Rent or purchase welder

[Nyquist]

I need to use a welder for a home project except none of my friends have one. I see that Home Depot has a Lincoln I can rent, but I'm not sure of the fees yet.

My question is would I be better off buying a flux wire welder or renting from Home Depot. My usage would be relatively light. Here are some ideas on purchasing, so I'm curious if these are any good as well. Craig's List is also an option if need be.

http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mig...lder-94164.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/tig-arc-welders/240-volt-inverter-arc-tig-welder-66787.html

Thanks in advance!

 

[JHZR2]

I was looking at renting one, and found that HD can rent them fairly cheaply.

 

[lipadj46]

The 90 amp flux welders from HF are actually quite decent for the price ($85 with 20% off coupon). Just get some decent flux core wire because the HF stuff splatters alot.

 

[Donald]

You need to tell us a few things:

1) What are you going to weld?
2) What is your welding experience?
3) From an electrical standpoint can you (or do you already) have wired in an electrical supply for the desired welder.

 

[Dualie]

what are you planning to weld and Have you ever welded before?

 

[Nyquist]

I'll be welding a couple of 3/16" or possibly 1/4" steel plates together for concrete footings along with some re-mesh. I have some welding experience, but by no means am I an expert. I'd classify myself around novice and recreational.

 

[tig1]

Borrow a welder.

 

[TooManyWheels]

If I were in your shoes, welding that, I would be looking in pawn shops or Craig's List for an arc welder.

 

[MarkM66]

Hire someone to do it.

 

[Dualie]

if you don't have any rebar welding experience then i would find a local welding shop and just get it done. A welder with enough ballz to pull 1/4 embed parts is going to be more than home depot flux core migs are good for

 

[morris]

some time ago i an article about a dude the took a Lincoln 225 and added some large diodes to make it a dc welder. cant remember where i saw it

 

[Trav]

Welding rebar? If its in concrete just tie it.
An inexpensive 120v mig can handle 1/4" with beveling 3/16 will go with single pass.
Something like a 175 miller will do 1/4 all day long but cost more than HF units.