Are you looking for a MIG welder that can also handle Flux core welding? The Chicago electric MIG 170 is capable of this and more. A welder that you can handle Flux core welding is ideal for welding various kinds of metals that come with coatings such as rust, galvanizing and other impurities. Know how hard it is to shuffle through the different brands and it is why we have created this Chicago electric MIG 170 review.
It is a MIG and Flux core welder that has an amperage of 170 amp. If you can allow you weld on different kinds of metal for effortlessly. It is a great welder for handling light-duty tasks. This article we are going to discuss the features and benefits that this unit has to offer. We shall also throw in a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right machine for you.
Who should buy this welder?
A welder is an essential tool any professional or welding enthusiast must own. However it is not just a matter of buying just any device, you need to know if the machine is really meant for you. The one way you can know that is if you can understand your applications first. That way you can be able to determine the right welding device for you.
So that brings us to this welding machine who should buy it. Well, the Chicago electric MIG welder is a compact welding machine that was designed with most welders in mind. Professionals, beginners and even hobbyists can purchase this machine. It is quite easy to set up and use. Is also capable of welding different kinds of metals and it can be used on various tasks. It is a great addition to any workshop and home.
Things to consider when buying a welder
As we mentioned before you don’t just go and pick out any welder. You must be able to determine what you want to do for you. That way you will be able to select a machine that will handle exactly what you want it to do. Below are the key factors you need to keep in mind before you select one.
Price
The first thing to consider is the budget you have set aside for the device. You don’t have to blow up your savings simply because you want the most expensive machine. It will be expensive but ask yourself is it the right one for your needs? Likewise, you may search the internet for the most affordable welder only to find that it will not able to handle your needs accordingly. You need to choose a welder that is right for your needs and it may come a little more expensive than your set budget or not. The best way to go about price is to go for a welder which comes from a reputable brand.
Amperage range the amperage of any welder will determine the amount of power your device produces as well as the heat. This is a crucial factor because then you will know what kind of welds you are welder can produce and what kind of metal it can work on. For example, when welding aluminum you need a welder that has a higher amperage range to deliver clean welds.
Voltage input
Voltage input will also determine what you can weld and where you can work from. Most welders come with an input voltage of a 115-volt, 120-volt, or even 230 volts. While the first two are perfect when welding from home or at a simple workshop you can’t use such voltages when at an industrial setting. This is because they use a higher input voltage.
Welders are very demanding when it comes to electrical supply. A 120-volt welder won’t run at 220-volt input and vice versa. Know you are electrical supply before you buy a welder.
Applications
When buying any type of welder you need to understand why you are buying that particular type. You also need to know how long you intend to be running the machine when handling different projects. When you understand some of these things you’ll be able to choose the one perfect for the applications you intend to work on.
Also, you need to know whether you are going to be doing heavy-duty or light-duty tasks. The kind of sicknesses you are going to be dealing with will also determine the kind of welder you buy. You need to understand that all welders are unique in their own way and none is capable of doing each and everything.
Duty cycle
Duty cycle is the time (usually in minutes) that a welder takes running before overheating. What’s the time reaches and you continue to weld the machine will overheat. It is usually determined through a 10-minute period. For example, a welder with a 30% Duty cycle will run for three minutes before overheating. Consider a welder that has the right Duty cycle depending on how long you want to weld with the device.
Chicago electric MIG 170 welder
The Chicago electric is MIG and Flux core wire welding machine that runs on a constant 240-volt of power. It also delivers up to 170 amp DC. It comes set for Flux core arc welding and you can easily switch to MIG welding by adding shielding gas. It features four output settings for the best control over your projects.
The thermal overload protection feature comes with an indicator to alert you that the device will soon overheat. It is capable of welding mild steel and stainless steel only. It has a compact design and the weight is suitable for easy transportation. The device comes equipped with some accessories such as handheld face shield, three contact tips, wire brush, two pieces of hose among others. These are to allow you to operate the machine easily.
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly welding machine then this one is for you. It is easy to set up for me MIG welding and Flux core welding is already preset for you. You can also get to work with this device if you are looking for a light-duty welder powerful enough for your small tasks. However, it won’t work well on heavy-duty applications. It is also not capable of welding aluminum. If you are looking for an industrial Mig and Flux core welder you need to check out other options.
Pros
- It features thermal overload protection with an indicator.
- It can weld using the MIG and Flux core processes.
- It has a simple interface perfect for beginners.
- The welder also features a constant voltage of 240 volts.
- It comes with the necessary accessories for welding.
Cons
- It only has four power settings.
- It cannot weld aluminum.
- The device is not meant for heavy-duty applications.
- It can only weld mild and stainless steel.
Chicago electric MIG 170 features and benefits
Applications
This welder comes with four output settings as well as wire feed speed control. This is to allow you to weld on different materials with full control over the device. It can weld mild steel and stainless steel and with the best control, it can deliver the best Welds. Aside from that, it is capable of Mig and Flux core welding. The flux core process is preset to make welding with this process easy. It is this process that will let you weld metals with a coating such as rust or even galvanizing.
Accessories
The machine comes included with a variety of accessories to give you the best experience as you work with it. They are also included to make welding easy and reduce the additional expenses you may spend on purchasing them.
Metal thickness
First of all, it runs on a constant 240 volt of power. This is to enable you handle different kinds of metal with a certain thickness. You will be able to weld metals with an 18 gauge up to 1/4 inch.
Weight and portability
The welder comes weighing only 56.75 lbs. It is lightweight compared to other welding machines in its class. Also, it comes with a strong durable handle to allow you to carry the device with ease. With it, you can handle the tool and moved it to different site locations without any difficulty.
Duty cycle and amperage range
The 20% Duty cycle at 110amp as well offer you two minutes of welding before the device overheats. You can also be sure of safety when that happens thanks to the overload protection feature with an indicator to alert you when the device is getting too hot. It also has a maximum output amperage of 170 amp. This output level will let you handle your various light-duty tasks effortlessly.
Conclusion
The Chicago electric MIG 170 welder is a high-quality reliable welder. It is an affordable machine that offers a good amperage output. Setting up the device doesn’t require much as it comes with a preset Flux core process. The thermal overload protection, welding cable with a gun, as well as a constant 240-volt will offer you convenience as you operate this device.
You won’t go wrong with this device as long as you are sure it is the right tool for your needs. Take your welding experience to the next level when you buy this machine. We hope you enjoyed our Chicago electric MIG 170 review and by now you know if it is the right machine for you or not.
Leave a Reply