Opinions on this welder?

[FigureItOut]

I've read just about every thread about welders that would relate to my level of welding and had decided on a Hobart handler 210 because it'll run on 110 and I can get welding now, but also on 220 so I can step it up if I ever get around to getting 220 service.

Anyway I've had my eye out for the Handler 210 or possibly the 140, when I came across this for $300:
http://fayar.craigslist.org/tls/5385968031.html

I like the price, especially including the tank. It looks like it's not the most current model which could be a good or bad thing.

I know everyone will say to get 220 and go bigger, but I just don't know when I'll get around to it, and I want to get welding soon. Mostly I'd be doing little repairs, I have some brackets that I want to weld up for a custom rolling work station I'm planning, I'd occasionally fab up brackets for light bars and such, and I'd like to build some sides for my trailer, nothing structural on a trailer.

My experience is only with a 90 amp FCAW and a 180 amp ac/dc inverter stick machine, both 110 V, both without great results.

So watcha guys think?


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[FigureItOut]

Just got called back, the machine hasn't been plugged in for over ten years, and the tank has been sitting. I suspect I'll have issues with a tank that's been sitting that long, inspections and such.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[Thumper68]

Just got called back, the machine hasn't been plugged in for over ten years, and the tank has been sitting. I suspect I'll have issues with a tank that's been sitting that long, inspections and such.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

Can you plug it in and test before you buy?
That would make a big difference to me.

That being said I have never ever heard anyone say they were disappointed in buying a larger machine, that can't be said for a 120V machine.

If it were me I would buy the 210, right now you might be thinking that thin small stuff is all you will ever do but in no time you will be wanting to tackle some bigger stuff.

 

[kunkernator]

Plug it in and see if it runs. As for the tank, I wouldnt be too worried. I have an oxygen tank that just passed a hydrotest, the original hydrotest date stamp on the tank was 1950 something..... That tank looks a helluva lot newer.

 

[FigureItOut]

Can you plug it in and test before you buy?
That would make a big difference to me.

That being said I have never ever heard anyone say they were disappointed in buying a larger machine, that can't be said for a 120V machine.

If it were me I would buy the 210, right now you might be thinking that thin small stuff is all you will ever do but in no time you will be wanting to tackle some bigger stuff.

Oh yes, any consideration is predicated on it working fine. I know what you mean about going bigger, but if this is a pretty good deal and will do the type of work I mentioned well, at $300 it doesn't have to be the last welder I buy.

Plug it in and see if it runs. As for the tank, I wouldnt be too worried. I have an oxygen tank that just passed a hydrotest, the original hydrotest date stamp on the tank was 1950 something..... That tank looks a helluva lot newer.

So I can assume I'll need to dispose of what's in it, and get it hydro-tested then refilled? I hadn't gotten that far yet learning about these, and it's a weekend and all. I don't have a clue what the costs for that will be.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[404]

Use what is in it. Then go to different welding supply places till you find one that will swap that tank for a new one without looking at the date.

 

[kunkernator]

So I can assume I'll need to dispose of what's in it, and get it hydro-tested then refilled? I hadn't gotten that far yet learning about these, and it's a weekend and all. I don't have a clue what the costs for that will be.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

The stamp will have a date, followed by a 'plus' (+), and/or a 'star' (*), or neither. The plus means it can be filled %10 above rated pressure (IIRC), and the star means that the hydrotest is good for 10 years after the stamped date. If there is no star, it is good for 5 years.

Check the date first. Also, make sure there is no RAISED forging around the neck of the bottle, indicating a company name. This generally indicates it is a rental bottle (that company owns it), and nobody will fill it or exchange it for you.

Dump the contents, or use them if there is plenty left, and then go get it tested if need be, or just exchange it. I know Matheson, where I get my bottles filled, will bill me $10 if my exchange bottle is out of date (for a new hydrotest), and if it fails, I have to pay the cost of the bottle.

 

[bobcatdan]

The red flag to me is the ad saying it can do 3/8". A 120 amp unit can maybe do 1/4" on a good day, more likely 3/16".

 

[PoorOwner]

Why, I had been using the same bottle for 10 years, I didn't use it for years and it works like new both the welder and the bottle.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Buy it, use it until you find a 210, sell it for what you paid for it (keep the tank) profit.

That tank will save you about $200 and you're going to need one anyway.

 

[FigureItOut]

Buy it, use it until you find a 210, sell it for what you paid for it (keep the tank) profit.

That tank will save you about $200 and you're going to need one anyway.

That is just about the decision I've come to.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[ovrrdrive]

This appears to be a link to the manual for it. Printed 11/99.

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/521161/Hobart-Welding-Products-Handler-120.html#manual

 

[FigureItOut]

This appears to be a link to the manual for it. Printed 11/99.

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/521161/Hobart-Welding-Products-Handler-120.html#manual

Thanks, that'll be helpful. I was intending to quit spending money for a while but I don't see getting that capability for any less. I'll start negotiating at $200. Guy's just getting rid of clutter I'm sure.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[zkling]

The red flag to me is the ad saying it can do 3/8". A 120 amp unit can maybe do 1/4" on a good day, more likely 3/16".

Shows lack of knowledge on sellers part, wouldn't take what they say to hold much value. Could be a case where guy wanted to lean welding and gave up or just never made the time.

Call the shop who's name is on the gas bottle and see what their tank policy is. Looks like an 80, so most likely you will be fine unless it was under some lease.

Although the newer dual voltage ~200amp compact machines are about the ultimate in their size range if one can swallow the purchase price.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I'd say pass at $300. A 140 Amp hobart machine can barely do 1/4 steel with flux core (less than that with MIG). No way a 120 amp can do 3/8 with MIG. That cylinder probably is only worth $100-$150 max, and you could get a much larger tank for only $70 more if wanted. I just don't think you'll get enough out of that machine, where as a Hobart 140 would probably be adequate (still not as good as 220V, but I've loved my H140).

If you can get it for cheaper though... might not be bad.

 

[FigureItOut]

I really wondered about that claim myself, nothing I've looked at claims to do over 1/4". In any case, his estimation of it's capacity is not a factor to me. The name, the price and the ability to do at least the little stuff I already have in mind are factors.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[jdl25]

Check out the cart. That welder has probably not been used much. Its probably a good welder in it's class.....I'd offer 200 and see....

 

[FigureItOut]

Check out the cart. That welder has probably not been used much. Its probably a good welder in it's class.....I'd offer 200 and see....

What about the cart tells you it wasn't used much?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

My Hobart Handler 140 claims to be able to do 3/16" so I don't see how that one can claim GREATER capacity. I'm no welder, I weld replacement sheet metal for rust repairs in my 1955 Chevy truck - tack, cool, tack, etc. if you're not planning to do anything heavier it sounds like a decent deal.

 

[Fender1325]

Pass on it. Its questionable and overpriced. I bought my handler 140 almost exactly a year ago. While its a quality machine, Im ready for a bigger one already. You can likely find a used 140 for a comparable price.

 

[Fender1325]

Welding is not a cheap hobby to get into.....if you really want a minimal investment buy a 110 hobart flux core machine to start with.

I did that as well, but when I had issues with it after 3 days I returned it, saved my money, and bought a hobart handler 140. Its a quality machine and I think its important to learn on a quality one.

 

[finn]

Go for it.

You can recoup 90% of your investment if you decide the machine needs to be upgraded.

In the meantime the unit is good for learning with.

I bought a 120v machine in the early 80s and still use it for most of my light welding, even though I have a larger machine.

 

[Jason280]

Great buy at $200-225, $250 would be the absolute max...