Hey all,
Our local Tractor Supply Store has this Mig welder on sale for $449.00..
I have read the reviews and it looks to be a decent welder for what I would need working on my Buggy and doing small stuff.
Anyone have any opinions on whether I should pass on it or grab it??? The only thing I'm not liking is the five position voltage instead of infinite but that is a small detail due to the little welding I would probably do with it.
I just want something in the garage that is available when I need it.
Hobart Handler 140
-
Clonebug
- Posts: 4719
- Joined: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:28 pm
Hobart Handler 140
Stripped66 wrote:The point wasn't to argue air temps with the current world record holder, but to dispel the claim that the K03 is wrapped up at 150 HP. It's not.
-
Ol'fogasaurus
- Posts: 17758
- Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:17 pm
Re: Hobart Handler 140
Hobart was bought by Miller quite a few years ago to get the technology of the Hobart 120. The 140, as I understand it is a follow on of the 120, 135 units which I have both of. The 120 is supposed to be the best but so far the 135 works as good as the 120 so I would expect that the 140 would be just as good.
Reading one review on the 140 said it is the same as the Miller 140 but I am not sure that is correct.
The Miller machines have more technology than their Hobart series but their price reflects that. Yours, like mine, can be used with flux wire and gas by a simple internal change in the wiring (swapping pos and neg connections). For what you are probably going to use it for, like you said, it should be more than accomodating.
Flux core is good for welding outside as using the shielding gas outside can have the shielding gas blown away in a wind. I stay pretty much with shielding gas myself as I rarely weld outside.
Important: getting the machine repaired, if ever needed, should be easy as parts would be easy to get through a Miller dealer. Getting a welder repaired isn't always that easy with an off-brand so staying with a well known brand like Lincoln, Miller, Hobart and a few others is a good idea (check for parts availability and someone local being able [e.g., wanting/willing to] before buying is a handy piece of advice). I have had to have my 120 fixed once but parts were readably available.
Drawback: the only real drawback I know of is the tips are (unless Miller has changed this) of a non-common thread pitch so you can't just go anywhere to get new tips. You are going to want to keep several around so buy several for each diameter of wire you plan on using. I use .023/.025 (as I remember but I also have an .030 and .035 tip around also for heavier materials. I think 3/16" is about it for the 120v machines (the Hobart site says 1/4").
Also: the first thing you are supposed to make after getting your machine is a cart but there are some good ones out there too for not too much of a price (I just got a new one which I really, really like). If you are going to move it around outside or where there are seams or cracks in the floor, use larger wheels.
Hope this helps.
Lee
Reading one review on the 140 said it is the same as the Miller 140 but I am not sure that is correct.
The Miller machines have more technology than their Hobart series but their price reflects that. Yours, like mine, can be used with flux wire and gas by a simple internal change in the wiring (swapping pos and neg connections). For what you are probably going to use it for, like you said, it should be more than accomodating.
Flux core is good for welding outside as using the shielding gas outside can have the shielding gas blown away in a wind. I stay pretty much with shielding gas myself as I rarely weld outside.
Important: getting the machine repaired, if ever needed, should be easy as parts would be easy to get through a Miller dealer. Getting a welder repaired isn't always that easy with an off-brand so staying with a well known brand like Lincoln, Miller, Hobart and a few others is a good idea (check for parts availability and someone local being able [e.g., wanting/willing to] before buying is a handy piece of advice). I have had to have my 120 fixed once but parts were readably available.
Drawback: the only real drawback I know of is the tips are (unless Miller has changed this) of a non-common thread pitch so you can't just go anywhere to get new tips. You are going to want to keep several around so buy several for each diameter of wire you plan on using. I use .023/.025 (as I remember but I also have an .030 and .035 tip around also for heavier materials. I think 3/16" is about it for the 120v machines (the Hobart site says 1/4").
Also: the first thing you are supposed to make after getting your machine is a cart but there are some good ones out there too for not too much of a price (I just got a new one which I really, really like). If you are going to move it around outside or where there are seams or cracks in the floor, use larger wheels.
Hope this helps.
Lee
-
Dale M.
- Posts: 1673
- Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2009 8:09 am
Re: Hobart Handler 140
I have the HH 140 and its been a good machine, but some what limited if your material is over 1/4 inch, but with good technique you can go larger .... I sort of wish I had gone to a larger machine, not because HH140 is not good machine but sometimes I get in to projects where a higher amperage 240v machine would be more desirable.....
As Lee mentioned Hobart is the lower priced machine vs Miller, but that does not make it a poor machine...
If you do not ever anticipate doing BIG jobs its a good general home shop level machine....
You might look here to see what other think of it....
http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/f ... re-Welders
There is also this resource.... Remanufactured machine for $419... If you want bigger there is the 120/240v 210 amp MPV machine for $729... When they have them in stock...
http://www.hobartweldshop.com/refurbish ... t-welders/
Dale
As Lee mentioned Hobart is the lower priced machine vs Miller, but that does not make it a poor machine...
If you do not ever anticipate doing BIG jobs its a good general home shop level machine....
You might look here to see what other think of it....
http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/f ... re-Welders
There is also this resource.... Remanufactured machine for $419... If you want bigger there is the 120/240v 210 amp MPV machine for $729... When they have them in stock...
http://www.hobartweldshop.com/refurbish ... t-welders/
Dale
Last edited by Dale M. on Sun Nov 29, 2015 8:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
"Fear The Government That Wants To Take Your Guns" - Thomas Jefferson
1970 "Kellison Sand Piper Roadster"
1970 "Kellison Sand Piper Roadster"
-
Clonebug
- Posts: 4719
- Joined: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:28 pm
Re: Hobart Handler 140
My brother has a Miller 250 so if I ever need something bigger I can go there or even take it over to my garage. I have been using that but it is such a PITA to get it over to my house for a little project.
It keeps me from going those little jobs that could be whipped out if the welder was always there........
It keeps me from going those little jobs that could be whipped out if the welder was always there........
Stripped66 wrote:The point wasn't to argue air temps with the current world record holder, but to dispel the claim that the K03 is wrapped up at 150 HP. It's not.
-
Piledriver
- Moderator
- Posts: 22520
- Joined: Sat Feb 16, 2002 12:01 am
zero wirefeed
Look on Craigslist for a better machine.
The older Miller MIGs are near indestructible, and weld beautifully..
There is an old Hobart BetaMIG 200 for example on craigslist here in Dallas for 300,
Those are AWESOME, bulletproof industrial machines, 200A 100% duty cycle.
Needs a gun, but takes std bits.
I'm a huge fan of spoolguns with nice long cables for working on cars.
Long and super flex cable, and no wire feed issues.
If you have a 220v dryer outlet, go there by all means.
The older Miller MIGs are near indestructible, and weld beautifully..
There is an old Hobart BetaMIG 200 for example on craigslist here in Dallas for 300,
Those are AWESOME, bulletproof industrial machines, 200A 100% duty cycle.
Needs a gun, but takes std bits.
I'm a huge fan of spoolguns with nice long cables for working on cars.
Long and super flex cable, and no wire feed issues.
If you have a 220v dryer outlet, go there by all means.
Addendum to Newtons first law:
zero vehicles on jackstands, square gets a fresh 090 and 1911, cabby gets a blower.
EZ3.6 Vanagon after that.(mounted, needs everything finished) then Creamsicle.
zero vehicles on jackstands, square gets a fresh 090 and 1911, cabby gets a blower.
EZ3.6 Vanagon after that.(mounted, needs everything finished) then Creamsicle.
-
cbeck
- Posts: 243
- Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2015 5:17 pm
Re: Hobart Handler 140
I have used the 115vac handlers for over 20 years on my work trucks. Plastic door hinges always broken, but does not affect operation. I feel the engineers are a little proud of their advertised thickness that will weld. I currently use flux with no gas and it seems hotter than when hooked up to gas. When hooked up to gas it also burns with a bluer arc. I weld 1/8 no problem, but thicker seems to require more talent/knowledge. Just as important is the quality of the wire. I would not hesitate to buy another,I've had 3 in almost 25 years, but have not used any other 115vac units.