Reddit reviews Hobart 500549 Auto Arc 130 Wire Feed MIG Welder
We found 2 Reddit comments about Hobart 500549 Auto Arc 130 Wire Feed MIG Welder. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Plugs into a household outletMakes strong reliable weldsWelder comes with sample spool of Flux core wire and 3 replacement contact tipsWelds with gas and without gas115 volts, 130 amps
What about one of these stick or MIG machines? I heard Hobart was a good brand and it seems they have a good presence online.
http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500502-Stickmate-Welding-Source/dp/B0002PS7SU/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1374536041&sr=1-2&keywords=arc+welder
http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500420-Stickmate-Welding-Source/dp/B00004WHGG/ref=sr_1_10?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1374536041&sr=1-10&keywords=arc+welder
http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500549-Auto-Wire-Welder/dp/B002VECKTC/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1374536041&sr=1-1&keywords=arc+welder#productDetails
I'd probably prefer to go the flux core or stick route to avoid the cost of the gas and tank.
I've only used an Oxy-Acetylene torch once - it was actually to loosen up some really rusty bolts with heat. Sucks about the cracked hose. Cutting steel easily is cool - I know Harbor Freight sells a plasma cutter now too, but that certainly seems like overkill.
As for a decent MIG welder, I have to figure that out myself. Here is the Harbor Freight MIG, which is a step up from the one I have now, and is probably decent.
If you're willing to spend a bit more, here are some MIG welders with good reviews on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500549-Auto-Wire-Welder/dp/B002VECKTC/ref=sr_1_3?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1411992701&sr=1-3&keywords=mig+welder
http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500559-Handler-Wire-Welder/dp/B009X43F38/ref=sr_1_1?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1411992701&sr=1-1&keywords=mig+welder
http://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Electric-K2185-1-Handy-Welder/dp/B000QFNZ74/ref=sr_1_4?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1411992701&sr=1-4&keywords=mig+welder
Glad I could inspire you with my post! I can understand having a kid could definitely slow things down, but I wish you the best of luck. Send me a message if you build anything cool, I'd love to see it!