Looking at buying a welder-Hobart 140

[ChrisR1S]

Hey guys, I've been thinking about getting a welder so i can get to doing some fab for the ranger. For My budget and what i plan to use it for it seems like i want something like the hobart 140 or 187. Something i can use at home and weld 1/4" thick steel to do things such as some frame boxing, gusseting, brackets, sliders and such. Im pretty good and confident with a stick welder and have some limited experience with MIG. I figure best way to get better at it is to get one and practice! and my stepfather is experienced with MIG and TIG and he's offered to help if i need it.
So anyone here reccomend this welder or something similar? Trying to stay less than 700-750bucks initially. Looking like i said for something to use at home that can comfortably penetrate 1/4 material. Looking to hopefully snatch something up saturday morning and get to practicing some more!

Thanks guys!

 

[99RangerKrazy]

I've got a Lincoln Electric Pro Mig 140. I like to use flux-core more than gas so I can get a little better penetration (when I'm welding anything over 3/16"). But I got mine on eBay, brand new for about $150 cheaper than in stores. I'd take a look on there.

If you want to stay under $700-$750 and can run a 220, I'd definitely look into the Hobart Handler 187. I've read/heard they are great machines and very reasonably priced.

 

[Iron Ranger]

If you do have 220, then I'd get the 187 also. I've owned my Hobart 140 for almost 5 years now and it hasn't skipped a beat! I got it because I don't have 220 hook-up.

Plus, it looks like it comes with all the stuff you need for shielding gas, that's good.

And also, if you live close to a Northern Tool outlet or a similar hardware store that carries it, see if they have a special for a free welding cart. When I bought mine, Northern Tool had a special going where I get a free welding cart with the purchase.

Something to look into!

 

[ChrisR1S]

I didn't pay attention that the 187 needs a 220 hookup..which i dont have
So still looking at the handler 140. Sears has an online special with cart and auto-dimming shield and all that fun stuff currently

 

[Iron Ranger]

That's OK, it's still an awesome welder!

It comes with adapters to use the larger spools of wire rather than the weenie 2 pounders(which always runs out at the most critical times!). The solid MIG wire(with the gas setup) I wouldn't weld over 3/16" with it, but the flux cored wire setup(no gas) is very nice for outside work and I'd use it on stuff up to 5/16" with multiple passes.

I'd definitly look into that Sears setup. Sounds like a good deal.

How much is the package?

 

[ChrisR1S]

$650 It says online/catalog special but im going to swing by in the morning when i get off of my 24hr shift and see if i can get that deal in the store as well if thats a good price for whats included http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00930081000P?vName=Tools&sName=Arc+Welders&ci_sku=00930081000P&cName=WeldingEquipment&ci_src=14110944&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

And yeah i like the idea of the flux core wire because id use it outdoors 75% of the time

 

[Iron Ranger]

I think that's a fair price. Welder by itself is $500 with tax, cart is $85, and the helmet is $95. You won't be saving much(as much as I did with a free welding cart), but you'll still be saving.


FYI on that flux cored wire. When you have to replace it, buy either Hobart brand or better, do not skim out on the wire.

I'm finding that out the hard way with moments of nasty porosity due to lack of flux in the wire.

 

[ChrisR1S]

yeah in all my reading this is one thing you dont skimp on if you can help it. I know it mentioned about impurities and such in the cheaper grade wires and such. Im still keeping my eyes out for a bettter deal though until i make a purchase. Found a CL add for the 140 still sealed in the box for $400. I'm hoping the poster shoots an email back my way then i might grab that. I've found plenty of what i've read to be good welders for steals but theyre for 220.

 

[ChrisR1S]

Well picked up the Hobart 140 brand new still sealed in the box $400tax free! Stopped by Tractor Supply and picked up an extra roll of .30Flux core wire, Auto-darkening helmet, gloves, flux core tip, and a few other goodies. Can't wait till Monday to get some time in on it! Iron Ranger, thanks for all the advice!

 

[Iron Ranger]

Any time, my friend!

But remember, flux core is reverse polarity (positive to ground and negative to wire feed gun). It's all there in the right corner where the wire spool is mounted. Can't miss it, since it's got a big "+" and "-" above it. 11mm socket should fit the nuts holding the leads.

I don't know how many times I forgot to switch them back after using gas shielding wire.....

 

[MAranger]

My buddy has the handler 140, and typically uses flux core. It does great for everything i've seen him weld. It handled the crossmember and shock mount i welded into my frame awesome, good penetration, and good looking welds for flux core.

 

[Iron Ranger]

My buddy has the handler 140, and typically uses flux core. It does great for everything i've seen him weld. It handled the crossmember and shock mount i welded into my frame awesome, good penetration, and good looking welds for flux core.

Got that right!

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67627&page=5

If you scroll down to my post, you'll see that I built the whole thing with flux core. Very nice to use outside, but if only I bought the good wire in the first place.............

 

[ChrisR1S]

Well I got some time in today with the MIG and i love it! Glad to finally have a machine of my own. Once i got the wire speed figured out, I got to laying some really nice beads. Even fixed a hole on one of the tubes of my L&L swap headers!

One newb question though....Sometimes(not always) it feels like the wire going too fast(when set on the lowest setting) and its like pushing into the metal im welding if that makes any sense at all? Voltage not high enough or dirty metal maybe?

 

[Iron Ranger]

Depends. Is it the flux core stuff or did you manage to splurge on some gas and solid wire?


Because flux core isn't very nice to metal under 1/8" thick(it's just too powerful).


Usually when welding on thicker stuff, I got it on 4 and the wire speed on 40. The flux core will dig into the steel, that's a good thing.

 

[ChrisR1S]

Yeah Im using the flux core being as ill primarily use it outside. I do have free access to a tank of gas if i want to use it, would just have to get some solid wire. And yeah its deff some powerfull stuff! I had a time getting the header tube fixed lol. Ill throw a pic up in a min