Small welder recommendations?

[skfullgun]

Now that I've retired and moved out into the middle of nowhere, I find myself needing small welding jobs done on occasion. Nothing big. Welding a couple of T posts together to make a Target stand. Putting some spot welds on some floor jacks/supports I was using to reinforce the floor in an older, elevated outbuilding, welding a couple of steel 55 gallon drums end-to-end end for an impromptu septic tank, etc.
Will the 125 flux, wire welder from Harbor Freight handle jobs like that, or do I need to move up to the one that uses sticks/rods?
I have welded in the past, about 45 years ago, when I was working as a welder's helper on shutdowns in the petrochemical industry around Houston during High School & college.
To give you an idea of my proficiency in welding, the welders I used to assist always joked that that my welds were "gorilla welds" - butt ugly and strong.

My budget is limited, and I need something that will earn it's keep by doing 3-4 minor welding tasks per year. If it's a machine that I can run off of a 3800-w generator, that would be a major plus, as I do need to do some repair on a gate hinge at the entrance to the property - about a quarter mile from the house.

I really rely on this forum and have used y'all's advice for many a project. I appreciate it, and thank you in advance!

 

[baboon]

A gas powered welder can double as a back up generator if you get the right size!

 

[V-Tach]

I have an older version of the 125 flux from HF.....it works okay an light jobs....wouldnt recommend for any medium or heavy jobs.......i still use the 125 on occasion....

 

[skfullgun]

I have an older version of the 125 flux from HF.....it works okay an light jobs....wouldnt recommend for any medium or heavy jobs.......i still use the 125 on occasion....

Would it handle welding t-posts together to make a target stand, or is that out of it's range?

Thanks, guys, for the speedy replies.

Baboon, a welder that will double as a generator is a bit out of my league, but thank you very much!

 

[V-Tach]

If you use your patented ugly ass gorilla welds.....it shoud work.....you can always reweld as needed...lol....

 

[mountainbull]

I built several trailers with a Miller 225 stick welder, but used the harbor freight 125 wire feed for all the add on stuff, fenders, tabs for lights and lic plates.
The hf wire feed served me for over 6 years when it puked.
You can't go wrong with the hf wire feed, 120v, run off a 2500watt gen set

 

[Kayt00]

There may be a newer model available...

 

[skfullgun]

Thanks! Now I'm excited! For once I'm buying something besides a firearm!

 

[TheDan]

Will the 125 flux, wire welder from Harbor Freight handle jobs like that

Yeah they are perfect for that. They seem to be perfectly sized for 1/8" thick stock and short welds. The biggest problem with them is the duty cycle. Can't make long welds with them.

 

[Vaquero]

.035 flux core wire and a 90 amp machine will do all you mentioned. And a bit more.
Setting the wire feed speed is the biggest challenge.
And a helmet with a "13" darkness setting.
Wire is brighter than stick.

Go for it, and good luck.

 

[AZ Refugee]

I have had a Lincoln Weldpak 100 (actually several different ones) since they sold them from Home Depot (25 years). It runs .035 flux core wire. Machine is rated for up to 1/4" multi pass and the wire is rated to 5/16 multi pass. If you can find a used one they are hard to beat in my opinion. The modern version is the 125 hd, they seem to go for about $350 used, $550 new. The 140 which has the Gas solenoid that allows you to MIG as well runs about $450 to $475 used, $650 new. Home Depot sells a Century 90 amp machine rated to 1/8" for $250.00. I would find a good used machine that will go to 1/4" and you should be in good shape.

 

[Haystack]

I have four welding machines. For what you described most any machine will do, sort of. With the more inexpensive flux core machines the biggest challenge in dialing in the voltage and wire speed. If you don't get it right, your either gonna burn a hole in it, or not get any penetration. And personally, I hate the smell of the gas emitted by the flux core wire. Using one inside a shop is damn near toxic.

Have you looked for a quality used machine?

 

[skfullgun]

I haven't look for a used machine, simply because I don't know enough about welding to know if the machine I'm buying is functioning correctly.
Now that I'm retired, I have to wait until the First of the month, anyway. Payday!

 

[kenboyles72]

I haven't look for a used machine, simply because I don't know enough about welding to know if the machine I'm buying is functioning correctly.
Now that I'm retired, I have to wait until the First of the month, anyway. Payday!

Where abouts are you located? I have a brand new 220 stick welder, still in the box. This is about a $350 welder, would let it go for $150

 

[skfullgun]

Where abouts are you located? I have a brand new 220 stick welder, still in the box. This is about a $350 welder, would let it go for $150

I'm just south of Lufkin, between Diboll & Zavalla. What ya got?!

 

[easy rider]

Harbor Freight is a crap shoot on how well or how long it will work. Cheap Chinese crap. I would look for something used. If it says Miller, Esab or Lincoln electric, or even Hobart, and it is in working condition, it will probably run better and last longer than anything from China. You can find buzz boxes (AC only) fairly cheap. Get some 6011 to weld most steels, even rusty.

 

[Axxe55]

Are you limited to 115V, or have the access to 220V?

Also check out Tractor Supply Company. I bought mine about 10 years ago, their Farm Hand brand which is made for them by Campbell Hausfield. It's a 115V wire feed, that can use either flux-core wire, or it can use the regulator and a shielding gas bottle. Paid less than $300 for it.

 

[easy rider]

I've only been welding for 46 years, but I have picked up a thing or two (not to mention that I teach welding now). If you have any questions, feel free to send me a conversation message.

 

[kenboyles72]

I'm just south of Lufkin, between Diboll & Zavalla. What ya got?!

You are about 1 1/2 hrs from me, I live in the Longview area. Anyways, I have a Hobart 500502 205 stick welder. Like I said, it has not been used and still in the box. Here are the specs

Hobart Stickmate 205 AC Stick Welder without Running Gear (500502)

The Hobart Stickmate 205 AC Stick Welder without Running Gear (500502) allows weld time to increase when amperage decreases and has the range and muscle to handle many stick welding, hard surfacing and cutting jobs. At the same time, the Stickmate 205 AC has the precision for low hydrogen and...

www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com

 

[easy rider]

You are about 1 1/2 hrs from me, I live in the Longview area. Anyways, I have a Hobart 500502 205 stick welder. Like I said, it has not been used and still in the box. Here are the specs

Hobart Stickmate 205 AC Stick Welder without Running Gear (500502)

The Hobart Stickmate 205 AC Stick Welder without Running Gear (500502) allows weld time to increase when amperage decreases and has the range and muscle to handle many stick welding, hard surfacing and cutting jobs. At the same time, the Stickmate 205 AC has the precision for low hydrogen and...

www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com

Miller and Hobart are owned by the same company nowadays, but they aren't built at the same facility. the newer Hobarts are made for home use, The Millers are made primarily for industry. There's a label on the machine that will tell you the duty cycle, meaning how much use a machine can be used in a 10 minute period. For example: 30% duty cycle means it can be used 3 minutes in a 10 minute period without overheating. So, as long as you use 1/8 or smaller electrodes with this machine, it should be pretty reliable.