On board welder

[Doc2012]

I've got a little HF 110V welder that I use to for just about everything.

I've never had a problem running off an extension cord. Granted, it's MILSPEC, so it mau be thicker wire, but I've never had an issue.


Looking into a MIG welder, most of them are 240V. The MillerMatic has the option to go between 120v and 240v. Then you have your gas. Depending how much welding you plan on doing, you're going to have to keep an eye on the tank, and maybe have a spare if you're welding a shit ton.

My suggestion would be to get a 120V Flux welder from HF. You can make something to be able to keep the welder in tha back of the truck, and then weld in the driveway or where ever you want, as long as there's a long enough extendion cord.


If you're planning on making something that is 1/4" or something, You can definately tac it with the HF welder to keep it in position, but I would reccommend getting someone with a stronger welder to be able to weld it right.

I've been able to weld 1/4" stuff together with mine, but it took multiple passes, and I have to grind the 1/4" smaller to be able to but it together.

 

[KidVermicious]

The last thing a learning welder wants is one of those junkpiles from Harbor Freight. He can get a good used 110v wirefeed by Lincoln or similar for only slightly more, and it'll be five times the machine. I can attest, because I went from an HF to a Lincoln Weldpak and it made a world of difference in my welds.

I agree with the extension cord thing too. I sometimes have to drag the machine out to the driveway, and I can tell when I'm plugged into the wall vs when I'm on the end of a big long cord. I need to make a proper extension cord out of thicker wire.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I understand, and have used them on my welder before also.

but, it does not perform anywhere near what its rated at. it would have to be a pretty badass cord to work correctly.

I figured they made heavy duty extension cords for these applications,
particularly for guys doing big welding jobs that need to move around a project vs. moving the project. I still wouldn't operate the unit inside the vehicle myself.

 

[BigBluePile]

A good welder unit will always make the difference. Having a buddy with a welder is the best

Metal prep is always key.

The shorter the extension cord the better, heavy gauge of course.

Buy a used welder (especially if you're a once a month welder), pawn shops are awesome for this but know what your looking for and replace all the consumables.

Buy a book (The Welders Handbook) and watch videos. Practice.