Hobart Handler 125 Flux-Core Welder: up to 130 A

What it welds

The Hobart Handler 125 Flux-Core Welder is a flux-core only with a maker-stated output of 25 to 130 amps.

Miller's starting rule, 1 amp for each 0.001 inch of steel, puts 130 amps at roughly 0.130 in of steel in one pass; thicker work means bevels and more passes. Run the amperage selector.

The maker's thickness claim reads "Welds 1/8 in Steel".

The listing doesn't give a duty cycle with its amperage, which makes long beads hard to plan; the rating plate or manual should state it. Why it matters.

As a flux-core machine it runs self-shielded wire with no gas bottle, which suits outdoor work; expect slag to chip off and less finesse on thin sheet.

Eye protection: OSHA's minimum is shade 10 for most of this machine's range. Full table.

Also on the listing: dimensions of 19.4 x 10 x 13.5 inches and a weight of 63 lb.

Warranty, per the listing: 5 year limited warranty.

Is it the right machine for the job?

Buy it for

Outdoor and gasless repairs
Sheet metal to about 0.130 in

Skip it for

Steel much past 0.130 in in one pass
Aluminium

What it does well, where it falls short

Does well

Up to 130 A output
No gas bottle needed

Falls short

Duty cycle not stated with amps
Slag cleanup

Power and setup notes

Ratings are the maker's own, stated under the maker's conditions. Follow the manual, wear eye protection of at least OSHA's minimum shade, keep combustibles away, ventilate, and have a licensed electrician install new circuits.

Rated output and specs

Every figure below comes from the source shown in brackets. Where the maker doesn't state something, we say so instead of estimating.

Model number	Handler 125	Retailer
Product weight	63 lb	Retailer
Dimensions (seller)	19.4 x 10 x 13.5 inches	Retailer
Material	Metal, Plastic	Retailer
Power	Corded Electric	Retailer
Warranty	5 year limited warranty	Retailer
Output range	25-130a	Retailer
Max steel (maker)	Welds 1/8 in Steel	Retailer