For years I’ve suffered with less than impressive welders and somehow I’ve managed to get by. The grinder is my friend.. or often I will bribe a friend into doing some more important welding for me. With the new garage it was time to spend some money and get a new welder.
I don’t weld too much and I don’t do huge jobs. Often I’m fixing something or fabricating something for one of my Jeeps. Knowing that I didn’t want to spend a fortune on a welder that will only have occasional use. I started doing some research and thanks to the many people of the internet there are several reviews on all kinds of welder models. In the end I decided on the Harbor Freight Titanium 170 MIG welder. If you are patient you can find good discounts on Harbor Freight stuff.
Harbor Freight Titanium 170 Welder: An Informational Overview
The Harbor Freight Titanium 170 welder is a versatile and compact welding machine that caters to both novice and experienced welders. Known for its affordability and reliability, this MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welder is suitable for various welding projects, including automotive repairs, home improvement tasks, and metal fabrication.
Key Features
- Welding Capacity: The Titanium 170 can weld mild steel up to 3/16 inch thick, making it ideal for a range of applications. It has a maximum output of 170 amps, allowing for effective welding on thicker materials.
- Ease of Use: This welder is designed with user-friendly controls, making it accessible for beginners. The adjustable wire feed speed and voltage settings allow users to optimize their welding process for different materials and thicknesses.
- Portability: Weighing approximately 40 pounds, the Titanium 170 is lightweight and portable. Its compact size means it can easily be transported to job sites or stored without taking up much space.
- Gas and Flux-Cored Welding: The welder can be used with both gas and flux-cored wires, providing versatility for different welding conditions. This feature allows users to perform clean welds with gas shielding or tackle outdoor jobs without gas.
- Safety Features: The Titanium 170 includes built-in safety measures such as thermal overload protection, ensuring the machine does not overheat during prolonged use. This enhances the longevity and reliability of the welder.
Performance and Applications
The Titanium 170 is well-regarded for its performance in light to medium welding applications. It is particularly favored for DIY projects, automotive repairs, and metal art creation. Users have noted its ability to produce clean, strong welds, which is essential for structural integrity in welded projects.
Welder Setup
After unboxing the welder it’s a matter of some simple assembly. I purchased a spool of wire and threaded it into the machine. The argon/CO2 tank was hooked up along with plugging in the cabling in the specified spaced.
Electrical
This welder can run on either 110 or 220 volt electrical circuits but will offer best performance when running on 220. The new garage had a 220v 30A breaker ready for a welder outlet but the out hadn’t been installed yet. If you aren’t sure of installing an outlet for your welder consult an electrician. Luckliy there was one handy to get an outlet installed right next to our panel. The proper plug for this welder is an NEMA 6-50.
Welder Extension Cord
The welder’s included cord is only a few feet long and in most cases that’s insufficient length for the jobs I might do. If you are going to use an extension cord on your welder you should always use a welder rated cord. They may cost more but they are designed to handle the electrical demands of a welder. I picked up an 8AWG 50A 25′ welder extension cord from Parkworld which is really nicely made. The cord has a lit end to indicate power and comes with a carry/storage strap.
Overall, the Harbor Freight Titanium 170 welder is an excellent choice for those seeking an economical yet effective welding solution. Its user-friendly design, portability, and versatility make it a practical addition to any workshop, whether for hobbyists or professional welders.
Now I just need some projects to get using this thing.
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