Harbor Freight Welder Titanium Flux 3 Year Review, Setup and Test
Вставка
- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- 3 YEAR Review of the Titanium Flux 125 welder from Harbor Freight.
Couple Tips and Tricks to making your Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) or gasless MIG welds looking AWESOME!
Welding coupons and supply:
weldmetalsonli...
10% Code: MM
Nozzle Gel: amzn.to/351bxuC
Anti Spatter Spray: amzn.to/3WzXH8w
Welpers/ Mig pliers: amzn.to/37CAxco
Welding Gloves: amzn.to/3trCEIt
Magnets: amzn.to/3wn9vA2
Clamps: amzn.to/3uhLms2
Angle Grinder: amzn.to/3im5yDJ
4 1/2" cut of disc: amzn.to/3Iw45VQ
Wire Wheel Brush: amzn.to/3tqDAgg
amzn.to/37GN6mZ
What's Inside: 0:12
Setup: 2:07
Testing: 5:58
Review with some tips and tricks thrown in. Thanks for watching! 👍👍
Just ordered this today as my first welder thanks to you, doing some 16 gauge floor pan patches in a jeep and then using it to build an angle iron kitchen table. I’ll let you know how it runs!
Ok then. I bought a Titanium Flux welder and jumped right into it. I went to the local metal supply store and he let me pick from his trash bin getting lots of scrap metal I can practice on. I got a helmet, gloves, and 1 million other things, including nozzle gel and spatter spray. Got out there this morning and started welding. came in the house for lunch and if you’ve ever seen a crab boil, well that was me, the crab. I didn’t wear long sleeves. In fact I was wearing a T-shirt, AKA wife beater and I paid dearly for it. But it’s a good lesson learned. Practice is on hold right now.!😊
Right on, thanks!
That is a lesson hard learned! I worked for Great Dane (semi trailer manufacturer) when I was in my early 20s. I got selected to go through their welding school and I had never been around welding or had any knowledge of the practice. My first day in the class was going over basics and practice welding. So we are talking about 8 to 10 hour days welding. After my first day my chest was so sunburnt that it was blistering, even through my long sleeve shirt. I learned really quick about sunscreen and leather protective gear
I learned to wear gear doing a c10 frame😂😂that hot spark hit the top of my scalp and a bunch on my arm I hollered like a snake bit me
@Gbody_Klown Hahaha those random sparks are quite spicy. When I first started out I was only wearing the thin welding sleeves and since I was doing a lot of overhead work most of the slag hit right in the crease of my elbow. I had to wear long sleeves any time I left the house because the burns looked like I had been shooting up. Lol
I have a high end Lincoln welder but the Titanium is catching my attention for various reasons. Is lightweight, very good for jobs outside the shop, being 120 volts makes it user friendly. I wish it would handle the larger 10 pound spools.
The Titanium 140 is pretty light as well. That can handle the 10lb spool.
It’s actually super good , i had it for over a year and it works super good ! Only thing I would change it’s the position of the roller and the size like you said
I have had mine for about 8 months now and so far it's been awesome and I ma excited that I have a high chance of having mine for a good amount of time
I've done a far amount of projects too, hasn't just been sitting for 3 years.
@@-DIYPRO- well that's pretty awesome
Literally have seen guys weld up to 1/2 inch plate with one it's way underrated
It can do it, just don't put your life on it!
Weld both sides it will hold just fine lol
I went to welding school a couple years back and my Instructor told me about small machines like these and I’m going to buy one soon for repairs and stuff but I see people saying they wouldn’t trust it to weld past a certain thickness and although I agree but there’s also something called beveling and you can weld multiple passes on it and it will be super strong
Correct, just make sure you get wire that can do multi passes.
Welded up my tandem trailer in a field. Drove out with a genny and she works great. The 13lbs is awesome. Well worth the money for backyard repairs, tinkering etc. Wouldn't weld up a roll cage with it though. I've done 1/4 no problem.
Based on all your great instructions I've just bought the 125 on sale today at HF. Thanks for the heads up about wire and safety and other accessories I bought as well. Hardest thing to find was the nozzle gel - finally found it at a real welding store in town. Have never welded before but have some things to tack in place on my steel trailer and some other things to mend around the garage. I figure for what it cost to pay someone to fix this I bought everything I need to do it myself for years to come. Thanks much for your instructions. Hope I don't burn down my garage.
Right on, good luck!
I always keep a fire extinguiser in my garage pretty cheap at wal mart good insurance.
Good overview. For a $60 difference at the time of this writing, this machine also seems far superior than the HF Chicago Electric Flux 125, which is their lowest priced offering.
I agree.
Good to know I'm about to pick one up
Why?
@@jeffreycolvinI believe it has a lot to do with the Chicago electric being Ac output instead of DC
Btw another good little tip , keep your MiG gun line as straight as possible when feeding the wire so it has a easier time getting through without messing up the inner liner
Right on!
I love my Titanium 125!
Right on!
You can always pick up some petroleum jelly at the store as well. Cheaper than tip dip, and works well.
That will work too!
I also have had mi e 3 years and love it I went through 18 lbs of wire and no problems if it quit to..orrow I would buy another one
Right on!
I'm going to get me 1 while its on salec
Best video instruction I have ever seeing.
Right on, thanks!
Thanks you sir for making this video I will be purchasing one today because of your honest opinion on this equipment.
Excellent video! Your comments were straight to the point and very clear, UNLIKE many reviewers.
I'm going to look up all your other videos !
Great demo, Im a beginner, cant wait to start.
WOW LOOK!!! Look how different the arc is from this Titanium Inverter welder compared to the Chicago Electric 125 Flux core.
AC unit vs DC.
Excellent! I'm thinking about getting into welding, have no experience with an arc welder. You are the first video maker I've seen (And I've seen quite a few) that tells how to load the wire into the machine. Thank you. Also the 15/20 amp circuit requirement is very helpful: my shop is on a 15 amp breaker, but it's wired with 12 gauge so it can handle 20 amps.
Right on!
You can save yourself a ton of money by welding your own stuff, if you buy your own welder. You can start with a cheap welder if you want, then check the internet on how to weld . I heard a book called "Welding for dummies" is really good. I weld around my home, but i don't have schooling for it. I read up a lot about on the internet first though. Before that i used to dread going to a welding shop to get a welding job done for me, but now i weld my own stuff, so i can't overcharge myself. Welding supplies can be found for a reasonable price if you shop around.
Awesome video! Great instructions, tips and insights. Thank you for answering a lot of questions about this product.
Right on!
Welded up some stuff with this welder. My biggest issue was that it was my second welder replacing a Chicago Electric one. Burned up the nozzle part of the gun. Replacement is a pain and new gun is difficult to find and relatively expensive. Just purchased another cheaper 110v that also does stick. Hit box…..
With it being a hard wired connection I can see it being a pain to replace.
Hit box is less of a POS than this one. Has digital displace and is smoother with less spatter. I am a novice welder to state the very best…..I would not buy the Titanium at more than $80. If I’d just not that good (relative to the cheap welders out there) of an option at like $170 (on sale) given its limited functionality. Harbor Freight can suck it…..lol 😜
You might add a note to your next video regarding the Titanium 125 Flux welder. Harbor Freight DOES NOT stock replacement parts for this machine. The one part they do stock is the wand nozzle according to their Customer Service as of 4-24-24. That means that if you need to replace a critical item such as the wire liner they are no help. I was told to check E Bay! That is BS and terrible customer service.
E Bay offers many complete replacement whips that claim they are for the Titanium welder but I don't like guessing on a $60.00+ replacement whip that may or may not work plus time lost to shipping if it doesn't. Also, the E Bay parts are similar but different from what came with my machine. Nobody from China seems to use specific part numbers for specific machines.
The obvious problem with E Bay parts I see are:
1. The trigger wiring does not come with the brass ends that plug into the welder motherboard that were used on my machine.
2. The connection of the power cable from the wand to the welder is made inside the welder with what appears to be a bolted connection covering by shrink wrap tape. That connection is made adjacent to the motherboard in a small space.
3. Although the replacement whip from E Bay looks like it might work it just doesn't "plug in" to the welder body. Any warranty connected to the welder I would think would be voided by this operation.
4. I didn't want to replace all these other parts when I just needed the wire liner.
In closing, although when working this welder did perform well for me in the end "you get what you pay for" comes to mind. I am considering buying a Lincoln welder knowing I can get parts if needed in the future. I would consider using this machine as a boat anchor if it weighed a little more.
Didn't know
Nice review and good info, Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Good explanation.
Thanks!
Thankyou for this review
Great review
Thanks!
Great review!
Thanks!👍
I got 2 contact tips with man. I just bought Friday. That's all that come with it, but I didn't pay. But a $149. I got me a titanium auto darkening hood for $74 and I had to buy goods war. But the Harbor freightwire, it's splatters and smokes like crazy.Get some.Yes why are yes weird
Good video. Just have two questions. At best I'm a beginner/amateur at this welding hobby.
1) Why do you "crimp"/squeeze the Contact-Tip after the wire has been fed through it? Just wondering the purpose/benefit of doing that?
2) Do you need specialized pliers for cutting the wire and "crimping"/squeezing the contact-tip?
Just so it's nice and snug, It's a copper tip so you don't want to crank down on it.
Wire cutters work find. I do like welding pliers, those have extra features, but not necessary.
I just need to build a move bumper. You know the ones that you fabricate yourself for a truck. Will this be enough for this project. Would appreciate some feedback thank you in advance
As long as the plate or tubing you are using is steel 3/16" or smaller than yes this will work.
Are you implying you run that on 15a, just not as hot as it can go? Thanks
I did until I put a 20a plug in my garage. That is correct you can run on a 15a at the lower settings.
So I'm assuming for 1/4 inch.
It's mainly more for like decoration not something load supporting.
Exactly.
I've done quarter-inch on my trailer
How does this machine stack up to the Harbor freight Chicago 125 flux core welder? thanks 🙏
This one is better. It's DC output so smaller and lighter with the same amount of power. Also the controls are better. Right now it's only $129 at HF parking lot sale.
I know this welder rated for 20amp breaker but I have no time to run new outlet and breaker , my question is how long it will hold before tripping 15 amp breaker? And what the max can I use it with the 15 amp?
I'd say you should be able to run the rated duty cycles if running in the middle of the settings or below.
If it truly hits 125 amp or 140 amp or whatever is advertised it should handle 1/4 no problem!!
If 140 yes, but I don't think it gets up that high.
Looks like a cleaner weld than the older Flux welder?
It welds pretty good!
Not sure if you'll respond to this, but would you recommend this welder for automotive frame work?
i bought one this summer and use italian INE 0.30 wire in it..highly recomended..however im having trouble welding 18 gauge sheet metal with it. It keeps blowing through. any suggestions?
If the setting are already low then move faster. If still blowing through next try putting a bigger piece of metal behind it (tig welders use copper). It will act like a heat sink. Last resort is to spot weld.
I seen it do 3/8 no problem just go at it from both sides and grind a bevel.
With good prep, can be done.
Nice video
Thanks!
Can you weld exhaust pipe with that welder? Can you bend the wire to make the weld in hard to reach places?
How'd you get yours to last 3 years? I've went through 2 in the last 2 and a half years. When they worked they worked really well.
How often would you use it? I fully admit during 2020 I did a home addition and it didn't get used much during that time.
@@-DIYPRO- I used mine monthly. Two to three times a month for weekend projects.
Mine died after about 6 spools of wire over a 3 year period. Can’t really complain but wish it would have lasted longer.
Hello excellent video very helpful, I have a question I try to do some metal door frames 1/16” thickness that holds up to 300 pounds so you think this machine can handle it?
Thanks for you help
Yes, as long as the material is 3/16" or less, you are good. 1/16" is pretty small and so you'll want to practice to get the right settings before hand so you don't burn through.
@@-DIYPRO- and the setting or setup is on the machine right?
@@Maranatha-TXT correct, up under the hood.
@@-DIYPRO- thankfully
can this weld aluminum.. or would it go through like butter
Did anyone have to change their houses breakers lol? I’m gonna buy one and don’t know if I need to switch my breakers out
Wow so wait you never upgrade anything on that unit ? I just bought one and befor I even use it i will definitely replace the ground and the mig torch
Same as the day I bought it!
I am looking build a metal/wood gate for my fence. Would the Titanium 125 be a good welder for this or should I beed looking at another welder?
It'll be fine as long as you don't have big, strong , heavy animals leaning and pushing on it and you're decently skilled at welding.
As long as the material is less than 3/16" you'll be good.
true that!
Looking at this or the Lincoln Electric Handy MIG for my garage. Mainly work on my Quads and dirt bikes and would only be using flux core. Which would you go with ?
Both are great, haven't ever had an issue with Lincoln so maybe get whatever is the better deal.
Do you HAVE to use an auto darkening helmet ??
Nope, you can get a fixed shade lens. Anything to protect your eyes.
Do you have any experience with the Vulcan Omni pro or MigMax 215? I’ve been looking at those to specifically for doing some side work out of my garage.
Yes I've had the omni pro, awesome machine. If you have the money AND space then get it. It's definitely a stay on the cart machine. Which if you aren't planning on moving it around then you are good. If not then I'd get the titanium 170, it's smaller and costs less. I don't think you'll be disappointed with either.
Can you weld exhaust with that
Yes
Mine lasted just over a year. I liked it while it still worked, but...
Update: Running again. Problem was simple and easy to fix. See comment below.
Just curious, what broke on it and how often did you use it?
@@-DIYPRO- Gun no longer works. Pull the trigger and nothing at all happens. Haven't had time to try and figure out the problem yet. Use during the time it worked was light to moderate, leaning to the light side.
Did it not work because the wire didn't feed out?
No electrical connection?
Wire not feeding through could be that the tension on the knurled roller needs tightened.
Is there any moisture where it sits that maaaybe corroded some contacts thereby stopping the flow of electricity?
Just asking, would there be light rust on the wire and built up in the liner that the wire travels through?
I don't know if you've troubleshooted yet or not based upon your inquiry.
I run heavy duty mig welders in a shop all day long years ago and sometimes it was minute wire corrosion build up that stopped the wire travel.
The tip hole is free of any splatter that would prohibit wire travel, correct?
Just some thoughts.
@@jimhancock4082 Wasn't the wire tension or feed issues, I checked everything you mentioned. Could have been (and probably was/is) the electrical connection to trigger. Nothing at all happens when it's pulled. I haven't had the time or inclination to troubleshoot since I also have a stick welder available. I appreciate your suggestions, which are good ones. (Which I'm sure you already know.) I've run into a couple of the things you mentioned before. One of these days I'll finally get motivated enough to chase down the problem. If/when I do I'll post what I found.
@@glassmakerx open up the unit, check the control board. Could be a just a mechanical thing. I.e., loose wire, connector, etc
Good for welding on my own catalytic converter and mufflers?
Yes, it will do a good job.
@@-DIYPRO- cool thanks
What’s the thickest you’d say it could weld
By the book it can only do 3/16".
If none structural you can do 1/4"
@@-DIYPRO- sweet I think I’m gonna have to get one lol
Do you like this better compared to the century fc90?
I like them both. Would be happy with either.
Im having trouble dialing in my yeswelder 135. Do you have any ideas
Check out this video I did and see if it helps:
ua-cam.com/video/L_AjNj1nk3o/v-deo.html
Would you suggest paying 40 to $50 for a 2-year extended warranty on this unit or is it not necessary?
Late reply here but I ran mine for 1-2 hours a week since I bought it in early 2021 until it was stolen last year. It never gave me any problems with reliability. Just need to change tips periodically. The other good thing is that it's priced at 149 which is about 25 bucks cheaper than it was when I bought it years ago.
Good vid
This one work better Chicago 110 or 125 got one no works to good need one do my old school car
Right on!
Will this welder work on something like a wrought iron gate?
It should just remove paint surface rust to metal
I bought this welder and had a question about the wire. I installed a 2 lb spool and I am getting down to the last of it. What happens when I get down to the last 12-18 in of wire? Will the wire feed keep cycling until it stops? Or will I have to clip it and just let it feed out the stinger?
Once it passes the rollers it will stop feeding the wire. You end up wasting whatever is in the line
@@ThatJerkFromCali I got to the end of the line two weeks ago and the tip end was soldered to the plastic spool so I just clipped it and fed it out the wire gun and looks like I wasted about 3 feet of blue demon wire lol. Thanks for the reply bro. Live and learn.
@@nobueno8652 You could always use the leftover wire as a filler wire. Kind of like tig welding. It's crude but works if you are as cheap as I am I hate wasting anything
@@ThatJerkFromCali never thought about that. I’ll try that next time. Or dental floss 😂
@@nobueno8652 Save the dental floss for repairing fishing poles
Vulcan any good??
A little pricey but still great welders.
this is gasless, correct?
Correct, flux core or gasless only.
I've got a small job that the Titanium would be perfect. Thanks for the video. sub/Likie
Right on, thanks!
How big a spool can it hold
The biggest spools I’ve seen that’ll fit are the 2 lb spools
Can it TiG weld?
Not with this one.
@@-DIYPRO- I’ll need the 170 for that right?
can this weld aluminum?
No, for mig welding alum. you'll need gas and a spool gun. Can't do either with this one.
@@-DIYPRO- ok thank you
Does it weld better with .030 or .035 ?
I like using 0.030 but I stick with smaller thicknesses. If doing thicker you might want to stick with 0.035
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks!
Will 30 amp breaker all by itself nothing else attach to breaker becides for welder will that work as well for high setting
30 would be plenty sufficient. I've run it on max settings with a 20amp and it didn't trip.
I see the Titanium 125 has the plastic tip cover.
Yet the Chicago Electric still has the brass MIG tip for shielding gas. What a evolving joke it's become that IGBT Inverter machines are less costly to build than transformer type.
So profits even higher selling Chineseium.
Thanks for your video.
I’ve burnt close to 40 lbs of wire with the original plastic tip….if you know what you’re doing, it works perfectly fine…..
It wouldn't surprise me if the lower amp machines start coming out with plastic mig nozzles.
Agreed, as mentioned in the video, that is the same tip AND flux core nozzle that came with the machine.
@@allengoines742 Got two tips on the way.
🔥🔥 look good how much the price I think good for me I want do my rust Toyota SR5 under be good thank you s m video
This week they are on sale for their parking lot sale, $169.
@@-DIYPRO- where located
@@angelgarcias8219 Harbor Freight
@@-DIYPRO- ok thank s much
Hey man could you recommend a good extension cord to use with this welder ?
If you are using it on the max settings you'll need a 10 gauge chord, if lower settings a 12 gauge should work. Wouldn't go longer than 50ft.
@@-DIYPRO- thanks man. I need a 25 footer so I should be good. 👍🏻
Cut the female end off an extension cord and use the cord to replace the one on your welder 🤷🏻♂️
i expected it to include wire
Not sure when but they don't include it in any of their welders now.
Right. I just bought one a week ago and was like wtf? Lol no wire .no brush.
@@westsidedavie They used to come with wire and everything. I bough my unit and it came with wire, tips etc. apparently they have stopped selling all the extra. that sucks!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks Bob!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🙋♂️🙋♂️🙋♂️
Thanks Bob!
These are $200 now.
Perfect time to get one!
On sale for $174.99 now from $214.99 until 1/22/23.
@@elvism684 I got one today on sale $169.
@@jayc4715 damn, I wanted to get one yesterday but just didn't make it, now they went up to $199 , but I'm probably still gonna buy one. I have never welded anything at all in my life but have always wanted to learn. I'm thinking about heading to harbor freight now and just going ahead and purchase it.
My procrastination already cost me $30
@@denverscott37 yea same here 👍..I been wanting one ..but always put it off..saw the sale and finally pulled the trigger
3 years,no way they don't last that long, and your welding machine looks new, do you weld up to the air, liar, liar probably he's getting paid to make the false adverstainment (HONEST REVIEW) hahaha
I'm not sponsored by HF so I have nothing to gain. Probably helps that I still have the box and keep it stored in that. Treat it good, don't over work it, and yes it will last that long.