New Welder, revisited.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: peyton, colorado
New Welder, revisited.
About a month ago, I posted about the HF mig I just got, as a warranty replacement for the one that just broke. Well, the new one just broke, too. I took it back, spoke to the manager (clueless), and said I'd like to upgrade to a better machine, maybe a Hobart. He said they didn't stock Hobart, and didn't know anything about welders, he'd get Larry, the weldor, to help me. I explained my situation to good, old, Larry, and he looks around to make sure no one can hear him. Turns out he's hoarding the Hobarts in the back for people like me. The only model they had was the handler 125, 110v, a refurbised model with a full warranty. It's a little lighter than I would have purchased outright, but he traded me straight across for my broken $199 HF. I bought the gas kit for $50, already have the bottle. It welds soooo much better, I'll never buy another cheap welder.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Auburndale, Florida
Sometimes you do tend to get what you pay for! I'm glad you got it straightened out. The Hobart should serve you well and you'll be glad you went ahead and bought the gas kit with it. I think it makes a huge difference in the quality of the weld. 
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
From: New Mexico
Have fun with the MIG welds. The're great. They're the girl-next-door---They're nice looking, always there for you, useful in all kinds of situations.......
TIG welds can wait. They are the Showgirls--They look outstanding but....high maintenance, need lots of attention, not cheap to feed......
TIG welds can wait. They are the Showgirls--They look outstanding but....high maintenance, need lots of attention, not cheap to feed......
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: calif.
not to step on anybody's toe's but... as a welder by trade (pipe and structure certified) the hobart may be fine for what you are doing if it is light. watch the starts and stops if they are rapid as it will burn out the transformer.but nice of the guy to take the broke one and give you a good one. also the mig welds are nice and easy to do but the tig is a whole bunch stronger (not for the beginner) if doing frame work. I have to cut off the front of my frame ,(probably due to a rear ending) where someone in the past has stick welded some of the ugliest and not so straight repairs I have ever seen. my front bumber drops almost 1\2 inch onthe drivers side.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
Arc welding is good for the frame and is what the shop manual says to use when making frame repairs. Mig is nice but doesn't work to good outside. I welded my 78 frame back together but with a 220 amp @ 25% duty cyle AC stick welder (only used 90 amps).
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: calif.
hobart
the hobart is a good little garage welder no doubt about it! very reliable and affordable. I had one for about 10 years, used for all kinds of things. ( have miller bobcat 250 with generator know) trying to talk my wife into a smaller garage miller for christmas, but she doesnt seem to responsive to the idea as the bobcat was 8 grand!
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