[firebirdcrazy1959]

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...ig-wire-welder
Any one have one?

[george kujanski]

I have a 135, bought quite a few years ago.. always worked fine. Mine also has the gas attachment, but so far I have only needed the flux core wire.

Btw, Hobart is made by miller, the gun on mine even has the miller name on it.


George

[400 4spd.]

First off, Hobart has a good reputation and parts availability.
I see that it uses .030 wire and can use gas or flux wire. I have 2 Millers in my shop and because we do lots of body sheet metal repairs, I prefer .023 wire for all around use, so I converted my newest welder from 030. It's easier to weld the thinner outer body panels because it requires less heat (less distortion) to melt the metal. However .030 will be fine for floor pans though. Good for exhaust systems too.
If you expect to weld patch panels or skins on the body, see if the wire rollers on the drive motor are grooved for .023/.024 wire. Some can be turned around to match different wire size. You'll need the tips on the gun to match the smaller wire, because you can't arc 23 through a 30 tip.
Regarding gas, is it set up (regulator) for argon/CO2 mix, or straight CO2? I use each on mine. CO2 will weld hotter than argon mix, an advantage for light duty 110 volt welders with a short duty cycle.
If you see lots of other home uses that might be heavier metals, the .030 will be do the job faster than the .023.

Stuff to consider.
35 years of mig welder use so just my honest

[marxjunk]

good stuff..EASY TO GET CONSUMABLES...a good chioce for a first time buy

[firebirdcrazy1959]

My Campbell hausfeld Mig/flux 80 is crap.I bought it at a yard sale for $70.and that's about what its worth ..
I own my tank for gas already..
Tried doing a floor pan today,what a mess.

[400 4spd.]

Use the bottle of gas and throw the flux core wire in the garbage can.

[firebirdcrazy1959]

Originally Posted by 400 4spd.

Use the bottle of gas and throw the flux core wire in the garbage can.

already own my tank,been using it,but the CH welder sucks..
.30 flux core or .25 solid, no matter which one.

[Stuart]

Flux core is still good to have on hand, if you need to weld outside - then you don't need to worry about trying to use shield gas on windy days.

[400 4spd.]

Good point Stuart. I had not considered where he may have to work.

[MUSLCAH]

Replaced my old Solar 160 ....with a Miller 211 ......023 wire and gas....plug it in right next to your toaster...or Go put the adapter on and go 220 with the thick metal...best of both worlds . Been using a mig since it hit the body shops around 1981..... don’t miss the gas welding and brazing.

[400 4spd.]

I also have the 211. It really cooks on 220. My other is a like new 1989 Miller Sidekick, the shop favorite for small jobs.

[77 TRASHCAN]

Originally Posted by firebirdcrazy1959

already own my tank,been using it,but the CH welder sucks..
.30 flux core or .25 solid, no matter which one.

I've had some of the same results with my Miller machine. I believe it is a 135. It runs on 110. Tried to patch some spots on my brothers rusty Camaro. My problem was not the machine, but my skill level....and trying to weld rust...

Hang in there, you and I likely just need practice!!!

[TAKerry]

I had that same welder years ago. It was a good machine. Looks like a pretty good price on it as well.

[cdrookie]

Maybe look into the Lincoln ones they sell at Lowes, I think they run around $400(or did).

[firebirdcrazy1959]

Originally Posted by TAKerry

I had that same welder years ago. It was a good machine. Looks like a pretty good price on it as well.

was $540 total with tax.
its a heavy unit..going to give it a work out this weekend..

[TAKerry]

I bought a comparable Lincoln at HD last year to replace the one that I lost in a fire. It was close to $700. tax free! The first Lincoln I bought, I had a coupon, plus I talked to the manager at HD and asked for 'the lowes' discount which he gave me. I think I saved well over $100. Our local lowes had the same Linconl welder on clearance (when I didn't need one) for $350. I thought about buying it just because.

[RocktimusPryme]

I have one, its my first. Easy to use. The first one I bought was actually bad, but Hobart was cool about it. They told me to just take it back to Rural King and said if I had problems with the return I could send it back to them.

I still suck, but Im getting better. I was really hoping I would be some sort of welding prodigy.

I bought some .023 because I mostly got it for sheet metal. I want to try some of the "easy grind" stuff that ESAB makes.