welder
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Just found this thing. It is a Kel Arc spot gun from the eastwood company. I also have the instructions, which really are great, lol. Anyway, never tried one. Are they any good? As for the mig, i'll probably get a miller or hobart as that is what they sell locally so i may be able to get parts if needed. I have a mig that uses flux core only and i was told a gas mig is a little easier to learn with, and produce a cleaner weld. Have made a few good welds with the flux but felt that i could do better with the gas.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Go blue
I have a Millermatic 135 MIG. Great machine and I am glad I spent the extra $ on it. This is a very versitile machine and easy to set up and use.
plus it runs off of 115v/20amp circuit. (use solid wire plus gas for cleaner weld)
Planning on getting a Syncrowave 200. Like mentioned in an earlier post, ulgy beads can be cleaned up with the TIG torch.
Buy a good welder, I bought a cheapo one earlier and bought the 135 after that cheapo broke which = more $ in the long run.
plus it runs off of 115v/20amp circuit. (use solid wire plus gas for cleaner weld)
Planning on getting a Syncrowave 200. Like mentioned in an earlier post, ulgy beads can be cleaned up with the TIG torch.
Buy a good welder, I bought a cheapo one earlier and bought the 135 after that cheapo broke which = more $ in the long run.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Pacific NW
If you do a google search for "hobart welder forum" it will give you a link to an awesome site that gives a wealth of information on this question and many others on the subject of welding, and equipment. It is a Hobart site but the people on the forum own a broad range of machines and give a fairly unbiased review of most welders. I ended up buying a Lincoln SP175 based on my current needs and future desires, from sheet metal up to 1/4". The bottom line always seems to read "get the best YOU can afford". We all have different incomes and views on what's best but finding the balance between what's available on the market and what you actually will need seems to be the hardest descision I have to make when making a purchase. This site helped me a ton, it might be worth a look!
Adam
Adam
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 388
Likes: 5
From: Florida
Do you guys think a Hobart 125 (both gas & flux) is too small?
I will be doing sheet metal.. Probably thats it.. I have to do some frame welding on the very back of the frame, but I don't have enough to invest in a welder that big so I will be taking that to a pro anyway.
I will be doing sheet metal.. Probably thats it.. I have to do some frame welding on the very back of the frame, but I don't have enough to invest in a welder that big so I will be taking that to a pro anyway.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Not too small (well maybe a little small), just not a good buy. Taking Northern tools prices:
Hobart 125 welder (flux core only) 339.00
Shielding gas conversion kit 69.00
8" wire spool conversion kit ?.?? (not listed let's guess 30.00)
Total 438.00
Hobart 140 welder (comes with all above) 459.00 = Heavier capacity (significantly!) 115V welder with nothing extra to buy except tank of gas (needed in both cases) for only 20.00 additional.
I have the Hobart 140 and it's a fine little welder that will handle most any welding you're likely to want to do on your truck including the frame. To me which to buy is a no brainer.
Hobart 125 welder (flux core only) 339.00
Shielding gas conversion kit 69.00
8" wire spool conversion kit ?.?? (not listed let's guess 30.00)
Total 438.00
Hobart 140 welder (comes with all above) 459.00 = Heavier capacity (significantly!) 115V welder with nothing extra to buy except tank of gas (needed in both cases) for only 20.00 additional.
I have the Hobart 140 and it's a fine little welder that will handle most any welding you're likely to want to do on your truck including the frame. To me which to buy is a no brainer.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 388
Likes: 5
From: Florida
AX.
As I understand it, there is a Hobart 125ez which is flux core only, and then there is the normal Hobart 125 which is MIG and flux. I guess you can add the MIG conversion to the EZ for the $69?
So anyway, the reason I am asking is because there is a barely used Hobart 125 with MIG and flux locally for $200 without the tank and spool. I offered $150, will see what he thinks. Of coarse I'd rather get a 140 or even a 180, but I'll take the 125 if i can get it for that price
Jeff
As I understand it, there is a Hobart 125ez which is flux core only, and then there is the normal Hobart 125 which is MIG and flux. I guess you can add the MIG conversion to the EZ for the $69?
So anyway, the reason I am asking is because there is a barely used Hobart 125 with MIG and flux locally for $200 without the tank and spool. I offered $150, will see what he thinks. Of coarse I'd rather get a 140 or even a 180, but I'll take the 125 if i can get it for that price
Jeff
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
That's a different story. Yes I'd buy it at that price even if you decided you wanted a bigger machine later you could get your money back out of it. From what I see on the NT website none of the 125s come with the MIG setup, the EZ is not convertable. The wire I prefer using, Esab EZ-grind, only comes on 8" spools so I'd want the 8" spool adapter. Hobart is made by Miller, so parts are as close as your nearest Miller dealer. Don't get sucked into buying a small shielding gas tank, lease a larger tank it's much cheaper in the long run.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 388
Likes: 5
From: Florida
AX:
http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/handler125.html
This is the same one. Says its ready for MIG or Flux, 4" Spool and an optional 8" conv. available.
Jeff
http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/handler125.html
This is the same one. Says its ready for MIG or Flux, 4" Spool and an optional 8" conv. available.
Jeff
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
The other expense you'll have is a decent helmet. I highly recommend biting the bullet and getting a self darkening one they make a significant difference in ease of welding especially for a novice. Just be careful of the real inexpensive no name ones, their reaction time may not be quick enough.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,287
Likes: 1,052
From: NM
Originally Posted by AXracer
The other expense you'll have is a decent helmet. I highly recommend biting the bullet and getting a self darkening one they make a significant difference in ease of welding especially for a novice. Just be careful of the real inexpensive no name ones, their reaction time may not be quick enough.
Nothing improved my MIG welding as much as that helmet! No more making the perfect puddle 1/2" from the joint!
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1
I bought a self-darkening at Harbor Freight for $35 on sale ($75 regular price) and it is as good as ones that used to cost $200. Be sure to get one that is infinitely adjustable darkening, tho.
Nothing improved my MIG welding as much as that helmet! No more making the perfect puddle 1/2" from the joint!
Nothing improved my MIG welding as much as that helmet! No more making the perfect puddle 1/2" from the joint!
I bought the same helmet. I like it fine, although I never tried better ones. And I still make a puddle next to the joint sometimes.
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Covington, La
OK... Here's my 56 cents worth..
I would consider myself a tight wad, I spent probably 7-8 months investigating Mig welders, it was almost an obsession. Watching E-bay, watching the internet, checking the paper, interviewing friends, welders, body and fender guys.. So here's what I did, after waiting 4 months too long and having several very bad headaches,.
I decided to Just eat it, somedays you gota pay FULL Price. I went to Lowes, and purchased the Lincoln, Mig gas ready welder, that was 120v, Not the 220v. I figured if Mom needed her Wraught Iron furnature fixed, She had 120v handy, That 220v stuff you don't find easily at the house. I work in my garage, Not a dedicated Building. SO the 120 volt Lincoln worked best for me due to the Availibility to pack it around. I did install a Volore clip in my 56 with this machine, and do some frame box work. Granted a Stick welder would have been a better choice for the Clip install, the Mig welder using flux core worked just fine.
56Jeff
I would consider myself a tight wad, I spent probably 7-8 months investigating Mig welders, it was almost an obsession. Watching E-bay, watching the internet, checking the paper, interviewing friends, welders, body and fender guys.. So here's what I did, after waiting 4 months too long and having several very bad headaches,.
I decided to Just eat it, somedays you gota pay FULL Price. I went to Lowes, and purchased the Lincoln, Mig gas ready welder, that was 120v, Not the 220v. I figured if Mom needed her Wraught Iron furnature fixed, She had 120v handy, That 220v stuff you don't find easily at the house. I work in my garage, Not a dedicated Building. SO the 120 volt Lincoln worked best for me due to the Availibility to pack it around. I did install a Volore clip in my 56 with this machine, and do some frame box work. Granted a Stick welder would have been a better choice for the Clip install, the Mig welder using flux core worked just fine.
56Jeff