Fix up Hobart Handler 6969 or buy something else?

[240sxguy]

Alright guys,

I'm a light hobbyist and I have had this welder for 10+ years with no major issues. Everything works "OK" but I used a buddies weld pak to weld some exhaust pipes and found it just seemed to weld better than mine. This has me wondering if it's time for a new liner for my gun (old GAL-45) or perhaps a more modern gun? It's never had any major issues. Are these ancient welders decent units or should I move on and just purchase something else?

I can't really justify spending much to replace it (I MIGHT use it once a year) so I'd be looking at some chinese options and perhaps used if I can find something in good shape.

Thoughts?

 

[corn chip]

used chinese eh. unless its free it wouldnt be worth it. even then you might still be getting the short end of the stick. better fix what you have. but how can it even need anything if it was used just once a year. must be alot more to this story

 

[kaymccampbell]

You probably need small things to make it better again. Clean it. Strip the outer layer of wire off the spool. Lube the drive motor and gearbox. Adjust the spool tension. Adjust the drive tension. Pull the liner and clean it. I use brakleen to flush the dust out. Blow it out with compressed air. Reassemble. Test it.

If it's still hinky, Get a new drive wheel. Get a new liner. Get one of those little plastic wire wiper thingies to put just before the drive.

 

[240sxguy]

used chinese eh. unless its free it wouldnt be worth it. even then you might still be getting the short end of the stick. better fix what you have. but how can it even need anything if it was used just once a year. must be alot more to this story

You probably need small things to make it better again. Clean it. Strip the outer layer of wire off the spool. Lube the drive motor and gearbox. Adjust the spool tension. Adjust the drive tension. Pull the liner and clean it. I use brakleen to flush the dust out. Blow it out with compressed air. Reassemble. Test it.

If it's still hinky, Get a new drive wheel. Get a new liner. Get one of those little plastic wire wiper thingies to put just before the drive.

You know now that I am thinking about it, you've both got a good point. I've run MAYBE 5 rolls of wire through this welder since I have had it. The previous owner said he never used it basically so the liner and things should be fine. I will give it a really good cleanup and see how it goes. Perhaps the liner is just filthy.

Sorry I wasn't clear, I meant new chinese welder (eastwood for example) or used lincoln/miller/hobart.

Thanks for the advice, I'll take a closer look at everything before I go nuts replacing parts.