Welder

[MichaelBikel]

Just got off the phone $250. Im picking it up tonight.

 

[TNToy]

Score. You'll love that machine. Everything just burns so much better.

I'm speaking from experience. I went straight from a Century Hi/Low wirefeed... to a 220v Miller with gas.

Get. Gas. Soon.

 

[zmotorsports]

Just got off the phone $250. Im picking it up tonight.

Good for you. That should work and I think you will be much happier with that than a smaller no-name welder. I too would vote that you save up and add gas. It makes quite a difference.

Mike.

 

[Jeeper]

Just got off the phone $250. Im picking it up tonight.

Boom. That's how its done.

What model is it? I couldn't quite tell it from the pics? That is one thing that is cool about Miller/hobart, you can buy tips, Hobart wire and some other goodies at Northern tool or Tractor Supply.

 

[MichaelBikel]

Boom. That's how its done.

What model is it? I couldn't quite tell it from the pics? That is one thing that is cool about Miller/hobart, you can buy tips, Hobart wire and some other goodies at Northern tool or Tractor Supply.

Its the handler 135, i know its not exactly great but I know it will be a huge upgrade for me

 

[f575gtc]

that seems expensive...

n/m I read that has needing the nozzle/ trigger

 

[Jeeper]

Its the handler 135, i know its not exactly great but I know it will be a huge upgrade for me

That was just the predecessor to the 140. You did good for 250. Better follow up tonight once you pick it up.

 

[MichaelBikel]

That was just the predecessor to the 140. You did good for 250. Better follow up tonight once you pick it up.

Will do, now where do I get gas and a hose lol?

 

[AnthonyJ124]

That's a good deal. My Hobart came with a harbor freight regulator, works good.
http://m.harborfreight.com/regulator-gauge-94841.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

You can buy gas at airgas or any other welding supply shop.

 

[Jeeper]

That's a good deal. My Hobart came with a harbor freight regulator, works good.
http://m.harborfreight.com/regulator-gauge-94841.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

You can buy gas at airgas or any other welding supply shop.

I rent a cylinder from my local welding supply. Cost $50/year plus money to fill it up. I have had mine 2-3 years and haven't had to refill it.

You can get the regulator at the welding supply or order that one on ebay in the link someone put up there. Ebay will be cheaper. Then you just need the hose.

 

[gearhead1]

I bought my Millermatic 180 from these guys:

http://www.weldersupply.com/

They have great prices and being in a different state than me meant no sales tax as well. They didn't have great communication but they shipped quickly and had the best price I could find anywhere. The closeout 180's are gone but they do sell Hobart and a few other brands.

+1, same welder from same company. Love my Millers.

Hobart would be next, then Lincoln for me.

 

[f575gtc]

Also dont get a 20cuft tank, you will run through gas faster Veyron at top speed.

CL has many tanks for cheap, I bought a 140cuft tank 2 years ago I am still on, and even a smaller 80cuft is nice.

 

[MichaelBikel]

Here it is next to my HF welder

[/url]IMG_7974 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr[/IMG]
And again

[/url]IMG_7976 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr[/IMG]

[/url]IMG_7969 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr[/IMG]
Inside

[/url]IMG_7965 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr[/IMG]
Heres the roll he gave me with it, also came with a fitting for a larger spool

[/url]IMG_7968 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[f575gtc]

Put the HF one on CL, I sold my blue version one years after owning it on CL still made $100

 

[Jeeper]

That Hobart looks hardly used. Btw, that hub costs $15. My Miller that I bought off CL didn't have one. You did good. Now get some gas and you'll be really happy.

 

[MichaelBikel]

Guess I need to start looking at hoses and tanks, anyone else have recommendations? What should I look for in a hose or tank? Also I guess it depends on wire but what has do you use, argon, co2 or mix?

 

[Bobcat753]

For MIG welding you use Argon/CO2 mix. I have a spare tank you can have if you dont mind the drive. Its a 27" which should be good for your application. You just need to bring it to your welding supply store and they will exchange it for a new one (Should be around $50)

 

[CNGsaves]

Guess I need to start looking at hoses and tanks, anyone else have recommendations? What should I look for in a hose or tank? Also I guess it depends on wire but what has do you use, argon, co2 or mix?

^ ^ Take advantage of great gesture of free 27" tank (ie 55 cf) from BobCat753 as that's nice size for occasional welder. That's an AWESOME Pay It Forward from fellow GJer !!! . .

I would guess a refill of that size bottle with 75/25 (ie 75% Argon and 25% Carbon Dioxide) will run you $30 to $35 and they will just exchange your bottle since it is OWNED bottle. That's what you tell AirGas or your other options for LWS (local welding supply) companies.

P.S. Read the fine print on that Blue Demon wire that prior owner provided . . . it's SOLID WIRE so it will only work with welding gas (ie you'll need regulator and 75/25 bottle).

 

[MichaelBikel]

For MIG welding you use Argon/CO2 mix. I have a spare tank you can have if you dont mind the drive. Its a 27" which should be good for your application. You just need to bring it to your welding supply store and they will exchange it for a new one (Should be around $50)

Are you serious? yeah that would be awesome. I'll pm you, thanks!

 

[Rj555]

Its the handler 135, i know its not exactly great but I know it will be a huge upgrade for me

The 135 is a good 110 welder. I've had mine for several years. I like it. However, I'm wanting to upgrade. However, I've done several projects with mine.

 

[MichaelBikel]

Thanks you everyone for the help/encouragement!
I still have a few questions for you if you guys don't mind...

For my needs a smaller cylinder is best, thinking I go the 75/25 Argon/CO2 route and use the wire I got with the welder.

I read that for this setup I need an Argon Regulator or a mixed regulator but NOT a CO2 regulator?

Suggestions for regulators/hoses? Not looking to break the bank but hoping for quality. One person suggested the harbor freight $30 regulator, is this a viable option?

 

[Bobcat753]

Mike stopped by my place just a few minutes ago and now has a tank for his welder! He gave me some Nicholson Files and a large woodworking chisel as a Thank You.
It was nice meeting you and good luck welding!

 

[sberry]

It is a huge upgrade. If you are working with a diet of sheet the 135 is really a 023 welder. You might be able to tailor the circuit to allow it to run up 030, not sure as I don't have much time on them but 20A hits a ceiling fast. The 135 is considered a pretty good sheet welder.
Cool beans for helping him.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Mike stopped by my place just a few minutes ago and now has a tank for his welder! He gave me some Nicholson Files and a large woodworking chisel as a Thank You.
It was nice meeting you and good luck welding!

What goes around comes around. Feels great doesn't it?

 

[Bobcat753]

It does feel good helping out a beginner welder and fellow GJ'er. I'm always willing to help from towing stuff for friends to doing welding and odd jobs, in the end it all pays off for the good.

 

[MichaelBikel]

Mike stopped by my place just a few minutes ago and now has a tank for his welder! He gave me some Nicholson Files and a large woodworking chisel as a Thank You.
It was nice meeting you and good luck welding!

Thanks a million dude! I'm taking it to get filled in the am before work, the trip was worth it.

 

[TNToy]

You're going to fall in love with the welder once you have shielding gas.

Especially using it on thin steel with .023 wire - you can lay clean beads with no splatter, where the old box would merely blow holes.

FYI, the welding wire from harbor freight is damn cheap and burns pretty clean. A quality wire is important - I've picked up cheap spools that would splatter fairly badly.