Craftsman  Arc Welder

Very dissatisfied with the way it works. It did not burn the rods efficently . I feel so disappointed,seems like a waste of my money. Wondering if i waited too long to try returning it.

First I paid for two day shipping, it took five business days. When it did arrive the box and weld machine its self were damaged, I had to take the machine apart to find more internal damage. After I repaired the machine I found it could not handle 3/32 electrode like advertised on box. I guess you get what you pay for, although the price was right for what I need the machine to do and it will work until a better machine can be purchased.

Looks nice. Came with stuff to get you started, unlike a lot of others that are more expensive. But this thing isn't putting out enough juice to even start an arc. It sparks, but only as much as what you'd get from a nearly dead car battery. No matter how high the setting, I can't get it to start an arc - even with the supplied electrodes. When I couldn't get an arc started on some exhaust work I wanted to use this on,  I  took a piece of Bethlem steel, and ground it shiny in two places, one for the ground clamp and one to try striking an arc. I used to be a professional welder, so I know how to stick weld. Still no joy. Wishing to rule out the extension cord I was using, I plugged in right at the house. Nope, still no arc. I called the 1-800 number to ask what the manufacturer (Forney) recommends, but it went to voicemail and I'm awaiting a call-back. Someone else who reviewed this unit had a similar problem due to broken cheap internal parts, but I opened mine (10 screws instead of the 8 he reported) and everything seems intact and well connected. Unless Forney calls back with a simple fix, I'll be taking this back and picking up Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart somewhere else. Forney didn't call back, so I called them. Got to speak to a real person right away! And while they were very friendly and tried to help, when I explained the steps I had taken and the results I had (not) achieved, they could only recommend I take it back. Sears gave me no hassle about the return, even apologized for the inconvenience. So while I was there I purchased one of their Max Access sets, which I'll reivew at a later time. I bought a used Hobart wire feed welder and that's working fine.

I got the first one home and the amp indicator was not registering when I turned the dial. It also would not spark very well and my rods kept sticking...

I exchanged it for another one and guess what... that one had the same problem!!

Since this was the last one in the area for under $200, I took a looksee to see if I could fix it myself. The case cover came off easily (8 screws). Inside, the bracket holding the regulating plates together was clean broken off. [I didn't expect cheap platic from Craftsman,even on an inexpensive tool]. Anyway, I got rid of the broken stuff and zip-tied the plates back into the moving bracket. This did the trick. Now the amps can be set, the guage works and I'm only sticking the rod every so often now (my fault).

Also the accessories are really cheap. Would it have been too much trouble to at least put a strap on the hand-held face shield? You'll have to go buy a better helmet and slag hammer.

I would recommend this product because it is inexpensive and portable and easy to fix.

I purchased this unit a couple of years ago and it has served me well. It's a great little welder and is good for thin steel and perfect for exhaust work. I have also used this for some small auto repair work. Have not had any problems with it in the couple of years that I have had it. It is a great welder and would recommend it to anyone. Another plus is that it is portable and you can move it around.

I haven't had this welder but a couple of months but it has done exactly what I wanted it to do. It won't weld heavy metal but will weld up to an 1/8 with ease. Its price is very good and hard to beat. I use it for business, powered by a generator and it still runs and welds very good. I have given it 5 stars in all things, because it derserves it. Experiment with it, use the right type and size of rods and you will be well pleased! And I especially like that it runs on 110 current. Thumbs up!

I purchased one of these little welders a couple of years ago and I have not had any trouble with it yet. Trust me when I say I have dogged this welder out. I'm a mechanic in the Army and I took it to the desert during one of my many deployments. This welder worked in some of the dustiest and hottest conditions I have ever seen. I used it to make quick repairs on military hummers, and even on bigger 5 ton trucks. One of the best investments I have ever made. I get a lot of work out of it. If you are looking for an inexpensive and reliable welder, this is the one for you... Arnold, Army mechanic.

Upon the receiving the welder, I need to disassemble the unit and re attach the amp meter and realign the coil within the assembly. The unite was not alien properly, when the amp was increased &/or decreased it would twist the entire assembly.