WTF: POS HH140 unit

[4birdman]

I swear this machine is pissing me off to no end. I bought it at the end of October and didn't really get to use it until the middle of November. I used it for three days for about 10-15 minutes each day (I was just tacking some sheetmetal) and then the wire feed stopped. I called Hobart tech and then took it to the service center. The circuit board had gone bad and they replaced it for free under warranty. Oh well, two weeks later and my welder is back, although that put me two weeks behind on the project I am working on.

So I get back at it and I weld maybe 4-5 days for about 30 minutes each day, probably less actually.

Tonight I go out to weld on my spring perches on the the axle so I can fab up my rear frame and suspension this weekend and CLICK - SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE!

It is doing the exact same thing and now I NEED this welder for this weekend. I am pissed. I had a cheapie Campbell Housefield flux-core unit that I sold to get this Hobart with gas capability and that thing lasted me for years with no problems.

I am pissed. I am building a Camaro to give me brother-in-law when he gets home from Iraq (http://www.patriotdream.org ) and I am on a tight time crunch, I can't waste another two weeks on this freaking welder!

[84ZMike]

Give me a call....I'll PM you my #....we talked before about the welding on the car....I'm sorry you are having problems with the HH140.....it is not rated for what you are trying to do with solid wire.....mine worked just fine and when it did have a feeding issue Hobart and my LWS were very quick to fix the problem......
Mike

[4birdman]

Mike, thanks! I'll give you a buzz!

BTW, I was just welding sheetmetal thus far. I hadn't even gotten into any of the thicker stuff yet. I was only using .025 wire as well. I was told this was the best welder to use before going up to 220 unit, so that's why I bought it.

[whateg0]

...I was told this was the best welder to use before going up to 220 unit, so that's why I bought it.

Yeah, it's a good welder, but it isn't really intended for welding suspension components, especially thicker parts. Good thing there's a pair of U bolts to hold it all together!

Dave

[1990notch]

I think the HH140 is more than capable of welding the gauge of steel you will find on those frame rails. They probably aren't any thicker than .120 or so. Welding on the the rear end housing is pushing it, but that work should be done at a rear end shop equiped with the jigs and welder to do it anyways.

[whateg0]

... Welding on the the rear end housing is pushing it, but that work should be done at a rear end shop equiped with the jigs and welder to do it anyways.

Not contradicting what you said...

That was why I made the statement that I did. I found that the CH125 I had would do quite a bit, though some things required more careful prep work, but everything has its limits. I know I never tried welding any rear ends with it!

Dave