Who has one? Is this a good choice for just auto work sheetmetal and light frame? Price is a concern, but also don't want to waste my money. I have welded always on heavy equipment with large machines. This is for hame and truck project.

 

I have an older 120 and for light work it is great.Most I have tried to weld is 1/4" no had no problem with it

 

I've had mine about a month. I've done a few things with it but haven't used it extensively on sheetmetal repairs. I have put together a welding table and a few items that are a little thicker and kinda wonder if I got enough welder. It says it welds up to 1/4 in., maybe a little more but I'm using a gas setup and it appears that to get to 1/4 type stuff you have to use flux core. It may not make any difference to you but I should have read the fine print alittle closer. I had seen a used Hobart 175 on Craig's List for a little over $500 (no bottle) and let it get away. I paid $430 for a new 140 and spent another 200 on a cylinder and fuel. I'm okay with what I've got but wondering how long until I wish I had something a little more robust.

 

Thats what I am worried about! Hate to spend $450 just to find out I need more.The heaviest thing I plan on welding now is a cross member, but who knows what the future will bring.

 

Depends on your timeframe. If you can spend a little time checking craigslist you might find a 220v unit for about what you would pay for a new Handler 140. The 175 I found was practically new but I would have had to spend the $200 for a cylinder on that one as well. There was less than $100 difference between the new 140 and the used 175 once all was said and done. I've got a few frame repairs to make and I'm hopeful my 140 can do it and it looks ideal for all the floorpan replacement I'm looking at. As for the welding table and a few jigs I might make out of some heavier stock I picked up at the scrapyard, I'm not as confident. All that said I'm not a professional welder and I'm sure someone with more skill could probably get the most out of the 140. It may do all you need it to do.
Just my thoughts...good luck with your purchase.

 

I have had the Handler 140 for about a year and a half. Flux core welds great up to 1/4" steel. Gas is fine up to about 3/16" and is much cleaner (prettier) welds and is easier to fine tune for small stuff. For normal to light work these are great. I don't ever have the need to weld anything over 1/4" so it suits my needs just fine. Nice thing about running it on 110 I can use it anywhere and that's why I went with the 140 vs. the 175. I generally say if you need to regularly weld over 1/4" thickness you should probably buy a 220v stick welder anyway.

It sounds like the right unit for what you are planning to do.

 

I'll ask the obvious question I always do before recommending a welder. How much welding experience do you have?

If your new to welding, then a 110V unit is a great learning tool. However welding sheetmetal up to 1/8 inch (maybe 3/16 at most) is all they are really designed for...regardless of the mfg's rating. Most have a very short duty cylce that will limit welding time to 2-4 minutes max. I definitely never recommend any frame work with a 110V unit. Yes it can be done, but even the experienced welders, like myself, would look for an alternative option first. Also, take a welding class if one is offered nearby.

If your an experienced welder then you should know the limitations of a 110V unit and realize a 220V Mig or stick unit is needed for structural work such as vehicle frames.
I almost always tell people to save their money and purchase a 220V unit. I'm not knocking the 110s, but I've had both, and each has their advantages. But everyone I know who starts welding and likes it, wishes they had saved their money and bought the 220V in the first place.
If your on a budget, buy a nice AC/DC stick welder. You'll have to shop around for them as most places (farm and hardware stores) only sell AC units. Go to your local weld supply shop. Lincoln is about the best. This is the best all purpose welder you can have. Then you can save your money for a nice 220V MIG. By having both, you'll have the ability to weld pretty much anything that comes your way. Even I still have my old Lincoln AC/DC for cast, aluminum, stainless, and major structural items.

So to answer your question, Hobart has about the best 110Vs on the market. Just remember it will limit your project to thin material.

 

I've had my HH140 for over 4 years, no problems. I have welded steel and aluminum with it, it's a great machine that has limitations as already noted. Thicker material can be welded with proper joint preparation but frame welding, trailer hitches etc would be a no-no IMO; that's what the stick welder is for. If you have 220V, look into the Handler HH215. The only drawback I see on the 215 is that the high voltage input limits portability. The Hobart site has plenty of good people and info on their forums. Good luck

 

Stryder, I do have welding experience but all heavy stuff caisson augers, excavator buckets, heavy duty. Big diesel arc machines show up check the oil start and put the shield down. I have never stuck two pieces of sheet metal together before, and have never had to worry about if I had the enough machine for the job. Union hall sends me out all I need is a shield and a chipping hammer.

 

If you can weld the heavy stuff, you'll do fine with sheetmetal. Do you have your own AC/DC or one you can borrow? If so, just get some 3/32 or 1/8 rod 7018 and practice. I've always said if you can stick sheet, you can do just about anything.
Do you have any experience with MIG? There are some distinct differences in technique.
Like I said, if $$$ is a big concern, go for a good Lincoln 250amp AC/DC. At least then you have the capability of doing frame work and sheetmetal, and never have to question the strength of the joint. If your set on MIG, and you see yourself wanting to do more than just sheetmetal, save for a 220V unit. There are good deals out there to be had. Most mfg's and dealer run specials, and some have payment plans as well.

 

Almost forgot...I'll throw my opinion of welder out to you:

110V ->Hobart 135 or 140amp ->sheetmetal only.
220V -> Millermatic 180,210,252 -> unlimited with multi-pass
440V -> Miller Axcess 450 Pulse or Lincoln Powerwave

My personal equipment:
Victor O/A unit
Lincoln 225amp AC/DC stick
Millermatic 251 220V