Thanks Pete and Jim! I really appreciate the information! As I have already made the purchase, I will have to stick with what I have but, when the consumables wear out I will probably upgrade to a new machine rather than try to change what I have.

Jay

What are the differences between older plasma cutters and newer ones. I just purchased a {like new] Hobart Smoothcut 625 and was wandering if it was a good purchase or not. It cuts like a dream, but I was wandering about consumables and other possible upgrades like a new torch head if needed. Anyone...

Well the good news is the gentleman brought the machine in so I could look at it,the bad news is it doesnt work. I havnt paid for it yet, and he let me bring it home to see if i can fix it. I found out if I loosen the torch insulator and flip the switch on the front of the machine to check air flow ...

Well I have two air compressors, so that is not an issue. This is an older machine that hasn't been used, and I was wondering about reliability, it has a exposed tip, not the shielded one and I was wanting to know it would be possible to change it to a newer design. I may just take the chance and se...

I have an opportunity to buy a Hobart Smoothcut 625 that hasn't been used. The story is that it was purchased new at a small welding supply store at a discount because some of the consumables were missing and store was going out of business. The new owner went thru a divorce shortly after purchase a...

I know I am new, but this sounds just like what I did last weekend when I installed the stubby gas lens kit. When you installed the collet in the collet body did you put the slit end in first? I put mine in with the slits up toward the cap and it did the same thing. Arc would jump all over the place...

CJ, I will work on my arc length and see if I can maintain a puddle and make it work. Like I said it has been over 30 years since I have welded. I am learning TIG for the first time. Keep up the advice and I will keep trying.

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I tried turning the amperage down to 80 amps and it was hard to start and maintain a puddle. The sticker on top of the welder stated 80 to 100 amps for 12 gauge, so that's why I set it there. Guys I haven't welded in over 30 years and have never TIG welded so I am struggling a bit, but I am learning...

Ok I just got my new SW 200 yesterday along with my new Stubby Gas lens kit from Weldmonger.com, got everything set up and tried to weld on some approximately 12 gauge mild steel. I cleaned the steel with a 60 grit flap wheel on my grinder, sharpened the 3/32 Lanthinated Tungsten set the welder to ...

Thanks it was late and I didnt think to do that,

Ok I just got my new SW 200 yesterday along with my new Stubby Gas lens kit from Weldmonger.com, got everything set up and tried to weld on some approximately 12 gauge mild steel. I cleaned the steel with a 60 grit flap wheel on my grinder, sharpened the 3/32 Lanthinated Tungsten set the welder to 1...

Thanks for the advice Granddaddy. I should have my new Lincoln SW 200 and Power Mig 210 tomorrow. I called up the Weld shop that supplies the dealership where I work and they were more than happy to set me up and give me some advise. Basically they said the same thing you did. Should be welding tomo...

Thanks DSM8. I am actually thinking about getting both a MIG and TIG now. It will put a hurt on my credit card and I will have to place an order for some things on Weldmonger.com. Now lets see how I can get this by the wife!

Thanks CJ, I appreciate the advice. I may be going in a different direction. Since my friend with the race car already has a MIG, I thought about getting a TIG and hoping I could catch on welding on mild steel and tubing. Probably a tall challenge! Will have to wait and see. Was leaning toward the L...

That's really awesome people! Kind of neat thinking back to the good old days for some of us older folk, and lets the younger ones think of what it was like before electronic controls. I myself still don't own a welder yet but I am thinking since my friends already have MIG welders I may invest in a...

Ok I am curious! What was your first welder and why did you pick that particular one? I am new to the forum and haven't seen this question in my reading. Was it Stick Mig or Tig? What brand? Was it for business or just feeding a desire? Just curiosity!

Jay

Okay so want to learn only mig welding. Well I'll tell you this. Mig is great for the stuff you described cars and stuff but I recommended something like the power mig 210mp from Lincoln. You get a lot of power for mig and you get stick. And later of you want you can do some lift arc tig or get a f...

Ok, I learned to weld back in the early 80's at a AFL CIO school, and then never pursued a career in welding. I achieved certifications in stick and MIG so I know a little bit about welding, enough to get me in trouble. I am now wanting a MIG welder to reteach myself how to weld again. I have been w...

Hello! I used to weld back in the 80's but gave it up and started working on cars for a living. Now since a friend has started racing a dirt Modified race car I find the desire to take up welding again. Wish me luck!