wire, I was always told by people way smarter than me that "if there's slag, you drag." Is that not correct?
I learned in high school as well and I have worked with Boilermakers millwrights and pipefitters and im a union operator for 20 years. And I have always been taught and heard from some of the best welders in the country that our union has to offer. If it makes slag you drag you don't push. That's a new one on me. I will have to try that one. If it works goes to show you you never too old to learn something new. And I'm almost 60 years old. Lol
Hmm, learned something new, I'm so used to MIG as I've always pushed, habit I guess. Never really used flux core until this welder, all I've known was MIG steel/alum. Have to try it out next time I gotta weld something.@@zrxdoug
50-something here. I am taking a welding class at the local community college. I love that we get 3 hours a week hands on plus an hour of lecture. We also will work thru all the major welding types - stick, MIG, flux core… just a good way to dabble on the cheap
55 year old here, LOTS of soldering experience, zero welding, but it sounds like I'll pick it up fairly quickly with my soldering experience. I wish you the best results !
@@michaelb.42112 - you young guys make me laugh... I turned 80 last month and am about to buy my first welder. I did oxy/acetylene in college but that was 60 years ago so I'm starting from scratch - as well. Good luck all.
geezus I took a 7 month welding course at my local college and we got 3 hours of welding everyday(not once a week) with 45 minutes of lectures, hell we even got to build a full frame for a stock car racer. To actually pass the course each student had to design and build a 15ft bridge using Mig/Flux core welding, Stick, and Tig in all positions(vertical, horizontal, and overhead), plus pass a 6G pipe test.
There’s a phenomenon on RUclips, where you’ll have a very specific question about a car from the 80’s, or how to tie a bow tie, and the perfect teacher will present themselves at the click of a button. This is the first time I’ve been able to see the opposite end of the equation of a non relevant question being answered to such depth, great video!
I can barely see out of my welding helmet and I left the plastic on to protect it😂. Turns out it's just making it hard to see thanks to your video. I'm also a complete welding novice
So never welding before, I borrowed a buddy’s machine and with a bunch of donated steel shelving, I glued together my frame that supports my van build. What a feeling! I’m like a god! I can stick metal together! Now with confidence abound, I bought a production roof rack and cut it down to the size I needed and proceeded to glue it all back together. Three years later, everything is still intact and I couldn’t be happier. This video brings back great memories! Thanks Dave! Bryan from Vancouver
I love that welder. I bought the same one, built a time machine with it, traveled back to 2014, bought Bitcoin and came back. Now I'm a kabillionaire!!!! Thanks Harbor Freight!
Hi Dave, I bought one too a couple years ago. It took a bit but I got it figured out it's a good little welder. I have the same problems with the hood. I like you and Brooke's adventures. Thanks
As the KING of boogerweld land, you sir, are better than I at welding on your first day. In all fairness I have attempted to weld a total of 5 times in my 53yrs on earth. A true welder told me it takes many hours of practicing and I'm never going to be good at it trying it once every 10 years. Love you channel, keep the content flowin...
I bought one of those when they were first released, used it and abused it FOR YEARS until last month when it finally died after so many trips off-roading, and countless miles of wire run through it. I replaced it at opening the next morning. I've run that thing off of generators and solar inverters, and Blue Demon actually has a stainless wire that runs great in there if you need it. I've done as thick as 5/8" to 5/16" steel by just doing a couple extra passes. I LOVE that thing!!
I considered going to welding school , a guy on a forum said "you don't need that, for a fraction of that tuition you can buy a top of the line welder. Then practice with it, pass the basic test, and then get an apprenticeship." I dropped the project, because I have one bad eye that had cataract surgery , repetitive- strain neck pain, , and I do worry about breathing the fumes. I grew up in the 70's so I probably already have 3-4 lbs. of lead in my bones lol. I did watch Welding Tips and Tricks , as you probably have . That guy started a lot of carreers. Another great video Dave, thanks.
Helpful hint: crank the amperage up until it's possible to blow through ... say at about the 3 second spot if you held it in the same place.... now you'll have enough heat to keep moving the "puddle" from the puddle forward into the "needs to be welded" section in those circles, with your hands locked in somehow ... ya know... same as the guitar .... ya gotta be locked in then proceed..... lastly ... since you can blow through in 3 seconds.. the key to weld strength is penetration .... between 2/3 and 5/8 of the way through the material you're working with is about perfect... not too deep for blowing through but deep enough that the weld will actually do it's job. I'm sure you've figured out the feed speed so it's working for you.... Thanks Mr. Dave once again for the share sir !
I’ve got one just like it. I started building a rocket stove but was frustrated with my welds. You’ve inspired me to get my machine back out…thanks, Dave!
I've owned mine for about 3 years. I never really welded prior to owning it. Since then I've built about 12 barbecue pits (1/8-3/8) thick metal and done sheet metal repair on my 1951 and 1947 Chevrolets. Also sheet metal repair on a few other classic car projects. The work has turned out really great and I'm enjoying doing it. All on a Harbor Freight budget. I really enjoy your videos and way of living.
Dave I worked in a Foundry for a few years. And I learned how to TIG weld while I work there. I bought a MIG welder for the house just so I could weld a few things together. And I ended up welding my own bumper out of 316 plate with a small Lincoln hobby welder . My welds turned out very well my boss was very happy with my welding and he said that a hobby welder does a pretty good job just as well as a Industrial, as far as hobby welding goes. It's good for a quick fix when you need it
I can't tell you how refreshing it is to watch a video like this. I too bought that welder and my welds looked like yours. I also practiced a lot and now they're looking better. Thanks for your transparency and humbleness, the world needs more of it.😊
Dave, I've looked at this same welding machine for years but I know absolutely nothing about welding! However, I do have a strong interest in it! You've given me the courage to try it! Thanks for this video!
I'm not an expert welder either but I know more than a beginner. One of the best U-tube welder channels to watch ( Welding Tips and Tricks ) ! Jody Collier is able to explain welder set-up and the welding processes in a way I could understand them and my welding has improved a bunch. I do flux core welding mostly and it is a DCEN ( Direct Current Electrode Negative ) process and you need to check and make sure your machine is set up correctly and that will help imensley . If your weld bead stands tall, your setting is too low on voltage and wire speed. If the bead is stands low ( concave ) settings are too high, lower the voltage and wire speed until the beed stands a little higher than flush with the metal you are welding. I hope this helps you !
I've been watching you for a long time now, since I lived back in Michigan. You inspired my wife and I to take the leap off grid and we bought land in the Rockies in northern New Mexico and we did it. Got some videos of the area up on our channel, just getting started, and it's breath taking here. Thanks for the inspiration man.
Hi Dave I am a welder for over thirty years and I say your on the right track try to always go from bottom to top when you draw down it gives you a nice weld but no penetration. so your bracket instead of welding on the down hill practice gup hill this way you get more penetration and a stronger weld. it takes a while to get it but when you do it is like riding a bicycle you never forget how to! Now your using what is known as a flux core welding wire if you get a solid wire and run a gas it costs more but gives a cleaner weld you can see this on line watch some videos to see the difference! You would probably enjoy the gas shield wire better but it costs more to run... Happy welding!!!
Hood time, that's what it's all about. I learned on stick when I was 10 years old, so when we got our first MIG it almost felt like cheating! Fast forward almost 30 years and I've welded with nearly all processes available and gotten decent, somewhat good at them all...But, nothing satisfies me more than lighting up a 7018 rod with a fixed lens hood and just reverting back to the old ways... I've welded on many a railcar that is traveling all over this great USA and will always take pride in being able to make molten, liquid metal defy gravity. Love your perspective, keep up the good work!
How exciting!! I got my weld degree at 16. Have not used since. But I have 2 boys and dnl who weld on rail cars here in AR!! It’s a good trade in this day! I am proud they like what they do too
I love the coincidence that there was an ad for this very welder & it said basically everything you're saying! I know the ad was random but it was pretty cool to see it in action as you try it out! Hope you will continue to enjoy the use of it & will share your future projects!
I started welding with a craigslist Hobart 125 flux core and you really do get the hang of it after about fifteen to twenty welds. Super fun. I'll never be a real welder, but I can stick stuff together and make and fix stuff and the beads look pretty good. Gotta love flux core. So convenient. And low start up cost.
I built a whole trailer with my Hobart 125EZ. It is a great little welder and everyone that looks at my trailer wants to know where I bought it. They can't believe I made it with a 110V Flux core wire welder. All the welds are ground smooth with a flap disc and it is all 1 1/4" square tubing. It is a nice little trailer.
@@jasonbusch3624 Right on, man. Glad to hear it. I'm really happy with mine. As long as you have a wire wheel to knock off the slag, or like you say some flap discs, the welds clean up nicely. I bet you saved a ton of money making your own trailer, too. Gotta love it.
@stuck1000 it actually cost almost double what I could have bought one from TSC Lowes or Menards but it was way nicer and heavier duty. Have not had to touch it in 12 years except for repacking wheel bearings and 4 sets of tires.
So I have been on the fence about investing in equipment and going to a class to learn to weld OR just taking my projects to a pro...this video is by far the most helpful in understanding which direction I want to go!! WELL DONE and thanks!!
I bought the 170 to serve as my aluminum spool gun addition to my repair arcenal and it's been a good machine. It was interesting and frustrating at the same time watching the progression from way too fast, no puddle control to passable weld with apparently good tie-in on the edges of the weld bead. Nicely done...first-timer! Of course it helps that a guy named Dave Whipple has quite an extensive toolbox of skills already - a good starting point for someone new to the process!
I bought this welder, also with no experience, and built a large retaining wall, garden edging, and a sail shade pole with it! Fun learning curve, and satisfying to stick metal together!
Great video. This little unit is a MIG (metal inert gas ) welder. Mig welders are constant voltage power supplies, so you set the voltage and wire feed speed on the dials. The machine delivers the amperage needed to weld. Stick welders are MMA ( manual metal arc ) and are constant current power supplies where you set the amperage. On a slightly more expensive multi process welding machine there will be a switch to change between the two modes. With fluxcored wire the inert gas is generated as the flux inside the wire is heated.
I am NOT a welder but I got one of these and with a lil help from a professional welder I was able to build a trailer using that lil welder. For the money its not bad. Awesome video, really enjoy your videos. Hoping one day I'll be able to find some land and live a more simple life.
I bought my first Harbor Freight welder, heck it's still my first and only welder, a Dual Mig 171 and use it still. I need to do a HD video of it, last video was in 360 or 480p, before HD. But I've built a log splitter with it, repaired a Ford Ranger, boat trailers. I only started welding because I could afford to start welding.. so I don't forget that when I think about upgrading.
I did ornamental iron works with a cousin. He never let me weld or even practice, but had an idea about it. Seeing you practice has given me the confidence to try it. Had some laughs and fun watching you. You did great! Thank you!
Thanks Dave!! When I worked in grad school- they had everything set up- all the gases- all the different types… soooo nice to see your video. Made my day!
I bought one based on your video. So... Today two internal brackets for the fairing on my Electra Glide broke off. Horrible rattling. Called Harley. They want $95 a piece for them. Time to get the welder out and go to school. Same story as yours. For less than $200, I repaired $200 worth of brackets. I'm glad I watch you man. Thx.
Welding two lumps of metal together is I find, very therapeutic. I taught myself to arc weld 50 plus years ago through necessity, the welder guy who turned to weld together my new trailer frame was to drunk to stand up, so, I gave it a go myself. There sure wasn't any youtube videos to go watch back then, but after a few burnt through holes and half a dozen stuck rods I soon worked out how the power adjustment wheel influences the whole process. I still have, and regularly use the same trailer, it has never needed welding since, so I must have done it okay. I have a CO2 welder, which is okay on very lightweight metal, but if it is heavy duty stuff, I much prefer arc welding. I also taught myself do oxy-acetalyne welding too, on all sorts of metals from cast iron to lead. I think my next step now I have retired is TiG. Many thanks David in the UK.
I'm a retired aircraft technician. The only welding training I've ever had was Oxyacetylene. All my tig/mig/arc has been self taught. I have this same HF welder great For small stuff. Bigger stuff I use a DC stick. It's a lot of fun teaching yourself, and taking pride in your weld quality. Have fun Dave. I do!
Great way to start Dave, I bought a craftsman flux welder 24 years ago and done a lot of home projects with, including floor pan replacement. Practiced for a while and became walk in the park. I’m not a professional welder by all means, but there’s a since of gratitude doing it myself. I noticed you were missing the shield, it will help keep the welds cleaner. Good luck!
I’ve been welding professionally for over 10 years and welding before that. I’ve had one of these for about 3 years they work. Worth the money to stick some stuff together and you can even get nice looking beads out of it beings how cheap it is. They work just fine keep up the videos man
Yup, learning just like you. Nothing to do but to do it, right. Those charts give you a starting point, it's learning to analyze your weld and make the appropriate adjustments to those settings. also managing wire stick out, it's a balance of wire feed and how fast or slow your welding. Definitely a worthy skill to add to the tool box.
I did the same thing, almost-I bought the same welder. I also read the directions, and then supplemented with RUclips-doesn’t take long to make passable welds. One thing I do is a “cold run”with the handle over the work to get muscle memory and find the best way to brace your hand. Most importantly: Definitely get a good auto-dark helmet!
I've had a HF flux core welder for a couple years and never really used it because I didn't have a proper helmet- aka -couldn't see jack! I went a step below HF and found a basic helmet on Temu for $15. Haven't used it yet but serendipity sent your vid at just the right time. Thanks for the motivation!!
I'm about to set up at home as a "welder" - I did oxy/acetylene in college, but that was 61 years ago...! I've also been watching the same YT videos but they don't show just how bad first attempts can be so... if my first attempts are as rubbish as yours i would otherwise have returned to cabinet-making. But to then see how much better you can be after an hour or two is so encouraging... As always - Thank you, thank you.
Thanks Dave Whipple for “honest” trial, demonstration and test ( I love your admitting using the RUclips University). “Welding by smell” and two attempts of puddling and missing the joint and your helmet film removal = hularious! It has been GREAT catching up with Mick and Belle’s channels. Loved your window seat at the coffee shoppe! Love the WHIPPLES !
Literally last week I was looking at this welder and trying to convince myself that it would be a cheap way to learn basic welding. I plan to figure it out as I go, just like you did. Thanks for the video!
love it! I picked up a cheap YesWelder 135 flux core unit off Amazon this year and I've done a couple of small DIY jobs - not the prettiest welds but they are functional and that's good enough for me!
great segment Dave. I've thought about getting a small welder but have absolutely no experience at it. was good to watch you start from zero and progress through passable, functional welds. thanks for sharing.
Dear Sir, my wife has mentioned to me that we need to buy a new Lamp Post Light, but they go for around $300 and I thought about repairing the old one but need to hire a welder to fix several problem areas. After watching your video and admitting that you're not a PRO, I'm willing to follow in your footsteps. I'm glad that there are guys out there, like you who admit I'm not a pro but this is what I did. Thank you, Gil in Massachusetts
I bought the same weld machine almost 2 years ago and hasn't even been out of the box. No experience whatsoever. But after watching your video, guess I'll get it going. No guts, no glory.
Thank you very much for inspiring me. I have some minor repairs that I need to do at home, but getting a welder to fix them for me has been challenging because they all think it is too small of a job. So I decided to go to harbor freight, get a welder, and do it myself. I'm an electrician and good at building things. I'll do a little more research on RUclips, and I'll give it a try. Thank you once again.
Practice, practice, practice. Really watching the puddle and slowing down are key to success. I like to do little “e” motions when I weld instead of circles but either works. Play with wire speed and amps too. You’ll get better!
I bought my dad one of these exact welders to help him do a fairly big project and I was incredibly impressed with it. I had everything shipped to his house from Harbor Freight, helmet, wire, minor welding tools, exc. Everything worked well, to the point that I might get one for small projects around my house since it’s so much lighter than my heavy welders.
Arkansas abounds in Tornado shelters ... they're everywhere. This new work should get really interesting in more ways than one! God Bless you all, Brother :)
You have totally right attitude to learn this. Keep it going. When you are able to do steel structures you need for yourself it is a big step already. On that moment you do not need somebody else to do it for you. From that point you can only get better until your eyesight is lost or hands are not stable... I started with a stick welder and I think your choice is better to get familiar with this topic.
The realest video I’ve ever seen not someone cutting corners explaining like they know everything everyone else don’t your just honest and explaining your journey for other people to see and experience as well awesome!!
My hats off to you! That is no doubt one of the most helpful how to videos I've ever seen on anything. What a breath of fresh air it is to have someone post a video from a complete novice point of view. I'm sure there are other videos on RUclips done this way, but I watch how to videos on a regular basis (daily) and do not recall seeing one produced by someone who has virtually no knowledge of the subject matter. I can't imagine a more helpful video when it comes to taking away someone's doubt or apprehension about learning a new skill. Nicely done!!
I have always liked your no nonsense approach to things, life etc. This is a good review and hopefully encourages others. Why not buy a welder watch RUclips and go for it! I did the same and it works. Another radical video!
Love this one! It's like watching myself my first time trying welding. Good on ya, my father welds for a living so I've seen it and heard it (the sound of what a good weld should sound like) my whole life, but never did it myself. And still did the same as you in my 40's when I finally bought a chineseium multiprocess welder from amazon to fix a disc harrow that broke on me last year. Took me a while to dial in my helmet to where I could see what I was doing too without being 1/2 scared that I'd go blind.
I welded things for 10 years with 2 harbor freight welders. Chicago electric Flux machines, one 120v and the other 240 volt. I built a trailer and 2 garden tractor end loaders and countless other repairs and builds. I had about $400 in those welders and made/ saved tons of money building and repairing things for myself and others.
Awesome video just grind the metal clean before welding for no spatter and a better weld and put a 45 degree edge to be welded for better penetration and a place for the bead to sit : )
Man this is amazing! I've had this Welder all set up ready to go for months but have been apprehensive to actually get it going... This video has really inspired me as I also have no previous hands on knowledge but want to learn for weekend projects. Thank you for this!
I have the same welder I use at home for small projects and for quick lighter duty work around the homestead and it's fine. I've been welding for around 50 years so I do have a bit more experience than most , but it's not my main job description even though I weld frequently on stainless, aluminum and mild steel. I restore classic cars and have done bodywork the majority of my life where welding is a big part of the job. My other welder at work , is an almost $4K Lincoln welder I have for doing my "real work" with and obviously it is miles above the Titanium one but for the average homeowner I found the Titanium one works great for small jobs. Do be aware though the the flux core wire will leave microscopic bits of flux inside a weld which makes a weld slightly weaker and rust prone, however a flux core wire works much better in outside conditions where you may have wind to contend with that will blow away the shielding gas's like what is used with my Lincoln welder and with any other solid core wire . If I can offer a suggestion after seeing your welds Dave is to increase your heat and decrease your wire speed by one notch each as well as pushing your weld instead of dragging it and you'll get much better penetration and better looking welds. That's where most people mess up, not enough heat or to much wire and an improper technique , which leads to the "bubble gum " looking welds ,,hope that helps. Also on thinner materials < 1/8 " you'd want to do a series of spot welds in different areas , then fill in between using the same method to decrease warping your material , but that mostly applies to sheet metal up to about 1/8 ". Other wise on thicker stuff , a few spot welds to stabilize and align what your welding then just run with a full weld which will work fine on thicker materials. The Titanium welder also has a short duty cycle meaning you may have to weld for shorter periods before having to let the welder cool off a bit before proceeding , so basically you could only weld for 10-15 minutes continuously before having to let the unit cool down. Where as with my Lincoln welder I could weld 2" thick materials or even thicker, till the cows come home without stopping. But that type of welder you'll have to pay dearly for and there not necessary for the average Joe just wanting to fix his garden tractor or to do other light jobs with . Honestly those little Titanium welders really rock IMHO if you use them with-in there limitations and there a really good starting point for the beginning / occasional welder or just to have around your home shop for small repairs and they will defiantly do the job for you . I know mine has surprised me more often than not on what it can actually do. Longevity wise ,,that I don't know about sense I've only had it a short time and have used it infrequently so far , my Lincoln on the other hand I've had for 20+ years and it's still going strong and never failed , but at the time I bought that one , you literally could have bought a really nice used car for about the same price . So that's the nitty gritty on these small inverter welders as i see it.
Hi Dave. I bought the same welder as you have a few years ago, and in a pinch it performs pretty well. I also have a better quality welder with a gas bottle and it makes a nicer weld. If I have a small job I use this one. You know the saying, a grinder and paint makes me the welder I ain't. I think you will be happy with this one. Thanks for another video.
My brother in law beat me to it. He purchased the welder, but I actually went for it. To my surprise, I repaired my tow hitch. No, I don't tow anything. I just wanted to repair it. I treated the rusted areas and bam! Weldded some reinforced plates. I walked away feeling pretty good and enjoyed the video. Im certain my welds won't get an A, but you couldn't beat the plates off, lol. Thanks👍
Hi Dave, I’m glad to see you!! Yep sticking metal together is definitely something a fella should be able to do! Every handy fella needs a mig welder! It sure is helpful to able to make what ya need out of strap laying around the ole homestead. I have found that clean metal is so much easier to weld, also make the temp a lil hotter than the chart says so you can dial it back. Always start on scrap the same thickness you want to weld. Go slow and practice. It’s really fun to be able make stuff that makes your life and the job easier. Thanks Dave God bless you and the family
One thing I’ve learned from welding is to torch the metal a little before you start a pass. It not only gets rid of moisture but also has heat in the metal so you don’t start a cold weld. A cold weld will start super narrow and be very weak until it starts to heat up to actually melt the filler wire and 2 pieces of metal together.
This was my first welder learned a lot with it gave to a friend and he learned with it and still has it we still use it to this day works great great welder to learn with and good job on ur first try
Props to you man! I just picked up this welder about a week and ago I've been watching videos on it. I'm not a welder by any means but I wanted something for the house. This just gave me the little boost I needed to go ahead and strike an arc to knock out some small jobs at the house.
I’ve been looking at these. It’s funny because I always wanted to weld but was always intimidated by it and never had a chance, and I was at Harbor Freight one day 15 or 20 years ago and they had a book on sale for $.99. They talked about Welding and explaining what it was and how to do it, and I read the book and said this seems pretty easy to me and went out and bought a Lincoln welder for 700 bucks and taught myself to weld from that book. I wouldn’t say I am amazing at it but my stuff doesn’t come apart, and I welded parts on my four-wheel-drive, off-road vehicles and ATVs, and made a kind of ghetto version of an ATV And welded parts back on tractors and mowers and if anybody even considers wanting to weld, I say go for it. And this is a super cheap and easy way to get started, fluxcore Welding is going to be a little sloppy and make some splatter, but it works And is a good place to start and practice and be able to do it for cheap. Once you understand the basics of the science behind Welding and how your hardware works it’s really not all that difficult and this kind of fun and can save you a ton of money. If you crack, some of the framing structure of your trail or something you could easily spend 150 bucks plus trying to get it fixed for somebody else to weld it but this welder will do it and you get to keep the welder and learn something. The auto darkening welding helmet, which they also sell at Harbor Freight for pretty cheap and they work OK it makes a huge difference especially when you’re beginning. When you’re looking through a dark lens, it can’t see anything it’s hard to get started and you have to start by field. Trying to see what your Welding is probably the hardest part and the auto darkening welding helmet really helps, they also sell markers where you can draw white line on there to make it a little easier to see another trick is to put a good light behind it so your helmet and you can still have something to see until your ark starts. The cool thing, as far as building, stuff and DIY, and just repairing your own junk, it kind of opens up a whole New World and a lot of options, now if you’re gonna build a work table, you don’t have to do it out of two by fours anymore you can build it out of steel And you can make a lot of things yourself that you normally wouldn’t buy because they’re ridiculously expensive. I think for the price of this welder, spending a couple hundred bucks for that and a decent helmet and some gloves and a cheap welding jacket is worth it. It’ll probably pay for itself pretty quick and, it’s fun
Hey Dave, you are a true life saver! I have been contemplating on buying this exact model from HF & was hoping someone would do a review on it. Now I feel confident that this welding machine will be a good starter for a Novice welder just like you. Thanks again & keep on putting out great videos as always. And stay “ Radical “ 😊
I can’t tell you how happy I am to see this. I bought the same welder and had the same dalmation splatter spots all over the first time. Bring a fan of yours it helps to know that I’m not the only one and just need to try again
Your welds are getting better as you practiced so just keep practicing and it will become easier. Don't be afraid to ask for advice and for the help from others that have more experience it does wonders. My welding shop teacher in high school rest his soul welded railroad cars together and a ton of other experience welding and boy am I glad he taught me. He had a lot of good knowledge and experience that he passed along to me.
I’m impressed! I started on my farm with stick welding with a Lincoln buzz box. Those wire welders r great for almost any small job! I hope they pay you for the video/ad
Awesome. Lots of questions I have had and wanted to see you have done. SO appreciate you. Some would say, "You should never get a flux core welder...get a MIG welder with a Argon tank or whatever that means, and NOT a stick welder is best, blah...blah...I just don't want to drop $500.00 of something I might rarely use, so, I very much thank you for this video.
I have seen good reviews on this welder. It's what I am about to buy. I like the fact that it's fluxcore which allows you to be able to weld with deep penetration, and outside in all of the harsh elements. No gasses to worry about so you do not have to be indoors to weld with it.
Not often would I want to give you advice but this is one of those rare instances. I’ll try to find an email to send you my contact info. A few simple but easy things and you’d be doing real welds that will actually hold things steady and true. Great video. Take care Dave
I’ve taken in person classes but I know how intimidating this can be - such a great video, approachable and useful as always. (Also much love for the t dub in the background!)
I've been wanting to learn how to weld for years, but never gave it a try. I guess it's time to watch some welding videos and then visit Harbor Freight. Thanks for sharing.
Feels like this is just the year for this sort of thing. I have a bachelor's in accounting and sick of having trouble finding work and dealing with office politics when I do have work. More so, I hate that I don't feel like I'm doing anything tangible. Been on a bender of picking up cars from auction or cheap around town and working on them. I've got an old beat up pickup that runs solid and looks beat up and ugly (1995 Silverado k1500 in case anyone cares) and I love the thing! Because of the body rust I've been going down the road of learning to weld and wow. I haven't made the jump to buying a cheap welder yet (probably next week. I've got projects to finish this week). And apparently it's not unusual to turn this into a career of doing small repair projects around town or fabricating things like furniture. Nice to know that others are learning this sort of thing around this time too.
I have an old similarly operated welder in my garage that "came with the house" when we bought it. I'm not sure if it even works but every time i go to the garage i see it and think that one day i'm gonna give that machine a try and learn to weld at least somewhat decently. Maybe i'll give it a try now that i've seen a fellow novice get that good results in relatively short time!
This is the content I need to know. Thanks from someone in my mid 50's with limited auto shop skills, mostly no experience, so this will be fun to watch, and hopefully helpful. I have lots of soldering experience from working in the music industry in the 80's, but welding is new territory I've always wanted to own on a budget since my projects are so far and few between. I like 6:55 where it looks like a stack of coins, which is the goal of welding so I've researched.
You're so much better than me when I first bought it during covid. I bought it to weld restaurant stainless so it has more learning curve and even have to switch the lead to dcep so it wouldn't heat the base metal. Flux core it's always hard to see with so much smoke it easier with gas. This is why fc is designed for outdoor use.
I appreciate this video. The only welding experience i have is the continuing education class that I took at my local vocational school. I think you did an excellent job with your review!
Hello! I do welding often at work with .045 wire and with gas. I’ve been looking into this welder as my first one for at home. I’ve been watching videos for reviews and seeing how well it works. I gotta say, this was quite comical to watch so Thankyou 😅
I used this welder about 2.5 years ago to weld suspension brackets on the Suzuki Samurai and it has held up on the FWY and off roading without incident.
The definition of bravery is posting welds to the Internet. To post your FIRST welds on a popular YT channel is downright legendary.
I appreciate that
No doubt! He opened himself up for sure
Lol truth. Great job with it and thanks for sharing.
absolutely. I remember back in my agricultaral mechancis (shop) i dont think the libs will allow such things to be taught, you know, life skills, but our teacher had us doing all welding from tig to mig to brazing even solder. god I hated brazing, anywhoo some of the students like this gentle men had NEVER welded before, I was a hickerbilly so ofc i could weld stick or gun... but braze? I was down right laughable, still to this day 30 yrs later haha
@@dubb7530 Has nothing to do with libs, don't be paranoid, it has to do with lability, schools don't have shop class anymore because a kid gets hurt and the school is getting sued. Be nice if they'd bring them back though, everyone doesn't need to go to college(I'll give you that the idea that everyone needs to go to college is more of a lib idea) and we need skilled workers, it would introduce young men and women to other options.
So is the secret ingredient a little courage and humility? Not many guys would want to make their first welding attempt public. Thanks for showing us how it is done.
I have been holding off trying this machine out because I wanted to catch that FIRST time experience. No excuses.
That helps with many things .
I’ve been watching videos as I’ve recently brought a welder similar to yours. They’d say with flux coated wire you need to reverse the polarity of the machines to stop all the splatter. I’m not sure if yours is set up that way but worth a check and test
#HumbleDave 🎉
@@1154seanyit's Flux core only, it comes setup for Flux core no need to check the polarity.
Unless someone changed it which is very unlikely.
Brother, I'll give you mad props!! I'm actually a welder/fabricator for 30 years and you'll never see my welds on RUclips, respect!
I, too, am a fan of grinders and paint.
In my 20’s I was a welder for a few years learned in shop class in high school, now in my late 60’s with more time than $$ I bought the cheapest Harbor Freight flux core welder $150.00 replaced my floor pans in my truck and having fun with it. And now my neighbor is tapping me on the shoulder 😂always a pleasure to watch Dave ☮️
Don't forget the other thing you learn in high school something about gas and grass. Welding isn't free 😊
same here. I weld every 5 to 10 years and am glad i learned in highschool. Now my kid is so much better I leave it to him
I've got a cheapo flux cored welder but I picked a really good auto darkening helmet at a flea market new battery and outer cover I was in business! Welding opens a whole world of opportunity!
My brother has been welding for $20 years and swears by this exact welder since he discovered it 2 years ago.
I've the exact welder you have, as a certified welder...20 yrs ago when I was building garbage truck bodies...pour the coals to it with this welder, heat setting on a higher setting, dial in wire speed. If ya blow thru, move wand quicker, or dial heat down a notch or two. Also, you don't drag the bead, you push it. So, when welding right handed, you weld right to left pushing the bead along as you go holding wand at angle ///// like this but more like a 45 degree to the work. That keeps the heat in the steel.
I've welded a bunch with mine, for the price, it welds beautifully once correct settings, remember, amps are your friend when welding. Penetration is key to a weld.
Sometimes you learn WAY more in the comments section than the video provides. Such is the case here.
I'm a complete novice. I bought one of these to do simple welds. With flux core wire, I was always told by people way smarter than me that "if there's slag, you drag." Is that not correct?
@@scttmtclf
No you got it right..pushing flux just contaminates the weld pool.
I learned in high school as well and I have worked with Boilermakers millwrights and pipefitters and im a union operator for 20 years. And I have always been taught and heard from some of the best welders in the country that our union has to offer. If it makes slag you drag you don't push. That's a new one on me. I will have to try that one. If it works goes to show you you never too old to learn something new. And I'm almost 60 years old. Lol
Hmm, learned something new, I'm so used to MIG as I've always pushed, habit I guess. Never really used flux core until this welder, all I've known was MIG steel/alum. Have to try it out next time I gotta weld something.@@zrxdoug
50-something here. I am taking a welding class at the local community college. I love that we get 3 hours a week hands on plus an hour of lecture. We also will work thru all the major welding types - stick, MIG, flux core… just a good way to dabble on the cheap
I’m 48 and have been planning on taking a similar class at the technical college near me.
@@markgallagher1376 I'm also 48
55 year old here, LOTS of soldering experience, zero welding, but it sounds like I'll pick it up fairly quickly with my soldering experience. I wish you the best results !
@@michaelb.42112 - you young guys make me laugh... I turned 80 last month and am about to buy my first welder. I did oxy/acetylene in college but that was 60 years ago so I'm starting from scratch - as well. Good luck all.
geezus I took a 7 month welding course at my local college and we got 3 hours of welding everyday(not once a week) with 45 minutes of lectures, hell we even got to build a full frame for a stock car racer. To actually pass the course each student had to design and build a 15ft bridge using Mig/Flux core welding, Stick, and Tig in all positions(vertical, horizontal, and overhead), plus pass a 6G pipe test.
There’s a phenomenon on RUclips, where you’ll have a very specific question about a car from the 80’s, or how to tie a bow tie, and the perfect teacher will present themselves at the click of a button. This is the first time I’ve been able to see the opposite end of the equation of a non relevant question being answered to such depth, great video!
I can barely see out of my welding helmet and I left the plastic on to protect it😂. Turns out it's just making it hard to see thanks to your video. I'm also a complete welding novice
So never welding before, I borrowed a buddy’s machine and with a bunch of donated steel shelving, I glued together my frame that supports my van build.
What a feeling! I’m like a god! I can stick metal together!
Now with confidence abound, I bought a production roof rack and cut it down to the size I needed and proceeded to glue it all back together.
Three years later, everything is still intact and I couldn’t be happier. This video brings back great memories!
Thanks Dave!
Bryan from Vancouver
Good man
I love that welder. I bought the same one, built a time machine with it, traveled back to 2014, bought Bitcoin and came back. Now I'm a kabillionaire!!!! Thanks Harbor Freight!
Can you send me plans for that time machine?
Hi Dave, I bought one too a couple years ago. It took a bit but I got it figured out it's a good little welder. I have the same problems with the hood. I like you and Brooke's adventures. Thanks
@@paulf1177 The equations are in Ronald Mallet's book!
@@paulf1177 the equations are in Ronald Mallet's book. Good luck!
As the KING of boogerweld land, you sir, are better than I at welding on your first day. In all fairness I have attempted to weld a total of 5 times in my 53yrs on earth. A true welder told me it takes many hours of practicing and I'm never going to be good at it trying it once every 10 years. Love you channel, keep the content flowin...
The best quote I've heard for when your welds aren’t pretty is; "a grinder and paint make me the welder I ain’t". Love the content!
So many people out here have used this video to get started and I want to say thank you!
I bought one of those when they were first released, used it and abused it FOR YEARS until last month when it finally died after so many trips off-roading, and countless miles of wire run through it. I replaced it at opening the next morning. I've run that thing off of generators and solar inverters, and Blue Demon actually has a stainless wire that runs great in there if you need it. I've done as thick as 5/8" to 5/16" steel by just doing a couple extra passes. I LOVE that thing!!
Fantastic! This is how videos should be done! Simple, informative, great edits, no extra bla bla bla! Well done
I considered going to welding school , a guy on a forum said "you don't need that, for a fraction of that tuition you can buy a top of the line welder. Then practice with it, pass the basic test, and then get an apprenticeship." I dropped the project, because I have one bad eye that had cataract surgery , repetitive- strain neck pain, , and I do worry about breathing the fumes. I grew up in the 70's so I probably already have 3-4 lbs. of lead in my bones lol. I did watch Welding Tips and Tricks , as you probably have . That guy started a lot of carreers. Another great video Dave, thanks.
Helpful hint: crank the amperage up until it's possible to blow through ... say at about the 3 second spot if you held it in the same place.... now you'll have enough heat to keep moving the "puddle" from the puddle forward into the "needs to be welded" section in those circles, with your hands locked in somehow ... ya know... same as the guitar .... ya gotta be locked in then proceed..... lastly ... since you can blow through in 3 seconds.. the key to weld strength is penetration .... between 2/3 and 5/8 of the way through the material you're working with is about perfect... not too deep for blowing through but deep enough that the weld will actually do it's job.
I'm sure you've figured out the feed speed so it's working for you.... Thanks Mr. Dave once again for the share sir !
Dave I was always taught.."A grinder and paint makes me the welder I ain't.." You did good 👍.
I like your disclaimer at the beginning. So open honest and up front. Hard to find that these days in between clickbait and bashers.
I’ve got one just like it. I started building a rocket stove but was frustrated with my welds. You’ve inspired me to get my machine back out…thanks, Dave!
I've owned mine for about 3 years. I never really welded prior to owning it. Since then I've built about 12 barbecue pits (1/8-3/8) thick metal and done sheet metal repair on my 1951 and 1947 Chevrolets. Also sheet metal repair on a few other classic car projects. The work has turned out really great and I'm enjoying doing it. All on a Harbor Freight budget. I really enjoy your videos and way of living.
Dave I worked in a Foundry for a few years. And I learned how to TIG weld while I work there. I bought a MIG welder for the house just so I could weld a few things together. And I ended up welding my own bumper out of 316 plate with a small Lincoln hobby welder . My welds turned out very well my boss was very happy with my welding and he said that a hobby welder does a pretty good job just as well as a Industrial, as far as hobby welding goes. It's good for a quick fix when you need it
I can't tell you how refreshing it is to watch a video like this. I too bought that welder and my welds looked like yours. I also practiced a lot and now they're looking better. Thanks for your transparency and humbleness, the world needs more of it.😊
Dave, I've looked at this same welding machine for years but I know absolutely nothing about welding! However, I do have a strong interest in it! You've given me the courage to try it! Thanks for this video!
Congrats on 50K RGL! You helped bring me back into the hobby after a 20 year hiatus, and also bring the youngsters in my family along for the ride.
I'm not an expert welder either but I know more than a beginner. One of the best U-tube welder channels to watch ( Welding Tips and Tricks ) ! Jody Collier is able to explain welder set-up and the welding processes in a way I could understand them and my welding has improved a bunch. I do flux core welding mostly and it is a DCEN ( Direct Current Electrode Negative ) process and you need to check and make sure your machine is set up correctly and that will help imensley . If your weld bead stands tall, your setting is too low on voltage and wire speed. If the bead is stands low ( concave ) settings are too high, lower the voltage and wire speed until the beed stands a little higher than flush with the metal you are welding. I hope this helps you !
If I'm not mistaken, this machine is strictly AC, so polarity is kinda moot.
You were genuinely having a good time with it. Love that feeling of learning something new and actually doing okay at it. That's a good feeling, Dave.
I've been watching you for a long time now, since I lived back in Michigan. You inspired my wife and I to take the leap off grid and we bought land in the Rockies in northern New Mexico and we did it. Got some videos of the area up on our channel, just getting started, and it's breath taking here. Thanks for the inspiration man.
Hi Dave I am a welder for over thirty years and I say your on the right track try to always go from bottom to top when you draw down it gives you a nice weld but no penetration. so your bracket instead of welding on the down hill practice gup hill this way you get more penetration and a stronger weld. it takes a while to get it but when you do it is like riding a bicycle you never forget how to! Now your using what is known as a flux core welding wire if you get a solid wire and run a gas it costs more but gives a cleaner weld you can see this on line watch some videos to see the difference! You would probably enjoy the gas shield wire better but it costs more to run... Happy welding!!!
Hood time, that's what it's all about. I learned on stick when I was 10 years old, so when we got our first MIG it almost felt like cheating! Fast forward almost 30 years and I've welded with nearly all processes available and gotten decent, somewhat good at them all...But, nothing satisfies me more than lighting up a 7018 rod with a fixed lens hood and just reverting back to the old ways... I've welded on many a railcar that is traveling all over this great USA and will always take pride in being able to make molten, liquid metal defy gravity. Love your perspective, keep up the good work!
How exciting!! I got my weld degree at 16. Have not used since. But I have 2 boys and dnl who weld on rail cars here in AR!! It’s a good trade in this day! I am proud they like what they do too
I love the coincidence that there was an ad for this very welder & it said basically everything you're saying! I know the ad was random but it was pretty cool to see it in action as you try it out! Hope you will continue to enjoy the use of it & will share your future projects!
I started welding with a craigslist Hobart 125 flux core and you really do get the hang of it after about fifteen to twenty welds. Super fun. I'll never be a real welder, but I can stick stuff together and make and fix stuff and the beads look pretty good. Gotta love flux core. So convenient. And low start up cost.
I built a whole trailer with my Hobart 125EZ. It is a great little welder and everyone that looks at my trailer wants to know where I bought it. They can't believe I made it with a 110V Flux core wire welder. All the welds are ground smooth with a flap disc and it is all 1 1/4" square tubing. It is a nice little trailer.
@@jasonbusch3624 Right on, man. Glad to hear it. I'm really happy with mine. As long as you have a wire wheel to knock off the slag, or like you say some flap discs, the welds clean up nicely. I bet you saved a ton of money making your own trailer, too. Gotta love it.
@stuck1000 it actually cost almost double what I could have bought one from TSC Lowes or Menards but it was way nicer and heavier duty. Have not had to touch it in 12 years except for repacking wheel bearings and 4 sets of tires.
So I have been on the fence about investing in equipment and going to a class to learn to weld OR just taking my projects to a pro...this video is by far the most helpful in understanding which direction I want to go!! WELL DONE and thanks!!
I bought the 170 to serve as my aluminum spool gun addition to my repair arcenal and it's been a good machine. It was interesting and frustrating at the same time watching the progression from way too fast, no puddle control to passable weld with apparently good tie-in on the edges of the weld bead. Nicely done...first-timer! Of course it helps that a guy named Dave Whipple has quite an extensive toolbox of skills already - a good starting point for someone new to the process!
I bought this welder, also with no experience, and built a large retaining wall, garden edging, and a sail shade pole with it! Fun learning curve, and satisfying to stick metal together!
Great video. This little unit is a MIG (metal inert gas ) welder. Mig welders are constant voltage power supplies, so you set the voltage and wire feed speed on the dials. The machine delivers the amperage needed to weld. Stick welders are MMA ( manual metal arc ) and are constant current power supplies where you set the amperage. On a slightly more expensive multi process welding machine there will be a switch to change between the two modes. With fluxcored wire the inert gas is generated as the flux inside the wire is heated.
Great job there Dave, never stop learning and trying new skills! Thanks for sharing.
I am NOT a welder but I got one of these and with a lil help from a professional welder I was able to build a trailer using that lil welder. For the money its not bad. Awesome video, really enjoy your videos. Hoping one day I'll be able to find some land and live a more simple life.
I bought my first Harbor Freight welder, heck it's still my first and only welder, a Dual Mig 171 and use it still. I need to do a HD video of it, last video was in 360 or 480p, before HD. But I've built a log splitter with it, repaired a Ford Ranger, boat trailers. I only started welding because I could afford to start welding.. so I don't forget that when I think about upgrading.
I did ornamental iron works with a cousin. He never let me weld or even practice, but had an idea about it. Seeing you practice has given me the confidence to try it. Had some laughs and fun watching you. You did great! Thank you!
Thanks Dave!! When I worked in grad school- they had everything set up- all the gases- all the different types… soooo nice to see your video. Made my day!
Right on!
I bought one based on your video. So...
Today two internal brackets for the fairing on my Electra Glide broke off. Horrible rattling. Called Harley. They want $95 a piece for them. Time to get the welder out and go to school. Same story as yours. For less than $200, I repaired $200 worth of brackets.
I'm glad I watch you man. Thx.
I’m actually waiting for it to go on sale. Did some torch work years ago and did stick welding in school 20 years ago. Thanks for the honest review
I actually want to do some of my own fabrication work and this gave me the warm fuzzies. Thanks, Dave!
Welding two lumps of metal together is I find, very therapeutic. I taught myself to arc weld 50 plus years ago through necessity, the welder guy who turned to weld together my new trailer frame was to drunk to stand up, so, I gave it a go myself. There sure wasn't any youtube videos to go watch back then, but after a few burnt through holes and half a dozen stuck rods I soon worked out how the power adjustment wheel influences the whole process. I still have, and regularly use the same trailer, it has never needed welding since, so I must have done it okay.
I have a CO2 welder, which is okay on very lightweight metal, but if it is heavy duty stuff, I much prefer arc welding. I also taught myself do oxy-acetalyne welding too, on all sorts of metals from cast iron to lead.
I think my next step now I have retired is TiG.
Many thanks
David in the UK.
I'm a retired aircraft technician. The only welding training I've ever had was Oxyacetylene. All my tig/mig/arc has been self taught. I have this same HF welder great For small stuff. Bigger stuff I use a DC stick. It's a lot of fun teaching yourself, and taking pride in your weld quality. Have fun Dave. I do!
Great way to start Dave, I bought a craftsman flux welder 24 years ago and done a lot of home projects with, including floor pan replacement. Practiced for a while and became walk in the park. I’m not a professional welder by all means, but there’s a since of gratitude doing it myself.
I noticed you were missing the shield, it will help keep the welds cleaner. Good luck!
I’ve been welding professionally for over 10 years and welding before that. I’ve had one of these for about 3 years they work. Worth the money to stick some stuff together and you can even get nice looking beads out of it beings how cheap it is. They work just fine keep up the videos man
Yup, learning just like you. Nothing to do but to do it, right. Those charts give you a starting point, it's learning to analyze your weld and make the appropriate adjustments to those settings. also managing wire stick out, it's a balance of wire feed and how fast or slow your welding. Definitely a worthy skill to add to the tool box.
I did the same thing, almost-I bought the same welder. I also read the directions, and then supplemented with RUclips-doesn’t take long to make passable welds. One thing I do is a “cold run”with the handle over the work to get muscle memory and find the best way to brace your hand. Most importantly: Definitely get a good auto-dark helmet!
I've had a HF flux core welder for a couple years and never really used it because I didn't have a proper helmet- aka -couldn't see jack! I went a step below HF and found a basic helmet on Temu for $15. Haven't used it yet but serendipity sent your vid at just the right time. Thanks for the motivation!!
I'm about to set up at home as a "welder" - I did oxy/acetylene in college, but that was 61 years ago...!
I've also been watching the same YT videos but they don't show just how bad first attempts can be so... if my first attempts are as rubbish as yours i would otherwise have returned to cabinet-making. But to then see how much better you can be after an hour or two is so encouraging...
As always - Thank you, thank you.
Thanks Dave Whipple for “honest” trial, demonstration and test ( I love your admitting using the RUclips University). “Welding by smell” and two attempts of puddling and missing the joint and your helmet film removal = hularious! It has been GREAT catching up with Mick and Belle’s channels. Loved your window seat at the coffee shoppe! Love the WHIPPLES !
Thanks
Literally last week I was looking at this welder and trying to convince myself that it would be a cheap way to learn basic welding. I plan to figure it out as I go, just like you did. Thanks for the video!
love it! I picked up a cheap YesWelder 135 flux core unit off Amazon this year and I've done a couple of small DIY jobs - not the prettiest welds but they are functional and that's good enough for me!
great segment Dave. I've thought about getting a small welder but have absolutely no experience at it. was good to watch you start from zero and progress through passable, functional welds. thanks for sharing.
Dear Sir, my wife has mentioned to me that we need to buy a new Lamp Post Light, but they go for around $300 and I thought about repairing the old one but need to hire a welder to fix several problem areas. After watching your video and admitting that you're not a PRO, I'm willing to follow in your footsteps. I'm glad that there are guys out there, like you who admit I'm not a pro but this is what I did. Thank you, Gil in Massachusetts
I bought the same weld machine almost 2 years ago and hasn't even been out of the box. No experience whatsoever. But after watching your video, guess I'll get it going. No guts, no glory.
Thank you very much for inspiring me. I have some minor repairs that I need to do at home, but getting a welder to fix them for me has been challenging because they all think it is too small of a job. So I decided to go to harbor freight, get a welder, and do it myself. I'm an electrician and good at building things. I'll do a little more research on RUclips, and I'll give it a try. Thank you once again.
My Dad was a welder, I took an Adult Ed wielding class, and now you have temped me again with this video. I love welding. Thanks for the belly laugh.
Practice, practice, practice. Really watching the puddle and slowing down are key to success. I like to do little “e” motions when I weld instead of circles but either works. Play with wire speed and amps too. You’ll get better!
Seeing the puddle with a steady hand and the correct setting is the key to a good weld. Duty cycle on the cheap welder are not very high.
I bought my dad one of these exact welders to help him do a fairly big project and I was incredibly impressed with it. I had everything shipped to his house from Harbor Freight, helmet, wire, minor welding tools, exc. Everything worked well, to the point that I might get one for small projects around my house since it’s so much lighter than my heavy welders.
Arkansas abounds in Tornado shelters ... they're everywhere. This new work should get really interesting in more ways than one! God Bless you all, Brother :)
I was just lookin at this the other day.... Dave, you know just what content everyone wants to see.
You have totally right attitude to learn this. Keep it going. When you are able to do steel structures you need for yourself it is a big step already. On that moment you do not need somebody else to do it for you. From that point you can only get better until your eyesight is lost or hands are not stable... I started with a stick welder and I think your choice is better to get familiar with this topic.
The realest video I’ve ever seen not someone cutting corners explaining like they know everything everyone else don’t your just honest and explaining your journey for other people to see and experience as well awesome!!
My hats off to you! That is no doubt one of the most helpful how to videos I've ever seen on anything. What a breath of fresh air it is to have someone post a video from a complete novice point of view. I'm sure there are other videos on RUclips done this way, but I watch how to videos on a regular basis (daily) and do not recall seeing one produced by someone who has virtually no knowledge of the subject matter. I can't imagine a more helpful video when it comes to taking away someone's doubt or apprehension about learning a new skill. Nicely done!!
Thanks
I have always liked your no nonsense approach to things, life etc. This is a good review and hopefully encourages others. Why not buy a welder watch RUclips and go for it! I did the same and it works. Another radical video!
Thanks for showing this, Dave! I've wanted to see this done as long as I can remember. I'm chicken to try but you've given me a shot of courage.
Love this one! It's like watching myself my first time trying welding. Good on ya, my father welds for a living so I've seen it and heard it (the sound of what a good weld should sound like) my whole life, but never did it myself. And still did the same as you in my 40's when I finally bought a chineseium multiprocess welder from amazon to fix a disc harrow that broke on me last year. Took me a while to dial in my helmet to where I could see what I was doing too without being 1/2 scared that I'd go blind.
I welded things for 10 years with 2 harbor freight welders. Chicago electric Flux machines, one 120v and the other 240 volt. I built a trailer and 2 garden tractor end loaders and countless other repairs and builds. I had about $400 in those welders and made/ saved tons of money building and repairing things for myself and others.
Awesome video just grind the metal clean before welding for no spatter and a better weld and put a 45 degree edge to be welded for better penetration and a place for the bead to sit : )
Man this is amazing! I've had this Welder all set up ready to go for months but have been apprehensive to actually get it going... This video has really inspired me as I also have no previous hands on knowledge but want to learn for weekend projects. Thank you for this!
I have the same welder I use at home for small projects and for quick lighter duty work around the homestead and it's fine. I've been welding for around 50 years so I do have a bit more experience than most , but it's not my main job description even though I weld frequently on stainless, aluminum and mild steel.
I restore classic cars and have done bodywork the majority of my life where welding is a big part of the job. My other welder at work , is an almost $4K Lincoln welder I have for doing my "real work" with and obviously it is miles above the Titanium one but for the average homeowner I found the Titanium one works great for small jobs. Do be aware though the the flux core wire will leave microscopic bits of flux inside a weld which makes a weld slightly weaker and rust prone, however a flux core wire works much better in outside conditions where you may have wind to contend with that will blow away the shielding gas's like what is used with my Lincoln welder and with any other solid core wire .
If I can offer a suggestion after seeing your welds Dave is to increase your heat and decrease your wire speed by one notch each as well as pushing your weld instead of dragging it and you'll get much better penetration and better looking welds. That's where most people mess up, not enough heat or to much wire and an improper technique , which leads to the "bubble gum " looking welds ,,hope that helps.
Also on thinner materials < 1/8 " you'd want to do a series of spot welds in different areas , then fill in between using the same method to decrease warping your material , but that mostly applies to sheet metal up to about 1/8 ". Other wise on thicker stuff , a few spot welds to stabilize and align what your welding then just run with a full weld which will work fine on thicker materials.
The Titanium welder also has a short duty cycle meaning you may have to weld for shorter periods before having to let the welder cool off a bit before proceeding , so basically you could only weld for 10-15 minutes continuously before having to let the unit cool down. Where as with my Lincoln welder I could weld 2" thick materials or even thicker, till the cows come home without stopping. But that type of welder you'll have to pay dearly for and there not necessary for the average Joe just wanting to fix his garden tractor or to do other light jobs with .
Honestly those little Titanium welders really rock IMHO if you use them with-in there limitations and there a really good starting point for the beginning / occasional welder or just to have around your home shop for small repairs and they will defiantly do the job for you . I know mine has surprised me more often than not on what it can actually do.
Longevity wise ,,that I don't know about sense I've only had it a short time and have used it infrequently so far , my Lincoln on the other hand I've had for 20+ years and it's still going strong and never failed , but at the time I bought that one , you literally could have bought a really nice used car for about the same price .
So that's the nitty gritty on these small inverter welders as i see it.
Hi Dave. I bought the same welder as you have a few years ago, and in a pinch it performs pretty well. I also have a better quality welder with a gas bottle and it makes a nicer weld. If I have a small job I use this one. You know the saying, a grinder and paint makes me the welder I ain't. I think you will be happy with this one. Thanks for another video.
My brother in law beat me to it. He purchased the welder, but I actually went for it. To my surprise, I repaired my tow hitch. No, I don't tow anything. I just wanted to repair it. I treated the rusted areas and bam! Weldded some reinforced plates. I walked away feeling pretty good and enjoyed the video. Im certain my welds won't get an A, but you couldn't beat the plates off, lol. Thanks👍
Yes you can, biggest trick is getting a better ground clamp, and a handful of the grinders set up one for a brush and a grinder. well done!
Hi Dave, I’m glad to see you!! Yep sticking metal together is definitely something a fella should be able to do! Every handy fella needs a mig welder! It sure is helpful to able to make what ya need out of strap laying around the ole homestead. I have found that clean metal is so much easier to weld, also make the temp a lil hotter than the chart says so you can dial it back. Always start on scrap the same thickness you want to weld. Go slow and practice. It’s really fun to be able make stuff that makes your life and the job easier. Thanks Dave God bless you and the family
Learned in high school and weld every 5 - 10 years. Love it, i'm as good as you are. And proud
One thing I’ve learned from welding is to torch the metal a little before you start a pass. It not only gets rid of moisture but also has heat in the metal so you don’t start a cold weld. A cold weld will start super narrow and be very weak until it starts to heat up to actually melt the filler wire and 2 pieces of metal together.
This was my first welder learned a lot with it gave to a friend and he learned with it and still has it we still use it to this day works great great welder to learn with and good job on ur first try
Props to you man! I just picked up this welder about a week and ago I've been watching videos on it. I'm not a welder by any means but I wanted something for the house. This just gave me the little boost I needed to go ahead and strike an arc to knock out some small jobs at the house.
awesome
I’ve been looking at these. It’s funny because I always wanted to weld but was always intimidated by it and never had a chance, and I was at Harbor Freight one day 15 or 20 years ago and they had a book on sale for $.99. They talked about Welding and explaining what it was and how to do it, and I read the book and said this seems pretty easy to me and went out and bought a Lincoln welder for 700 bucks and taught myself to weld from that book. I wouldn’t say I am amazing at it but my stuff doesn’t come apart, and I welded parts on my four-wheel-drive, off-road vehicles and ATVs, and made a kind of ghetto version of an ATV And welded parts back on tractors and mowers and if anybody even considers wanting to weld, I say go for it. And this is a super cheap and easy way to get started, fluxcore Welding is going to be a little sloppy and make some splatter, but it works And is a good place to start and practice and be able to do it for cheap. Once you understand the basics of the science behind Welding and how your hardware works it’s really not all that difficult and this kind of fun and can save you a ton of money. If you crack, some of the framing structure of your trail or something you could easily spend 150 bucks plus trying to get it fixed for somebody else to weld it but this welder will do it and you get to keep the welder and learn something.
The auto darkening welding helmet, which they also sell at Harbor Freight for pretty cheap and they work OK it makes a huge difference especially when you’re beginning. When you’re looking through a dark lens, it can’t see anything it’s hard to get started and you have to start by field. Trying to see what your Welding is probably the hardest part and the auto darkening welding helmet really helps, they also sell markers where you can draw white line on there to make it a little easier to see another trick is to put a good light behind it so your helmet and you can still have something to see until your ark starts.
The cool thing, as far as building, stuff and DIY, and just repairing your own junk, it kind of opens up a whole New World and a lot of options, now if you’re gonna build a work table, you don’t have to do it out of two by fours anymore you can build it out of steel And you can make a lot of things yourself that you normally wouldn’t buy because they’re ridiculously expensive. I think for the price of this welder, spending a couple hundred bucks for that and a decent helmet and some gloves and a cheap welding jacket is worth it. It’ll probably pay for itself pretty quick and, it’s fun
Hey Dave, you are a true life saver! I have been contemplating on buying this exact model from HF & was hoping someone would do a review on it. Now I feel confident that this welding machine will be a good starter for a Novice welder just like you. Thanks again & keep on putting out great videos as always. And stay “ Radical “ 😊
I can’t tell you how happy I am to see this. I bought the same welder and had the same dalmation splatter spots all over the first time. Bring a fan of yours it helps to know that I’m not the only one and just need to try again
Your welds are getting better as you practiced so just keep practicing and it will become easier. Don't be afraid to ask for advice and for the help from others that have more experience it does wonders. My welding shop teacher in high school rest his soul welded railroad cars together and a ton of other experience welding and boy am I glad he taught me. He had a lot of good knowledge and experience that he passed along to me.
I’m impressed! I started on my farm with stick welding with a Lincoln buzz box. Those wire welders r great for almost any small job! I hope they pay you for the video/ad
Awesome. Lots of questions I have had and wanted to see you have done. SO appreciate you. Some would say, "You should never get a flux core welder...get a MIG welder with a Argon tank or whatever that means, and NOT a stick welder is best, blah...blah...I just don't want to drop $500.00 of something I might rarely use, so, I very much thank you for this video.
I have seen good reviews on this welder. It's what I am about to buy. I like the fact that it's fluxcore which allows you to be able to weld with deep penetration, and outside in all of the harsh elements. No gasses to worry about so you do not have to be indoors to weld with it.
Not often would I want to give you advice but this is one of those rare instances. I’ll try to find an email to send you my contact info. A few simple but easy things and you’d be doing real welds that will actually hold things steady and true. Great video. Take care Dave
I’ve taken in person classes but I know how intimidating this can be - such a great video, approachable and useful as always. (Also much love for the t dub in the background!)
I've been wanting to learn how to weld for years, but never gave it a try. I guess it's time to watch some welding videos and then visit Harbor Freight. Thanks for sharing.
Feels like this is just the year for this sort of thing. I have a bachelor's in accounting and sick of having trouble finding work and dealing with office politics when I do have work. More so, I hate that I don't feel like I'm doing anything tangible. Been on a bender of picking up cars from auction or cheap around town and working on them. I've got an old beat up pickup that runs solid and looks beat up and ugly (1995 Silverado k1500 in case anyone cares) and I love the thing! Because of the body rust I've been going down the road of learning to weld and wow. I haven't made the jump to buying a cheap welder yet (probably next week. I've got projects to finish this week). And apparently it's not unusual to turn this into a career of doing small repair projects around town or fabricating things like furniture.
Nice to know that others are learning this sort of thing around this time too.
I wouldn't want you welding on Line 5 but you did outstanding for the time you had into it. Perfect welder for the novice.
I have an old similarly operated welder in my garage that "came with the house" when we bought it. I'm not sure if it even works but every time i go to the garage i see it and think that one day i'm gonna give that machine a try and learn to weld at least somewhat decently. Maybe i'll give it a try now that i've seen a fellow novice get that good results in relatively short time!
This is the content I need to know. Thanks from someone in my mid 50's with limited auto shop skills, mostly no experience, so this will be fun to watch, and hopefully helpful. I have lots of soldering experience from working in the music industry in the 80's, but welding is new territory I've always wanted to own on a budget since my projects are so far and few between. I like 6:55 where it looks like a stack of coins, which is the goal of welding so I've researched.
I also have a lot of soldering experience from the music equipment filed
You're so much better than me when I first bought it during covid. I bought it to weld restaurant stainless so it has more learning curve and even have to switch the lead to dcep so it wouldn't heat the base metal. Flux core it's always hard to see with so much smoke it easier with gas. This is why fc is designed for outdoor use.
I appreciate this video. The only welding experience i have is the continuing education class that I took at my local vocational school. I think you did an excellent job with your review!
Hello! I do welding often at work with .045 wire and with gas. I’ve been looking into this welder as my first one for at home. I’ve been watching videos for reviews and seeing how well it works. I gotta say, this was quite comical to watch so Thankyou 😅
I used this welder about 2.5 years ago to weld suspension brackets on the Suzuki Samurai and it has held up on the FWY and off roading without incident.