[bigkid]

I've finally decided to take the plunge and buy a mig. I'm leaning heavily towards Hobart's 135 Handler. It's a 115 volt unit and puts out up to 135 amp, for 'bout $650 Canadian plus 15% tax. I know everybody is probably going to say that the 230 volt units are better, but I really like the idea of being able to plug it in virtually anywhere. If the metals beyond the posted 3/16" max (single pass), I also have a trusty old Lincoln stick welder. Does anybody have any comments on the quality of the Hobart or similar migs. There seems to be an awful lot of plastic inside all of the migs I've looked at.
Thanx

[302 Z28]

Miller, Hobart, and Lincoln all make quality MIG welders. One thing about a 115v welder is the duty cycle can be relativly low. That means if you have a considerable amount of continuous welding to do, it may high temp trip out on you and you will have to let it cool.

I know you don't want to hear about not buying a 115v welder, but I can buy a Miller 175 for $650 U.S. A 230v welder will serve you much better than a 115v IMO. How often are you actually going to weld away from home? The max input load of the Miller 175 is a mere 19.5 amps. A 30 amp double pole breaker with #10 AWG wire is more than suitable. This is an inexpensive upgrade.

Vince

[mustangman1968]

i own a hobart 135 handler and it works great except on thick metals like 1/4 " but 3/16 and under it works fine on. hobart is d@mn good brand for the money

[Huskinhano]

A number of years ago when I was looking for a mig, I checked out everyone's unit. I ended up with the HTP 140, 120 volt model. it's been a pleasure to use absolutely flawless. It can do stitch welding and also has reverse polarity. I can't praise it enough, one of the best pieces of equipment I ever bought. Check the duty cycle out! Very well made welder!

I stayed with the 120 volt for portability and if I need to have something bigger to weld, I'll have a pro welder do it.

Here's the link http://www.htpweld.com/product_page/...s/mig_140.html

[BLOWN 1100]

From what i understand Hobart is made by Miller. I have a new
175 Miller and a145 Century both 220. The century is about 12 yrs old never a problem. I have a 120 ft. extenion cord that i sometimes use.

[Gearhead forever]

Yes, Hobart was bought by Miller several years ago. Both have excelent equipment. There is a number of reputable manufacturers too choose from. Some of the bigger are Lincoln, Linde, Thermal arc and Esab just to name a few. For my money I'd choose either Miller or Lincoln. I'm currently concidering buying a used Thermal-arc 210amp mig welder for at home. I'd rather have more juice to do heavier jobs if needed.
You can always run some .023" wire for light jobs. Gas selection can help you run cooler for thin materials. A larger machine also means all your buddies wont be asking to borrow your welder all the time.

[bigkid]

Thanks for the input. I'll probably regret it one day, but I think I'm going with the 115volt Hobart 135. I really like being able to take the welder to the work instead of being stuck by my 230 plug. My son and I plan on entering some demoliton derbys soon and this welder should run on my generator okay. My wife is already complaining ( ) about how much this smaller outfit is going to cost, so 230 machines are kinda out of the question right now .
Hobart 135 mig $650
55cu tank (owned) $180 filled
Grand total (taxes included) $954.50 Canadian
Refills $31.95 + taxes
Thanx

[Gearhead forever]

If you run one on a gennie, I suggest you make up a pigtail or a cord with a 20 or 30 amp plug if your generator is so equipped. We use one with a 3500 Honda and it won't run long on the 15 amp circuit. Definitely use slow acting fuses so a surge doesn't blow them easily. If it's similar to the Lincoln SP125, it suggests a 20-25 amp supply right on the back of the machine. This in itself makes little sense when it comes equipped with a 15 amp plug end. Go figure...

[daimon1054]

On you welder there will be a amp rating, not what it puts out but what it uses. Amp X Volts = Watts as long as you come in under you generator rating you will have enough power but you also need to check what the fuse is. Most 110 have 15 amp breakers but the 220v plug is also rated @ 20 to 30 amp for 110 volt use. Gearhead if you wire a plug for the twist lock you should be able to runf you welder.

[willys36@aol.com]

Originally posted by bigkid
.... Canadian plus 15% tax. .....

WOW! I thought our 7 1/2% sales tax was high. Don't tell California, they will bump us up to 15% faster than Clinton will molest a teen intern. We pride ourselves in having the highest tax rates possible in everything.

[Gearhead forever]

Originally posted by daimon1054
Gearhead if you wire a plug for the twist lock you should be able to runf you welder.

Yes thats what we did. Now it works great. We don't go on site without the generator, because when you are on an industrial or commercial site it takes too long to find the breaker panel when you trip the breaker. (and we always do...)