I have been researching my <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" /> off and finally decided on a welder. I bought the Hobart 125. I think I got a good deal on it. Paid $319 for it. Anyone ever had any good or bad experiences with this welder? Every other place I have seen it they want $350-$370 for it.

Should be a good welder for you.
Hobart is made by Miller. If you compare that welder to the
Miller 135, they are almost identical.
I bought a Miller 175 and have been very happy with it.

I have owned one of those for going on 14 months now..... great little welder <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> I use it for everything up to 1/8" (or 3/16th non-structural). Completely refurbed a horse trailer with it. Did my gas tank lift with it. I have built various non-truck-related brackets with it. All of my "heavier" steel projects like the rear bumper I use the Lincoln 225A stick welder on. If your welding skills are good enough, and you do the proper prep work, bevel, and multi-pass.... you could probably build bumpers and stuff with that welder..... but its small for doing anything over 1/4" with (probably 3/16" for a beginner). Never really tried myself with having the stick welder right there. That thing will burn through any thickness steel I'll ever need to use. Have fun with the new purchase <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I've got a Handler 135 that I love. Had it for about 4 years now and no problems. I have welded up to 3/8" with it. Mine recommends up to 1/4" but I think that is underrated if you know what your doing. You have just opened up your relm of fabrication abliities. Have fun!!!

I got the Miller version of that, well closer. Welds everything I need to do!

I have one of the Miller 135's It works fine for me. Can do 1/8 inch very well. I do a lot of stainless with it as well. Works great there to. Just remember to watch your duty cycle so that your weld will be good and strong.

Thanks for the replies. I think it will serve me well. I have a Lincoln AC/DC 225 stick welder and I like it well enough. I made my own rock skids with it. And it turned out just as I had hoped. Just wanted something smaller to do anything from fixing an exhaust leak to making a cargo rack for my rig. I had heard that the Hobart is made by Miller and that everyone loves the Miller's. I only had one person tell me that the one I bought isn't as good as I thought it was. And that guy sells Miller's. He said they use inferior parts on the ones you get at places like the Tractor Supply Store verses the ones he sells at a welding supply company. I find that very hard to believe. Sounds like he would say anything to have me pay $150 more for the same piece of equipment.