Gas line/regulator/bottle for Hobart Handler120

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Hey guys. I have a Hobart Handler 120 that a friend gave me. I do not have the manual for it, and this is my first MIG welder. It wouldn't feed wire when I got it but after tinkering with it, I got it working. It didn't come with the gas line ir regulator, so I went to LWS to see about it. I didn't know that stuff would cost so much! It was gonna be right at $275 for the reg/lines and tank of gas ( don't remember what size tank). Now I don't mind spending money but I really hate to shell out that much for a welder that may or may not keep working. I did buy a spool of flux core wire(LWS advice) just so I could use the machine some to see if it's gonna keep working, and it seems like it is. So now I'd like to get my gas setup. Is there a cheaper option, online maybe, for buying every thing I'm gonna need? TIAGump
Reply:Maybe a little, but probably not a lot cheaper.  The majority of the price is the tank and having it filled with gas.  Did they mention how big of a tank with that quote?  You can look online and find a regulator, but they are still probably at least $60-70.  You might look locally on craigslist for a tank, that way you could get a bigger one for less money and it might already have gas in it.
Reply:Reg and hose probably won't set you back more than $50-75 tops. It's the cylinder that's the expensive part. Even a small 20 cf cylinder  will run you about $80 or so, a 60cf a  $120, and an 80cf around $150 acording to an old flyer from my LWS. Gas itself is cheaper per CF when you get a larger cyl filled vs a smaller one. A 60 isn't a bad size, but I personally wouldn't go with less than an 80cf even for a small portable machine unless someone else was paying for the gas.As far as less expensive, look on CL for a cylinder. I've picked up several small cyl there cheep. Keep in mind the cyl doesn't always have to be what you need. Most welding suppliers will swap out cyl for different gasses as long as the size is similar or you can often pay the diffrenc in price and upgrade to the next size. I have a couple of 40 cf acet cyl that I picked up cheep.from CL as soon as I run out the acet, they'll get swapped for something larger for my mig so I have another 60-80 cf cly for moble use. Larger cylinders are problematic however. Many are really leased cylinders and places may not swap them unless you have an account and the cylinders are from them.Regs are a bit harder to find on CL that will do what you want. It's usually cheaper to just buy one online and get the hose and correct fittings at the same time if the LWS is too high. If the Local guy is within $10-20 of the online price, I'd just give them the business. You'll need the good relationship with them when you want to exchange cylinders any ways..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Thanks for the replies. I'll start watching CL for some tanks. Now, for the regulator, I'm still not 100% sure what all I need. What all parts specifically will I need to go between the tank and the welder?Safety 3rdGump
Reply:The only thing you need is a hose to go from the regulator to the back of the machine.  You should see an unused fitting on the back.  I'm not sure if it's a standard size or not.  If you are putting the whole thing on a cart, it only needs to be about 3'.   If you can swing it or find one, the larger cylinders are a much better deal.  Also, don't forget to switch the polarity when you start using gas.  The instructions should be under the access door on the welder.
Reply:You will need some sort of regulator with a CGA 580 conection to run C25 gas. If you want to run 100% CO2 you will need a different reg than those I listed, or an adapter to convert to the correct CGA fitting for CO2.http://www.harborfreight.com/welding...uge-94841.htmlhttp://store.cyberweld.com/meaf150fl.htmlI personally wouldn't get the HF unit, but my LWS usually has an inexpensive no name reg for about $35-40 IIRC similar to that one. The Victor would be my 2nd choice for a small mig like you have.Then you will need a hose. I just bought the fittings and had the LWS fab up a hose the length I wanted. You will need to get the right fitting to fit the flare type connecton on the reg. It's usually not a standard NPT thread. You can also do what several have done and just buy the fittings and build your own with air hose the right diameter.http://store.cyberweld.com/ingasho6sibl.htmlThe last part will depend on your particular machine. Some machines are already set up to run gas. As such they already have the gas solenoid installed in the machine with the fitting on the back to install the hose. ( again it's usually a flare type connection not an NPT one) However some machines on the lower end like some Lincolns come as FC only machines and you have to add the gas solenoid that comes with the "kit". These tend to be a bit more of a PITA to locate for a DIY instal, but it's doable. Usually it's easier in the long run unless you are good at hunting down obscure parts and cross referencing things to simply buy the kit. You need to look at the machine and the manual to see if you need to add the solenoid and machine parts or if they are already installed..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Thanks for the links. I think I'll order the Victor this week. Watching CL daily for a tank. I appreciate all the help.Safety 3rdGump
Reply:I buy the hose by the foot and use reusable hose clamps. If the hose gets a nick I can shorten it and press on.
Reply:When I got my bottles and spare regulator I put a bug in my local NAPA and Car Quest dealers ear what I was wanting and needing.  Car Quest got in touch with me about 30 days later.  Buckeye was having a sale on their bottles that stand about 4' tall and 6 " in diameter of about 45% off of regular price.  I live 25 miles from town so ended up with 2 bottles for just over price of one.  Bought regulator at same time on sale for around $30.00.