http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=6098

for doing roll cage stuff?

 

I would get something with a better heat range for roll cage welding. I would go at least 135amp max and defenitely something with a wire speed control which the other one from looking does not.

 

yes
agreed

 

wire speed control in welding is a must. I can't imagine it without...

 

exactly...cause even if you cant get the heat you need you can as sort of a bandaid turn the wire speed down so that it penetrates for longer...it results in a big fat ugly weld, but its better than nothing.

If you want a welder anywhere near decent you are lookin at at least 300 bucks.

 

anything at harbor freight worth looking at? i got a couple of things from there for christmas that i'm thinking of taking back for something better.

 

I really wouldnt get anything at that price level besideds Lincoln or Miller...maybe the Hobart...lemme look around a little....I have had nothing but bad luck with chicago electric..they arent very good quality.

 

I'm just going to weigh in....
TIG > *.welding h:

 

no shit sherlock...but it isnt that big of a deal on stuff like roll bars etc...it leaves a cleaner bead yes, but it takes for fruckin ever.

 

Simply put 110 based welders are good for small things but for cage work they just aren't worth the hassle...here is your biggest deciding factor though:

# Duty cycle: 20% @ 75 amps, 45% @ 50 amps

Not an impressive duty cycle in the least. If you just want to do some light metal welding then it would be a nice little machine to have around the shop, but for a cage I would want better duty cycling as well as heat range with a power feed and 220 power for penetration power.