Will the Harbor Freight 151 mig welder weld 1/4 and 1/2 inch metal

[kctgb]

Will the 151 weld 1/4 and 1/2 inch metal with flux core. I have a Hobart for welding thin stuff but sometimes I have to weld 1/4 and 1/2 inch metal and changing everything over is a pain in the behind. I don't want to spend a lot of money as I only have to weld 1/2 and 1/4 a few times a year. Any help from 151 owners is appreciated

Thanks,

[Heliarcman]

This is a hobby machine at best. Max amperage is 120 amp @ < 15% duty cycle. I would not weld anything over 3/16" with this unit. 1/4" is a stretch.............

Specifications
ITEM DESCRIPTION
Welding Current 30 ~ 120 amps
Duty Cycle
15% at 115 amps; 27% at 75 amps; 60% at 50 amps;
100% at 30 amps
Power Consumption 230 VAC, 21 amps (Peak) at 60 Hz
Open Circuit Voltage
15.2 V at 30 amps; 16.5 V @ 50 amps; 17.7 V at 75
amps; 19.2 V at 105 amps; 36 V at 120 amps

[tnjind]

1/2" NO. There is a reason larger welders cost so much, if a HF 151 could do it then there would be no need for larger(read expensive) welders.

[Bluewelders]

I use the 151 for thinnish welds.
I use stick for 1/4 and up .

[d94jonca]

look on craigslist, with a bit of luck you can score an old 200amp lincoln buzzbox for sub $100. as much as i like the 151, i think a 220 stick welder would serve you better. i dont even think harbor freight claim the 151 to be good for more than 1/4

[kctgb]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I have a Lincoln tomb stone but my stick welding abilities are poor at best. My mig welding is quite good so was looking for a cheap way to weld 1/4 and 1/2 inch metal a few times a year without spending $1000.00 on a welder.


kctgb

[Pavinsteelman]

Get a box of 3/16 E-7014 and practice . That 250 Toumbstone welded lots of buildings and equipment for everyone , Get a used LN-25 with gas hook it to the toumbstone and use ..045 Outershield 71 Elite it will work better than any HF welder made . John