Fixing a broken Hobart Handler 140 near Philly?

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I have a Hobart handler 140 MIG that my dad is going to give me if I want to get it fixed. Symptoms: "the wire feed control doesn't work correctly, it comes out at a high rate of speed. It also does not keep a constant arc, but instead "sputters."I haven't tried to use it, this is just what he told me. In fact haven't done much other than stick welding. If I can fix this for a reasonable cost, I want to learn on it for use in a couple small projects. Anyone have an idea of what may be wrong with it? Where/ how could I go about getting this fixed? I live near Philadelphia if anyone knows a place to take it and get it checked out. Thanks in advance.
Reply:I think you need to try the welder yourself before you do anything else. Then open it up for a visual inspection. Be careful to not zap yourself. If the welder was sputtering only, I would say you have a bad rectifier. But the wire speed thing makes me think it may be a bad board. That could be expensive. I don't like the small Hobart welders because of their cheap plastic drive mechanism. Built for the low end market by ITW, who also owns Miller.Let's see what the pro's have to say.
Reply:There are a couple places near Philly that might work on them I think Scully's  might do repairs. I think that's who the tech school goes thru. If not them then it's Posen. ( I know Posen sends all their hydros to ERJO though) I know ERJO used to do repairs in house when I dealt with them years ago. There are just off Ridge Pk and Trooper Rd out past Norristown. Note they are not cheap. Chances are it might cost you as much to repair that unit as to simply buy a new one due to the labor charge..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:Call hobart and ask for a list of repair centers in you area. then ask if they will recommend one of them.You can give them you serial number and the symptoms. They may be able to help you a little on the phone.
Reply:If it turns out to be a "bad board" don't trash the unit or the board.  Most of the 135/140 machines I've repaired have been nothing more than a bad thermal switch PTC1.  Cost to replace it? About $1.50Miller Dynasty 200DXMiller Spectrum 250DMiller Millermatic 200Bunch of old blue dinosaurs....