HFS
Well Known Member
I alluded to this welder in another post the other day, and someone responded about a possible review when I had completed some mods I thought it needed.
Well, here it is - the short answer is you get a lot for your money, but it's way better for the fine kind of welding we do on our airplanes if it is modified to accept a lightweight SuperFlex power/gas hose w/a #9 air-cooled torch; and, a reostat driven foot control to give better heat control.
The torch it comes with (a modified #17 w/a on-off switch on the handle), is better suited for Panzer tank repair than fine tuned, close in work. I didn't try it with the bigger torch and hose because I was pretty sure that it's size/weight was going to be a non-starter for me. YMMV - but you better be related to a gorilla to make it work!
I also opted to add the optional reostat foot control for better heat control - glad I did that, Much better than the "single point" setting available with the larger torch.
In order to mate the SuperFlex power hose with the 205 I needed to make an "adapter" to go from 16mm x 1.5 mm (metric fine) to 3/8" - 24 NF, with the correct sealing aspects built into each end. I did it using fastener parts available "off the shelf" and a little machine work, but could have also been done with a drill press, some jigging and hand tools.
All up cost (less SuperFlex hose & #9 torch) is around $300 (Amazon), compared to my Miller of $ (a lot). Hint: I could buy >15 of these before I approximated the cost of the Miller ...
The attached pics show the face of the machine, closeup of the adapter & the first bead (fillet w/SiB rod)
It may quit tomorrow - but if it doesn't, it's a steal for a 110/220V - 205 Amp, 11 lb welder.
HFS
Well, here it is - the short answer is you get a lot for your money, but it's way better for the fine kind of welding we do on our airplanes if it is modified to accept a lightweight SuperFlex power/gas hose w/a #9 air-cooled torch; and, a reostat driven foot control to give better heat control.
The torch it comes with (a modified #17 w/a on-off switch on the handle), is better suited for Panzer tank repair than fine tuned, close in work. I didn't try it with the bigger torch and hose because I was pretty sure that it's size/weight was going to be a non-starter for me. YMMV - but you better be related to a gorilla to make it work!
I also opted to add the optional reostat foot control for better heat control - glad I did that, Much better than the "single point" setting available with the larger torch.
In order to mate the SuperFlex power hose with the 205 I needed to make an "adapter" to go from 16mm x 1.5 mm (metric fine) to 3/8" - 24 NF, with the correct sealing aspects built into each end. I did it using fastener parts available "off the shelf" and a little machine work, but could have also been done with a drill press, some jigging and hand tools.
All up cost (less SuperFlex hose & #9 torch) is around $300 (Amazon), compared to my Miller of $ (a lot). Hint: I could buy >15 of these before I approximated the cost of the Miller ...
The attached pics show the face of the machine, closeup of the adapter & the first bead (fillet w/SiB rod)
It may quit tomorrow - but if it doesn't, it's a steal for a 110/220V - 205 Amp, 11 lb welder.
HFS