Im looking to pick up a mig to do body work, I have in the area of 500 to spend, what would you suggest.

as of right now im looking at either a lincoln sp135t or the hobart handler 140.

Mind you, just going to be used for body work, maybe occasional other stuff but nothing major.

thanks for any input

 

I would reccomend going with a machine that will accept gas usage, not just flux core. This avoids having a messy weld with slag all over it.. as unless you really pay attention, the slag can get left behind and painted over. I don't think slag adheres to paint as well as you'd want it to if you're going to paint over it.

The Hobart mig machines just can't be beat for this type of work. There is absolutely no reason to pay more for a Lincoln or a Miller.....they are not significantly better machines.

 

I thought that the Harbor freight 140 comes with the gas hookup and regulator? I just looked on ebay and found one for 450 shiipped, so i thing im going to pick that up tomorrow.

 

i gotta miller 135 gas mig. used 1 time. no scratches, perfect cond. ill do $500 and it comes with the cart, full bottle and a new roll of wire.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by phatrick2332 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I thought that the Harbor freight 140 comes with the gas hookup and regulator? I just looked on ebay and found one for 450 shiipped, so i thing im going to pick that up tomorrow.</TD></TR></TABLE>
WIthout looking it up, I'm not sure if the 140 can use gas. If it does, I'd go with it. Ebay often has some good prices on machines, considering that shipping is usually free, and there's no sales tax for out of state sales.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JS_TypeR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i gotta miller 135 gas mig. used 1 time. no scratches, perfect cond. ill do $500 and it comes with the cart, full bottle and a new roll of wire. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I dont think you can ship me a full bottle lol

here is the ebay auction
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...&rd=1

and here is the info for the lazy

The Handler 140 operates off 115 volt standard household current for maximum versatility. Comes ready to weld with or without shielding gas, no additional kit required. With an amperage output range of 25 - 140 it easily handles a broad selection of solid mild steel or stainless, flux cored and aluminum wires.
Comes complete with:

* Built-in gas valve
* Dual-gauge regulator and gas hose
* Comfortable 10 ft. H10 MIG welding gun
* 10 ft. work lead with clamp
* Power cord with plug
* Extra .030 in. (0.8mm) contact tips
* 1 lb. spool of .030 in. (0.8mm) self-shielded flux cored welding wire
* Weld set-up and parts information chart

Thanks for the help engloid. Im buyin a hobart.

 

i looked at that one when i bought mine. Miller ownes Hobart. they are Identical welders, but everything inside of the Hobart is plastic, where as the Miller is cast aluminum. Thats why i went Miller

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JS_TypeR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i looked at that one when i bought mine. Miller ownes Hobart. they are Identical welders, but everything inside of the Hobart is plastic, where as the Miller is cast aluminum. Thats why i went Miller</TD></TR></TABLE>

Depending on what parts they are, sometimes plastic is better. It flexes, rather than being brittle like cast materials. It also won't rust. The Hobart machines are very reliable...whatever they are made of.

 

engloid's right, get the damn handler.

 

My vote goes for the miller.I've used both and I prefer the miller,but thats just me.There is nothing wrong with the hobart,its a fine machine and does the job,but I prefer the voltage/wirespeed adjustment on the miller over the hobart.I take a autobody class at the local community college and they got the millers,they stand up to being used and abused by people who have no clue what there doing.I used to have a century welder(I'd get another one if I could find a local seller/dealer),I was happy with it,but someone desided they needed it more than me when they broke into my dads building ,got my sawzall,welder,circular saw, and dads old 175cc 4-wheeler he took hunting,Idiots must not have known what they were getting because they left the gas tank and autodarking helmet.It was probally a crack head.

 

Get the Hobart 140... I've got one that I use for body work and light duty welding. Excellent machine for the money. Miller's are good but overpriced. I've been doing autobody restorations for 8 years and the Hobart can handle everything I've thrown at it.

good luck