New to welding...

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Hello all, newbie here with the plan to try to teach myself how to mig weld over the summer. I picked up a hobart handler 130xl but haven't been able to find much on it other than the instruction manual online. Any applause or curses towards this model?Upon taking a closer look at it, it looks like I'm missing a regulator and I noticed that there might have been some damage to the gun.I was wondering, I called and spoke to miller regarding the regulator and they mentioned that any regulator would do since the solenoid is internal to the welder. Just looking around on ebay it seems that the price range for regulators varies widely. I'm primarily going to be trying to teach myself to weld stainless steel, with a final project at the end of summer or maybe making a downpipe for my car. I understand I will need to use trimix for gas, does that reduce which regulators I can or cannot use? Any specific recommendations for or against?The damage to the gun looks like someone might have tried to drag the welder by the gun. There's also two thinner wires that have crimp butt connectors that look relatively new. I'd guess these thinner wires are probably from the switching mechanism. The main cable is actually torn a bit, and I can see bare copper colored wire. I'm somewhat hesitant to try to weld with this damage. One source I talked to told me that the replacement was a miller m15 gun, when I called miller they told me that they no longer have that gun, but millweld had the replacement. Anyone have any idea how I might be able to find a replacement? ie tweco or bernard?Thanks in advance,SleepyLast edited by sleepyhead; 06-05-2007 at 05:35 PM.
Reply:All the gases for that machine, except CO2, will use the same regulator.  The cheap ones usually work just fine when not abused.
Reply:For the regulator, make sure its rated in CFH, not psi.  Please don't use a beer regulator.    I saw a M-15 for sale on this board just a few days ago.  If yo can see copper , you need to at least tape the gun because gas can escape and air can get in.  This will ruin your welds.  NO bare wire exposed anyhow.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Is any of the copper braiding actually broken, or just exposed?
Reply:I'll have to take a closer look when I get home, but from what I can remember I believe the wire is just exposed, I don't remember seeing any breaks.Sleepy
Reply:If the copper isn't broken, go for it.  Worst case, it might need a new liner.  Just make sure to cover it with insulating tape, preferably the rubber tape first, and the electrical tape after.
Reply:Can't totally tell if there's a break...Sleepy Attached Images
Reply:That doesn't look so good. My 4 year old M-25 Gun was in far, far better shape than that. I hate to see equipment abused and not cared for  .You might consider looking around for a replacement torch. In the meantime, give it a shot and see what happens. I have an M-10 Gun brand new for sale, I would think it should fit your box but I don't know for sure.KevMiller 210 and 140 MigsBernard Q-Torches on bothMiller Syncrowave 200Spoolmate 3035 for sale, excellent condtion- PM for detailsThermal Dynamics 38XLShop OutFitters 20/20 Bending SystemLots of other cheap and not so cheap tools Still have LOTS to learn, but got some nice stuff to learn on!
Reply:Chances are the liner is broke, but it could still work.  You really have nothing to lose by trying it.  Worst case, it won't feed wire and will have a tough time keeping the arc lit.
Reply:I've found a hobart repair shop fairly close to me, I'll be stopping down there tomarrow morning. I also talked to the shop that I bought the welder from, good response from them. If the repair isn't too bad, they'll refund me the amount. If it's too much, they'll submit it as shipping damage.MAC702, I'm just a bit scared to try it without it being looked at. Since this is my first time welding, I can't be sure I'd know if it's working correctly or incorrectly.Also locally I've found a millermatic 90 described as: operates on 115 volts AC 90 amps, 18 volts @ 20% DUTY CYCLE, the terms is best offer, but I might be considering going out and seeing it in person since it comes with a cart etc. Looking in the miller website I haven't found anything regarding a millermatic 90, anyone have any details?Thanks again everyone,Sleepy