Always a good day when a box from Tooltopia drops in.

[montanafordman]

I just thought I'd share my latest two big acquisitions to aid in the restoration of my Model A.

I recently sold some stuff on eBay and earned enough to get me some nice Martin Hammers and Dollies from Tooltopia that arrived yesterday. They had the best pricing and I got the set for under $198 shipped (from a tooltopia sponsored eBay auction). Coincidentally Tooltopia has also fueled, aided, and abetted my SK affliction. I had bought the Harbor Freight hammer and dolly set for around $25 but promptly got rid of it when I realized what a pile it was. There is absolutely no comparison in the quality between this USA made martin set and the cheap variety you see in the blow mold case. It doesn't have that HF Chinese aroma either.

My other big acquisition is a welder and cart. I would have loved a TIG welder but it was a bit out of my budget, sure I'll probably outgrow this and upgrade someday but this will get me going, something I can learn on, and should have no problems finishing my car with this. I've been reading up on a lot of techniques and will certainly practice on a lot of scrap before I start welding on my car. I also got the book "the Key to Metal Bumping" which has a lot of good stuff in it. I'll take my time, practice, and consult the experts along the way and I think my finished product will turn out fine.

The welder is a Hobart Handler 140, with a Harbor Freight cart. I took the Chicago Welding logos off with some acetone and put a couple Hobart decals on instead. It looks a lot cleaner IMO. I also got a Hobart impact auto darkening helmet.

 

[Kirbot]

You're going to like that Hobart 140
I've had mine a couple years now and I love it. Even though it's just a 110v machine, I've never come across something too big to weld with it.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I don't know the details, but aren't Martin hammers based off of other defunct companies designs?

 

[montanafordman]

I don't know the details, but aren't Martin hammers based off of other defunct companies designs?

I heard a rumor once that they took over the hammer manufacturing/business from Plomb/Proto. I think Martin may be connected to them somehow as I've seen some of their other tools with the same part numbers as Proto. Its very likely that they've made stuff for many other companies on a contract basis though. Martin has been around for a long time.

 

[tank4114]

i started with those martin hammers best hammer for the money and USA made have added some snappys to fill in my needs but i still use the martins daily

 

[dutchgray]

Its not the design that makes the difference, the cheap ones are just copies of the good ones but made from lesser materials, not as good heat treatment, not as well finished etc, that's where the difference is.

 

[Scout Driver]

+1 on liking your Hobart 140. I've had mine a couple years and it's been an awesome welder. In the future, I might pick up a bigger Hobart for heavier material, but I won't get rid of the 140.

Did the cover come with your welder?? I reeeeaaallly like it!

Scott

 

[Blake150]

Those martin hammers will do you good had mine for years and i wouldn't buy anything else. As a body tech by trade i can assure you that you have made a sound investment

 

[countryroad82]

Martin bought out Fairmount so yeah they're basically Fairmount design. They are great hammers and dollies. That is what I have in my body hammer drawer although all of mine are fiberglass handles.

 

[montanafordman]

+1 on liking your Hobart 140. I've had mine a couple years and it's been an awesome welder. In the future, I might pick up a bigger Hobart for heavier material, but I won't get rid of the 140.

Did the cover come with your welder?? I reeeeaaallly like it!

Scott

No I bought it separately. I think I paid around $40 for it on amazon? I like it though, fits nicely and keeps the dust out of it/off it when not in use.

 

[countryroad82]

Oh and the Hobart 140, it's at replaced the 135 that was notorious for frieing circuit boards. I have a 135 which is a great unit for my needs and yes I had to replace the board once but it does great for welding panels and such.

 

[bsaint]

Whenever tooltopia drops off a package for me its busted to hell lol.

 

[Scout Driver]

No I bought it separately. I think I paid around $40 for it on amazon? I like it though, fits nicely and keeps the dust out of it/off it when not in use.

Thanks montanafordman. I am going to be getting one for my welder.

Scott