Hobart Handler Wire-Feed Welder
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 2
From: Allen TX
Hobart Handler Wire-Feed Welder
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...39&R=200318739
Has anybody used this welder? I can get a pretty good deal on one and was wondering what you guys thought. I just want it for welding up brackets and maybe an exhaust or two. Seems like it would good enough to be spreader bar mounts and such.
Has anybody used this welder? I can get a pretty good deal on one and was wondering what you guys thought. I just want it for welding up brackets and maybe an exhaust or two. Seems like it would good enough to be spreader bar mounts and such.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 22
From: Yooperville MI
This welder can not be converted to gas, you'll want to use gas for cleaner welds. The next up model from Northern is $359 and the gas kit is $82.99. Hobart, Lincoln, and Miller all offer good home size machines.
Shop around at Home Depot for a complete package in one box (gas kit, helmet, regulator, etc.) for a better deal. Also, try your local welding supply, they might have a good deal and you can build a relationship with them which can be very helpful down the road when you need info or advice since you will be buying supplies from them anyway.
Shop around at Home Depot for a complete package in one box (gas kit, helmet, regulator, etc.) for a better deal. Also, try your local welding supply, they might have a good deal and you can build a relationship with them which can be very helpful down the road when you need info or advice since you will be buying supplies from them anyway.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 43
From: Plano TX
Steer clear of any unit that can't be converted to gas. While flux core is OK for thicker metals such as 3/16 it produces more splatter (a real pain when welding on or under a car).
Look for a gas sheild unit. I deal with Garland Welding supply however I picked up my 125 volt Miller MIG unit used but bought my Plasma cutter new from them. They might have some deals going on regarding a new MIG one though.
dave
Look for a gas sheild unit. I deal with Garland Welding supply however I picked up my 125 volt Miller MIG unit used but bought my Plasma cutter new from them. They might have some deals going on regarding a new MIG one though.
dave
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 1
From: East China MI
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
Avoid no-gas units. I have a 110v Clarke with the gas conversion kit that I really like. My dad has the 220v Hobart Handler - that's a really nice welder. A combination of gas and flux core makes the best weld.
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by jpatrick636
A combination of gas and flux core makes the best weld.
That's not exactly recommended. I get great welds from gas with solid-core wire for gas.
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, MS USA
When talking about a 110-115v vs 220-225v it looks as though you are only get a 1/16" more out of the 220 (3/16 mild steel vs. 1/4 (220). Is it worth the money to get the extra 1/16 of inch out of the 220, when we are talking a basic home shop?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 88,393
Likes: 2
From: eville in
Originally Posted by MoneyPit
When talking about a 110-115v vs 220-225v it looks as though you are only get a 1/16" more out of the 220 (3/16 mild steel vs. 1/4 (220). Is it worth the money to get the extra 1/16 of inch out of the 220, when we are talking a basic home shop?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
I bought a Hobart 140 that already has the gas kit last year from this guy off ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/HOBART-HANDLER-1...QQcmdZViewItem
Great dealer! He had the best price and shipped the next business day. The Hobart has worked perfectly. I also bought a miller auto-dimming helmet from the same dealer and I highly recommend an auto-dimming helmet.
http://cgi.ebay.com/HOBART-HANDLER-1...QQcmdZViewItem
Great dealer! He had the best price and shipped the next business day. The Hobart has worked perfectly. I also bought a miller auto-dimming helmet from the same dealer and I highly recommend an auto-dimming helmet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by MoneyPit
Yeah, I kinda thought that. But is it worth the money?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 43
From: Plano TX
The link Zwede posted is a good price when you consider it comes with the gas kit. I'd go for that and then weld up a cart since it would be a good practice.
I had a spare helmet so just bought the auto tint lens at Garland.
The 110V unit will do most any job you'll need up to 3/16. For 3/16 I did use flux core for a bit better penetration on my coilover brackets however for all other jobs and welding on the car directly I use gas shield. Flux wire was recommended by Garland Welding supply for 3/16and it worked great.
Now all I need is a TIG, and small Mill/Lathe combo, convert the spare bedroom to a machine shop and so on and so on...
I had a spare helmet so just bought the auto tint lens at Garland.
The 110V unit will do most any job you'll need up to 3/16. For 3/16 I did use flux core for a bit better penetration on my coilover brackets however for all other jobs and welding on the car directly I use gas shield. Flux wire was recommended by Garland Welding supply for 3/16and it worked great.
Now all I need is a TIG, and small Mill/Lathe combo, convert the spare bedroom to a machine shop and so on and so on...