mig question.

I recently bought a Hobart 125 handler mig from a guy my brother works with for $150. It's like brand new maybe about 25 feet of wire was used thru it. This mig is gasless and I'd like to make it gas. My local welding supply place found me a kit to switch it over. My question is has anyone ever done this before and is it practical? Does it work? I'm stopping back tomorrow at the shop so I kinda want to get some info quick before I tell him to order it. Thanks,later plmczy

 

the BEST thing you could do for yourself and that machine is to convert it to gas shielded.

I did it to my MIG, it is an old miller unit, but the same procedure applies. it makes a helluva difference in the weld quality(reduces splatter alot!) and it will even make you a better welder.

well worth it, and not too hard. the initial cash outlay is high(for the regulator, the tank, and the different wire) once you have a tank it lasts for a while. You can buy up to a certain size tank( like a three foot tall tank) but the bigger sizes you have to "rent". I would just get the biggest tank you could buy, esp. if you only use it occasionally. refills on the tank are pretty cheap.

I think it cost me a little over a benjamin to convert mine. that was a few years ago.

my advice? definately worth it!

 

I have a lincoln that I switched over.
Its a little 120volt job.

The flux core wire is capable of welding up to 1/4" thick stuff, as soon as I changed it over, I was not able to weld the thick stuff any more.
I am currently looking to get a larger welder. In the mean time I changed the little welder back to flux.
Changing a little welder over to gasless, IMO and in my case, is only good for sheet metal.

It may be different for a Hobart?
I dunno.
Hope this helps.
JT.

 

I've got a Handler 120 that uses gas. It works great. Couldn't get along without it. I would suggest using the flux line for a while. It's great to get you up and goin and really it works pretty well. When you switch to gas it will seem much easier.

Crease
Barons So Tex

 

You're sure it doesn't have the conversion parts with it? When I got mine, it came with a regulator and the gas line, but no bottle.

I stole a bottle from my beer tap, bought a new spool of wire and usually run w/ shielding gas. However, it's *realy easy* to switch back and forth.

1) Swap the leads (electrode +, ground - to electrode +, ground -)

2) Wind the spool backwards (by hand) to take the wire out.

3) Put new wire in.

A 1 lb spool of flux core makes a great backup spool.

Tackett

 

I bought this welder used(well barely anyways )so I only got just the welder. I'm just going to get the conversion kit for now, the bottle I'll worry about later. I'm just getting tools and stuff around to work on the 31 when I get it out. Thanks for the help guy's. later plmczy

 

I really need a MIG/flux-core whatever. I haven't been able to do any bodywork... over a year ago I got the cheapy arc welder that Eastwood offers (bought it direct for like $25 less, actually) and the "stitch welder". I spent hours and hours trying but I couldn't make it work, I could barely make it lay a bead on a completely fresh clean piece of sheetmetal, even with a regular stick. Severely disappointed.

Is it possible to get a decent sheet-metal wire feed for like $100 or so used?

 

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I bought this welder used(well barely anyways ) I'm just going to get the conversion kit for now, the bottle I'll worry about later.

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plum

you may get a better deal if you buy everything all at once.. my tank cost 150 by itself.. but I worked a deal and got some other stuff at the same time.. whatever you do.. I would suggest that you NOT rent your tank.. you will most likely not use it up fast enough to warrant renting..

oh one final thought.. as soon as your neighbors know you have a welder they will be by to have all their***** fixed. I've repaired my neighbors car trailer 3 times now, and my other neighbors riding lawnmower a number of times. each "repair" was a case of beer or a few bucks toward wire or gas for the welder.. you may be able to make the machine pay for itself..

later

sawzall

 

Sawzall, I got a price of $85 for a 90? bottle. He suggested about renting one for $5 a month. I don't plan on using this welder for a little while yet, I'm just getting tools and equipment around so when the time comes to start I'll have them. That and I couldn't pass the deal I got for the welder. The conversion kit is gonna set me back $142, so for under $300 I got a decent used welder.

Machinos, if you keep your eye's open and spread the word around, a good cheap welder is out there. Try your local trade papers or classifieds, somebodies always needing quick cash Good luck on your hunt. later plmczy

 

on a similar note, what is the best gas combination (% of each) its been so long ago that ive needed to know that and i have forgot is it 60 40 or 70 30.....something....

 

Northern Tool has the conversion kit for 79.99. Just saw it in the sale catalogue I got today. Its for the Hobert Handler 125. www.northerntool.com Item # 164756-1412

 

If you are doing frame work or heavier stuff stay with the flux core. Then switch to gas for thinner materials. All easy said and done when you get setup. But your looking at a $600+ dollar setup with the gas and all new. Great score!

 

Back to machinos- I started with gas because that is what I had around (dad's a plumber) then got a stick welder and filled a firewall with it but thought I must be stupid because I could never get the hang of it. Stick welding is really hard- just stiking an arc is a major talent but doing it in a confined space with a mask on is really tough.

Anyway, I finally stepped up to mig flux core wire feed and now I'm a welding fool. . . take the plunge, do it, it is way easier to handle.

 

Ive got two of the Handlers one a 125 and a 135 both 110V and on gas- I use em hard here in the shop- they are good and are easy to repair if needed. they cost 500 or better new......