Chicago Electric tools, any good?

Anybody got experience with Chicago Electric tools? I know they are not Miller or Lincoln, but are they good enough for average homeowner use? I found a couple of new mig welders, both Chicago Electric, a 175 amp for $175 and a 250 amp for $250. Both are gas/gas less, will still need a tank and maybe the regulator. Good deal or not? No more than I will use them, they should last me for years....

 

Harbor Freight right? It's a FAIR deal if and only if you buy it in a local store. This is for warranty purposes, as you WILL be needing that warranty. Chicago Electric (a play on chicago pneumatic - the reputable tool brand) is cheap CRAP. Consider it a disposable welder.


However, Harbor Freight does an excellent job of warranty exchanges, so if you have a local store go for it. I wouldn't buy it online though...

 

Yeah, local guy, not Harbor Freight. He guarantees everything he sells to work, just not for how long . My welder that got stolen was one of the China made off brands, but it lasted three years or so, and still worked fine. I figure if I can get four or five years out of one, that I have gotten my money back.

 

Like you said, not Miller or Lincoln. But I've had a 110 mig from them for about 7 years now and haven't had any problems yet.

 

i have the 90 amp chicago elec. (from Harbor Freight) flux core mig machine, it works great, no problems yet, after about a year.

 

Don

When was the last time you used it 6 yrs. 11 month ago

 

I wouldn't make any nasty comments.


At least, until after I do the favor you asked me for.


Be good or I'll call Mama and have her recall your new laptop.

 

I've had no problems with my 110 mig from HF. but I am not a welder, I've run about 3 or 4 spools thruogh it.

 

Thanks for the input guys, sounds about like I thought it would. I'll probably be getting one or the other in a week or two, just depends on when I get a few extra bucks.

 

I have the 90A one, no gas (Wish I had bought the gas one), but I have run about 6 spools through mine. I have had it since just after I did the shock tower mod (rented Lincoln for that job). That was October 2005.

Used it last in the back of my truck, with my generator hooked up, at the boat ramp. Had to weld up some rusted spots on my trailer, and had to have the boat off, so I launched the boat, did the work out of the bed of my truck with the generator running the welder.

I have had no problems, but when I bought it, I considered it a "disposable" but justified it by saying that if I got 3 jobs done with it, it would have paid itself off compared to renting a welder for the 3 jobs.

 

the HF welder comes with a very trick welding mask (Hand heald) you'll need to buy a hood. I got one of their auto darkening ones. works great.

 

those go on sale all the time. if it's not on sale now, it will be in the next 2 or 3 weeks. You can also get coupons and special internet deals by signing up for their e-mail list. you get better prices yet.

 

JMO but spend the extra money in one of the starter lincoln's they can be had at lowes and home depot resonable.

every chicago electric tool i have bought has burnt up after the first use.cant speak for the welder though so buyer beware

 

I agree, if you are going to use this welder more than once or twice, I would spend a bit extra and get a gas/wire lincoln.

 

I've been using one of their cracker box stick welders regularly for several years with no problems.

I'd take the risk.