Very good review and tutorial on HF Flux core welder

[ebinmaine 67,502]

I watched most of this this morning. I've seen quite a few welding videos and I felt like this one should be shared. Got some good valuable information out of it. Even better, the guy is pretty entertaining. To me anyhow...

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ri702bill 8,322]

SOME of the HF products are very good for the backyard weekend hobbyist. Most of their welding products fall into that catagory, IMHO.... If you make your living with it, may wish to invest higher.....

[OutdoorEnvy 1,522]

I have this welder and it is great for the average DIY guy and to learn on.  I’ll watch this vid as I can use all the welding tips I can get!
 

one thing I did, and would recommend, for this welder is upgrading the ground clamp.  I ordered a jungle one for like $7 and it made a huge improvement to laying a bead.  Turns out I wasn’t as bad as I thought.  It was recommended in a vid I saw and gave it a shot.  So glad I did.  

[ebinmaine 67,502]

1 hour ago, OutdoorEnvy said:

is upgrading the ground clamp

Guy in the video mentions that as well. Excellent information apparently. Likely I'll get one too.  

[ri702bill 8,322]

To digress a mite - there are YT videos for upgrades / improvements on almost all HFT powered products - done a few myself on the sandblasting cabinet, and horizontal / vertical bandsaw. And a whole bunch on the import lathe and milling machine....

[ebinmaine 67,502]

27 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

lathe and milling machine....

I could see one of those in my future 

[ri702bill 8,322]

Both machines run the range from useless to most usefull. Some of the lower priced (new) are underpowered and have limited capabilities.

Most folks prefer to spend their money on good used, not used up, domestic brand Machine Tools. Got to watch the voltage requirements - small machines can run on 110 volts, larger ones are either 220 volt single phase (preferred here) or 3 phase (not house current - requires an expensive converter) The most universal is a 110 / 220 volt single phase "convertible" My compressor is one - runs smoother, better on 220 and draws half the amps ....

Edited June 22, 2023 by ri702bill

[Blackhood Bill 721]

@ebinmaine I have the cheaper one from HF and it works. The guy in the video is correct about spending more if you want to use gas and he is right about the gas shielded looking better. I also purchased better brand of flux core wire and it made a big difference. So keep that in mind. Also keep in mind he did not mention how much it would cost for a bottle of gas. For a hobbyist gasless with better wire is fine.

[ebinmaine 67,502]

1 hour ago, Blackhood Bill said:

Also keep in mind he did not mention how much it would cost for a bottle of gas. For a hobbyist gasless with better wire is fine

That's what swayed my decision away from a MIG. 

I don't really have good access to reasonably priced gasses.  

 

For lighter duty I'll use the flux core. 

Heavier welds I'll set up the stick. 

 

For anything important like a road trailer I'd have it professionally done.   

 

 

[ri702bill 8,322]

Bill is right - the brand and TYPE of wire - specific types or wire are available - general purpose is just OK for the most part. There is a type of wire for rusty metal, another for clean only.

Also correct is the use of shield gas - gives less spatter and cleaner welds. But there is no substitute for experience, using the right speed & feed and heat setting.

A general rule - you got it all dialed in when you are laying a bead it sounds like bacon sizzling in a frying pan....

[c-series don 8,707]

29 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

That's what swayed my decision away from a MIG. 

I don't really have good access to reasonably priced gasses.  

 

For lighter duty I'll use the flux core. 

Heavier welds I'll set up the stick. 

 

For anything important like a road trailer I'd have it professionally done.   

 

 

I agree with Eric, and I have three welders. I have a big ass Miller Arc welder that could weld railroad track together ( I forgot the duty cycle) a Miller mig and a HF flux core. Here’s what I tell people: I can weld but I’m not a welder. I can stitch together a broken snowplow at two in the morning and it won’t break, but I won’t weld something where someone could get hurt because I’m not a professional. Example: A trailer hitch. If I need something like that done I take it to my buddy who owns the local welding shop and I know it will be done correctly. 

[ClassicTractorProfessor 5,314]

Have not watched that particular video, but being a guy that spends just about all of his spare time with a rod and reel in hand I have watched several of his other videos…he is quite entertaining and puts out some good stuff as well. 

 

As for the machine I do not have any experience with that exact model, but I do own the Titanium Unlimited 140 multiprocess machine and absolutely love it. I myself would spring the extra to buy the MIG version, you can still run flux core with it but it gives the option to upgrade to gas and solid wire later. Definitely recommend a better ground connection, and better quality wire is a must, don’t be tempted to buy the roll of wire off the shelf across from the machine, just don’t. Trust me pick up the welder and then run by your local welding supply and buy a roll of good name brand wire. The difference in quality is well worth the extra cost