Handler 125

[22lover]

Hello!

I'm a complete welding newbie. I've always wanted to have a small welder for the garage to do little jobs around the house here and there, and perhaps some small projects...projects like building a go-kart frame (I'm 37 years old and still want one), building a bullet backstop, etc.

I've been wavering between the Handler 125 (non-EZ) and the 140. I know the 140 is the obvious choice if money isn't a factor...but I woke up this morning only to find that one of the major online retailers has the 125 on sale for $309 shipped....about $170 less than the best price I've seen on a 140.

I should add that I likely won't be welding inside...so the gas option is not a necessity, at least not in the near to medium future. From what I can tell I could always buy the regulator for the 125 for about $90.

Anyway, I know the 140 would be great and it's certainly my preference, but I'm not sure there's anything I want to do in the forseeable future that the 125 wouldn't handle. Opinions, given the sale price of the 125?

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to getting advice here. I've been lurking for a while.

Bill

[sidthss]

Like I am sure youve seen here before, you will never be sorry if you go with more power, even if you dont see needing it in the future.

[22lover]

yes I know....but what is the practical difference between 125 and 140 amps?

Thanks,

Bill

[DSW]

You will most likely quickly find both machines to be underpowered. The HH125 is just more underpowered.

You always need to take the max sizes listed by the manufacturers with a grain of salt. They show what you might get under the best possible circumstances in perfect conditions. The HH125 is listed to 3/16" at best, the HH140 to 1/4" at best and I would say you should probably back both those estimates down by 1/16"-1/8" under normal practical conditions.

I can understand the need to save money, but a small machine like that is like buying a new pair of shoes instead of a car to get yourself to work. Yes it will do that, but it won't be long before you are frustrated because of the restrictions imposed on you by your decision.

[Brianstick]

I just bought a HH 140 from toolking for $399.99 (refurb). It came with a warranty and everything. I love it! I just wish I would have bought it sooner.

[22lover]

I just bought a HH 140 from toolking for $399.99 (refurb). It came with a warranty and everything. I love it! I just wish I would have bought it sooner.



Sounds like a great testamony to the HH140. If you were to find the HH125 for $309 shipped (brand new) with the option of the gas kit for $90 (shipped), would you go new HH125 with full warranty or used HH140 with 1 yr? What is the practical difference when using gas on a 20 amp circuit?

Thanks in advance,

Bill