mstrofpuppets

So I got a Hobart 140 welder for xmas, pretty sweet right. Here is my concern, its only 115v. I am not interested in doing flux core, only gas shielded MIG with argon/CO2 mix. My plans are to make bumpers, sliders, roof rack and a trailer that can haul our dirt bikes and camping gear. With the exception of the roof rack everything will be made of 3/16" steel. Will the 140 be able to handle this thickness of steel? Also what thickness of wire should I use .030 or .035? And why? Also would mild steel be adequate for these apps? I have heard really good things about this welder and would like some first hand knowledge from people building Jeep related parts with it. Thanks!

jeffncs

I used my 140 to make a couple bumpers for my previous truck (early bronco). The welds were strong and the machine worked well.

IIRC, the 140 is rated to 1/4" using flux core. Welding with gas/solid core wire is rated for slightly thinner steel. I'm going off memory here, so don't blast me for being off on my details.

ETA:
I just pulled the manual online. I'm correct in my above statements. It isn't a big deal to run flux core. Spray the area down with THIS and weld with solid core. Afterwards, clean the welds with a wire wheel and/or 120 grit flapper wheel.

Jeff

mstrofpuppets

Thanks for the advice. I will be adding shackles and don't know what a plug weld is???? I have read that using .035 wire with only 115v will end up with weaker welds since the 115v may not have enough juice to get the penetration needed. But since you have had good luck with it I'll just roll with it. Can't wait to get this fired up. Thanks for the helpful info.

mstrofpuppets

You are right in your details. I read that if you go slow it can handle 1/4" with gas but I really don't think I'll be welding 1/4" very often, maybe in the trailer build but I think 3/16" should work just fine. Thanks

Absolute

I have the same welder. It will burn good welds when set up correctly. I usually have the setting at 3 and 35-40. The only problem I have is not with the unit, but with the breaker in the breaker box. I trip it all the time. I think it's a 10 amp. It only lets me burn an inch or two before it trips. Very frustrating. I need to run a dedicated plug into the garage with a 30 amp breaker.

mstrofpuppets

That's good to hear. Yeah it does require a 30amp fuse to work properly. I can see how that would be frustrating resetting it all the time.

mstrofpuppets

What size wire do you use?

Absolute

I use the 0.030 with the argon/co2 gas. It puts out some pretty good welds.
I built my own transfer case cross member with it. Here are some welds.

And the Currie replacement axle Johnny Joints.


As you can see that is 1" steel I'm welding. So while it is a small welder, it can weld bigger stuff too.

mstrofpuppets

Nice that's what I wanted to know. Thanks for all the replys