The one I got from Harbor Freight was on sale for $99 . . . but one of the kids that worked there said if wanted the extended warranty for an extra $12, he had a coupon he could use to knock $10 off the price.  I've seen it on sale with a coupon for $89 a couple of times since then.  All of the customer reviews on this unit were good.  They sell a slightly larger flux wire welder that has the capability of adding gas later.  The cheapest I've seen that one is $129.  Don't know what it would cost to add gas.  So far I'm very happy with mine . . . but I think if I ever see that I'm getting good at this and have the need to weld something critical, I think I would invest in a name brand unit with all the bells and whistles attached from the factory.  For practicing and patching up the battery boxes on my old Harley Golf Cart, however, this one will work just fine.

I'm down in Rome,Ga. would like get the passenger side done and will be picking up the pan later this week.  no hurry on drivers side not nearly as bad. may just have someone weld the passenger side.  I used to weld some when I did electrical, but your going back about 15 years ago and then it was a lot thicker stuff.    
Family lives Hixson so usually ride up and see mom.
ron

Quote from: Bignick on February 09, 2011, 08:29:54 PM

how far away are you? I have a 110 lincoln welder set up for flux core. I used it to do my pans before I got the big Hobart with gas. I don't mind letting someone in the club borrow it for a weekend, but i'd have to know I'd get it back for sure. I still like that little one. Heck, I could probably help put them in if you aren't in a big hurry (got alot on my plate this spring). It was pretty easy once you cut out and clean up the old ones.

That, Nick, is the difference between a hobbyist and a profesional, bitter technician/mechanic hardened by many years of getting burned...

I won't loan a screwdriver out to somebody thanks to some rather ugly past experiences, I would rather use it for them.  A piece of equipment is out of the question.

 

Can we all say AMEN ??

When I did electrical, I loaned a meter and a couple other tools which never came back. It took one good meter not to come back to somewhat learn your lesson.  And I've loaned stuff only to get it back looking like it had been ran through the ringer..

You do get a protective of your stuff, it's one reason if I do borrow, I try treat it as if it was my own. it's a shame it takes one person to burn you

Even my truck, when the daughters would like to borrow it, I frown and become a little jaded. I know they like to let kids eat in the vehicles and I've had to clean for a couple days.  I'll still will let them borrow, but with harsh warnings. it just kind of pi$$e! you off when there is no respect.
OK, sorry, that was my soapbox for the morning and getting off track
Ron

or you could get the HF one, here is a $20 off coupon good through the weekend!

http://widgets.harborfreight.com/wswidgets/common/displayCoupon.do?week=0611&campaign=c_20dollar&page=20dollarcoupon.html&single=true&cust=78101270479&keycode=0000

I could barely make out the fine print. I believe you are correct about the not being able to use it on generators, welders or compressors. They had a few other tools you couldn't use it on, but my eyes started hurting. Oh well... use it for something else!