http://www.mytscstore.com/detail.asp?pcID=1&paID=1011&sonID=8957&page=&productID=8957

Would this MIG do well for welding body panels?

Go to the local welding shop. Ask what they have for small light duty welders. They can set you up with the knowledge to make a better decision. You will need to go back there for gas and consumables. Get it all right there and be done with it. Youll get a better machine with parts and local service. Be warned some shops REFUSE to sell junk equipment if they have to service it.

The only welding specialty shop I have close by would be AGA. Does anybody have experience with them. I've passed the store before but never stopped there. Do they deal with welders or just gas?

I still would like more opinions on the Farmhand 115 welder though.

Lou,

I can't comment on that welder as I have no direct experience with it. However, I would price compare it to the entry level Miller/Lincoln b4 buying. I personally wouldn't buy anything but Miller, but that's just me and an opinion.

I have a Hobart Handler 135 (TSC carries them too).

For outer body and floor pans you need gas. I had a tank (from a friend) and my welder came with everything to use flux or gas, except the tank.

So far, I can't complain about a Hobart. I'd image a welder targeting Farm work will do the job for the least amount of money. I'd step up to a more known brand name, Hobart, Lincoln, etc...

In fact, there is a Hobart web forum. You can get opinions about any welder as well as tips.

http://www.hobartwelders.com

I also use the local AGA gas (in Dayton) for filling my tank. They have been really helpful even though I did not buy a Lincoln. Wire is really reasonable there.

But I agree you should talk to them about a package. Can't hurt, but these people deal with professional welders, so take what they say with a grain of salt.

I'd expect a professional mechanic to have better tools than me, but mine do the job.

I had to have a new wire drive in my miller last week. The guy told me Hobart is owned by Miller. Like my Miller 185 even though the drive took a dump.
The welder you are asking about would do body panels, no problem. Use gas as stated above.

O.K. now we're getting somewhere.

What about this one:

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1348251

But TCS has it for alot lower price:

http://www.mytscstore.com/detail.asp?pcID=1&paID=1011&sonID=600&page=1&productID=8853&zz=44212&x=1&y=7

plus the MIG kit:

http://store.cyberweld.com/migcokith12.html

And a gas cylinder for 100 bucks?

All of a sudden my 310 dollar mig welder has turned into a 600 dollar investment when I finish purchasing the required equiptment,(i.e., gloves, mask, chaps...). Does this sound right, or does MIG welding not require such safety items other than the eye protection?

I'm asking these questions because I haven't welded since my apprenticeship in 1989. I Never really needed to weld anything because unlike Die Makers, Mold Makers do it right the first time. :D

Originally posted by 540cutlaSS:
The guy told me Hobart is owned by Miller.My Hobart 175 came out of the box brand new with a Miller gun attached to it.

Originally posted by Lou Merrell:
I Never really needed to weld anything because unlike Die Makers, Mold Makers do it right the first time. :D What kind of mold do you make? Cheese? just kidding. A good friend of mine is a pattern maker. He can make anything from any cast metals.

Anyway What do you plan on welding. I have my miller, but I like to use panel bonding adhesive on sheet matal for cars. If all you are doing is that kind of work you might want to use it to and avoid the invetment/cost of a welder. A tube of it costs +/- $35 and you can do a quarter panel with 1/2 to 3/4 of the tube. You also get the rust protection inside the joint.
If you still want a welder and are doing light metals, then of the 2 welders you are looking at I would get the one that will be easiest to have serviced in the future. Most likely the Hobart.

My welding instructor told me that you can't go wrong with Lincoln, Miller, or Hobart. All others then all bets are off.

Also, I agree with the guy that says to get it at the local supply shop. Although my local shop was an authorized repair shop, when they found out I didn't buy my machine from them I caught heck. I get all my supplies there are a reasonable price.

Don't go cheap here. If you find a good brand name on sale then fine, but if you have a welder that you constantly have problems with or can't find anyone to service them and need to ship it away, the shipping costs will more than make up for anything you save.

Steve

DG beat me to it. Tractor Supply also sells the Hobart Handler 135. Stick with Miller, Hobart (which is made by Miller), or Lincoln.