Looking at a used Hobart Handler 140 Mig...

[SteveL]

The guy is asking $300 for it but I do not know yet what it comes with, like helmet, gas tank, extra wire, etc. I've e-mailed him and hope to have an answer tonight.

Seeing that these typically go for around $450 new, is $300 a decent deal IF it's in good shape and has the accessories?

 

[Stanger]

That sounds like a good deal to me depending on condition. As always, offer less. If it does have gas with it(C25) then I would definitely buy it. I payed $150 to buy a 60cf tank of C25. Hobarts are great welders. I used to weld with a friend's HH125 and it was decent for a small unit. I recently got a HH187 and it welds VERY nice. I think you will be happy with that welder and it sounds like a good deal. It also sounds like you know the market pretty well so I'm not sure why I replied. You have it under control.
Grant

 

[Franz©]

Before handing over CASH open the cover and eyeball the transformer for signs of overheating. The varnish tells you real quick if the machine constantly bumped the thermal.
Also check the current tap switch for signs of arcing, and handpull a few feet of wire thru the liner to feel for snags.

 

[SteveL]

Not sure I have a handle on the market as you mention as this will be my first MIG and I have not touched a welder in about 30 years. Sooooo, I really have no clue what I'm looking at, but being in sales, I do have a way to make people think I know more than I really do.

Any tips like the laquer changing colors would be helpfull. When you say to pull a few feet of wire, I'm not sure exactly what you mean. Can you clarify?

 

[Franz©]

take the tension off the feed roller mechanism, in the box, and grab the wire, with pliers, at the tip. It should pull with no resistance other than the reelbrake. If you feel snags on the liner you'll know. Inspect the gun cable for signs of kinking or driveover.

Salesman eh, go to www.hobartwelders.com, you can pull up the manual and learn the machine well. If it's brrn hot the varnish at the top of the transformer will be darker. If really pounded the varnish will be almost black.

Definitely test drive before buying.

 

[Stanger]

My bet is that a HH140 was probably bought by a hobbyist that rarely welded with it. I doubt it has maxing the duty cycle. The guy probably bought it, rarely used it and now wants some money out of it. I could be wrong and he could weld daily and abuse the machine but I don't think its likely. A weldor who welds regularly will have a larger welder than that with a greater duty cycle. Take a look at it and report back.
Grant
EDIT: Franz, I just noticed you were a MM member. I did not realize that before. To be honest I just thought you were another welding know-it-all(seriously, no offense intended). There are alot out there so I just figured you were another one. I have a lot of respect for active members on that board and am pleased to see that you really seem to know your stuff(from what I've read). Sorry if I ever came across harsh to you.

 

[Deltarat]

Sounds like a good price, if it is in good condition. I have one for the light stuff and really like it. If it comes with the bottle, it is a great deal.

 

[daddylama]

as a professional, i had a hobart handler 140... worked great for small jobs on site; didn't have to bring the big welder. abused the hell out of that thing for years, never gave up.
the only issue i ever had with it: it was lite enough weight that someone felt they could walk away with it.

also had a 220v miller in the shop, and a miller big 40 on the work truck... so the handler wasn't the only thing in use... still, quite liked it for what it was.

 

[eschoendorff]

I have teh HH 140 and (for my purposes) I love it. I do not have access to 220vac, so I found the best 120vac welder I could.

Other than that, pay close attention to Franz's advice and good luck!

 

[Stanger]

SteveL, do you have 220v in your garage? If so maybe you could keep an eye out for a nice used 220v machine.
Grant

 

[SteveL]

No 220v at the moment but could run it if I found something.

 

[Stanger]

Ok, I was just wondering. I may have a Weld-Pak 5000HD up for sale soon. It is a Lincoln 175A class machine and would be nicer than the 140 in terms of weld quality. I'll tell you if I put it up for sale.
Grant