I have an ancient arc welder that I've used since dinosaurs walked the earth. Plus a small oxy/acetelyne tank set.

But I've wanted a decent MIG welder for some time. Now, more than ever because I'm building up the A35 (and there's another project lined up after that).

So I've been quietly looking for one on sale or a very nice used one for the last while.

This week a friend of mine (who had just found out I was looking for one) called me to offer his Hobart 187 Handler to me. It's still in the unopened box. And he's including a cart, an auto-shade helmet plus plenty of wire.
MIG welders are like the hot-glue guns of the welding world. I'm a decent welder, but almost anyone can use these things and get a nice, strong weld.
We have a smaller version of this at work that I use all the time and I really like using it.

He bought it 6 months ago for a classic VW project, but he's decided he'd rather do some major house repair for the next few years so the VW can wait.
He's got receipts for $900+ but he just sold it to me for $500.

I'm going out to Tractor Supply to get some shielding gas. Next week, the sparks will fly!

You've never used a hot glue gun, have you?

From what I hear, you are quite right, it's easy to make good looking welds with a MIG. Unfortunately, good looking is not the same as strong; all too often an amateur weld has practically no penetration in spite of how it looks. This is why many racing organizations refuse to allow MIG welds for safety items like roll bars.

Anyway, congrats on the new tool. Sounds like fun!

Randall:

You're right about "pretty vs strong" with MIG.

I actually have my students do the archaic guided-bend test at school to measure their arc-welding skills (ie-weld penetration).

I've noticed that Safety Devices roll cages are all MIG welded so I'd guess the strength issue is not much of a question these days.

If I won the lottery, I'd buy a TIG welder and plasma cutter too but this will work good for most of my needs.

Score!!! Well done, Nial!