[misterp266]

Tractor supply has everything 15% off thru today. I have been thinking about getting a welder as I have some stuff to do on my Safari and trailer too. I have never welded and don't think I will do it that much if I get one. The one I have been watching is the Hobart 140 MIG but they also have a 125 flux cored for about $200. less. Do I really need the MIG capability? I know these are great welders and I could surely sell either one if I find I no longer need it. Any input from welders out there? I will be doing mostly sheet metal repair and maybe some brackets or something, nothing heavy like frame repair.
The 140 is $519. and the 125 is already on sale for $329. Take 15% off of those prices plus free shipping to the store which is right up the street from me.

Thanks, Rob...

[george kujanski]

I have a Hobart 135, haven't used the gas attachment yet, just flux core. Nice welder. I've welded some sheet metal and up to 1/4" thick small pieces. I understand that with sheet metal the gas makes really nice welds, but I'd say if you are not going to extensively weld sheet, you may not need the gas capability.

The lower cost welder may have the provisions to add the gas stuff later, check it out.

George

[misterp266]

The 140 is MIG ready, the 125 cannot be upgraded to gas.

[Sirrotica]

Welding with flux core for automotive just plain sucks. It has it's place in heavy industrial work, not automotive. If you've never welded before the gas MIG is where you want to start off. Flux core isn't really for a novice or beginner. Yes it's cheaper initially, but your work will look pretty shoddy in comparison to a gas MIG weld.

I've welded for about 40+ years and I would recommend against buying flux core for light work and I can stick, gas, flux core and MIG weld and MIG is the easiest to get a satisfactory looking moderately strong weld for automotive work. If funds ever are there I will buy a 220 volt MIG and then I won't have to use my stick welder for heavy welding, the MIG will do all I need.

Right now I have a 110 Gas MIG Lincoln that has served me well for over 20 years. Anything over 3/16" is going to require multiple passes which a 220 MIG would not. I hate having to use 2 welders when switching from thin material to 1/4" or more. Hobart is made here in Ohio so you should be getting a good quality piece.

My wish list is for a 220 MIG and a plasma cutter in the future.

Remember to clean the work of all paint and rust and when your welder sounds like bacon sizzling it's adjusted correctly.

[pontiacs4ever1971]

I do it for a living. I have a fluxcore at home and they are not very good. I also have a hobart its ok. Go with gas unless you are in a open garage with alot of wind then go with fluxcore. If you have $$$$ to burn get a miller 5000 series.

[misterp266]

Thanks guys, I ordered the 140 MIG.

[tooski]

As a novice welding sheet metal I find only a little difference between the flux core and mig welding. Perhaps inexperience, perhaps welder quality. Since another major sheetmetal project is not anticipated I didn't want to spend more than $4-500.