opinions on hobart welder

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im new to mig welding and in the market to buy one. i owen a linoln stick welder few a few years now and just looking to get into mig and learn more. Iv been doing some reading and most people say to go ahead and get a 240V if its available (and it is) and get 180A minimum. So i was shopping around and looking at lincoln, miller matic, hobart ect.. and found this one at a pretty good price i think. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...FYxDMgod7T8AnQwhat do you guys think? good welder? no? price? thnks for the input guys!
Reply:That is a nice entry level welder depending on how much welding you are planning to do? I would save my money for a red or blue one if you will be doing some production work.The dual voltage is a great feature on any machine.If you are not in a hurry for one maybe look around for someone needing to move one for some cash.Good luckLast edited by power; 03-03-2013 at 07:47 PM.Miller 250DX HTP 221 DV AC/DCHenrob O-A Miller 180 MigMiller 150 Inverter   Hobart 10,000 Welder-Generator   Have a good day!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by powerThat is a nice entry level welder depending on how much welding you are planning to do? I would save my money for a red or blue one if you will be doing some production work.The dual voltage is a great feature on any machine.Good luck
Reply:Originally Posted by 05wranglerits going to be for my garage so i wont be kicking out weld after weld, but i dont want to bbuy one i wont soon out grow you know?
Reply:I have the hobart 135 mig welder.  I agree, that I would like to have a larger size, but will admit that this little guy does a fantastic job.  I have used it to weld several c sections for dropped truck frames and several 4 link / ladder bar setups.  Its just about perfect for those tasks  It may not weld 1/4 steel in a single pass but will do an admirable job if you take the time to bevel the material prior.   The duty cycle may not be 100% at the highest amp rating but ive ran this poor thing over and over until it kicks off.  Well beyond what it was intended to be used for and it keeps on ticking.Very pleased with the product.
Reply:Originally Posted by powerAs thinking of out growing it, I would hold off for a miller-Lincoln and be able to fine adjust your voltage instead of a few select incriments IMO.Shop around they are not that much more for one then a hobart.Your parts will be easier to come by and the resale value is better when and if you decide to go with a larger or dif model.
Reply:I have the 210 and it's a great machine for the money. If I was welding on axles I might think about the HH230. I have used the 210 in my shop for some serious welding that probably should of been done with a welder with a higher duty cycle. With that said I can honestly say it worked flawlessly.
Reply:I disagree with the infinite adjustment theory on Mig welders.  Look at the Hobart Ironman 230.  It is a 250 amp welder, and you will not out grow it.
Reply:Originally Posted by copeI disagree with the infinite adjustment theory on Mig welders.  Look at the Hobart Ironman 230.  It is a 250 amp welder, and you will not out grow it.
Reply:That will work but I prefer MILLER. They have a promotion going on right now on select machines. Buy a 211 and  150.00 in goodies and get a 15 % rebate. If you go the 15% route, the 211 is 938.00 per MILLER program. Might be worth looking into. It won't take much to spend 150.00http://www.millerwelds.com/landing/build-with-blue/http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=253311
Reply:I had the 210MVP and now the Multimatic 200.  That Hobart was a little too heavy to be lugging around.  It must have been about 100lbs w/out gun, ground, and with a small 2lb spool.  Although it never have me a problem and I never reached the duty cycle.Sent using Tapatalk
Reply:People over at Hobart Weld Talk think highly of the HH 210."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I thought miller made Hobart now, I may be wrong.  I have a older hobart that gets used a lot with no complaints.  I also thought most of the newer Hobarts from northern came with a light duty spool gun for alumium, which would be a really nice addition.  Millers equivelent is actually $888 (miller 180), Again I think there is a light spool gun option.  Northern has lots of tools, but they seem to be a little high on the price side. For hobby and the repairs you are talking about I think either of those would suit your pourpose.
Reply:ITW is the parent company of both Miller and Hobart...Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I just bought a new Hobart 190 with a Spool-Gun at Amazon. . About all I've ever done is stick welding too. I'm very happy with the welder and just started Saturday on trying to learn to weld aluminum.I had a 20% off coupon to use at Amazon and I couldn't turn this down!For the welder with spool-gun, free shipping and the 20% off coupon. . The price was $681.94 delivered to the door!Order invoice: Attached ImagesHobart Handler 190Hobart Spool-Gun 100Lincoln 225 ACMiller & Pipeliner HoodDewalt 14" Chopsaw, GrindersHarris O/AVictor TorchCustom Built O/A CartCustom Welding CartHeavy Duty 16 Speed Floor Drill PressPipe-BenderDrill Doctor
Reply:Yeah I loved the HH 210 but I just wanted something more portable.Sent using Tapatalk
Reply:i recently got that HH 210mvp and absolutely love it. awesome welds coming from that thing. never experienced the duty cycle kick in. i've never felt like the voltage taps restrict me, but when i was thinking about the purchase and trying to see if that difference in the MM 211mvp was worth the extra money, that was a concern of mine. i am pumped on my machine and have not looked back since.welded some solid rock sliders for our tacoma with it, and welded them to frame (4x4 guy myself).
Reply:I sold a Millermatic 130 that I had for a bunch of years.  Gave me great service but was limited.  Got a Millermatic 211 MVP  abot 9 mo. ago.  Super machine.  Dual voltage and auto set, although I never used it.  It   handles all my car needs and has the ability to weld light aluminum with a spool gun.  Im sure the Hobart is a good machine, but I had no practical experience with that brand, although it is well known.
Reply:Unless your going to be welding 3/8"-1/2" plate day in and day out....I think this is an awesome welder. I have been looking for a used 187/190/210 for some time now....
Reply:I do see the Hobart staff popping up on their forum to address the occasional issue with an older welder.  They are knowledgeable and very helpful. They get my "thumbs-up"."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by 05wranglerI'm into welding on vehicles and parts like axles (4x4 guy) what model of Lincoln or miller would be best for me? Like I said I'm new to the mig world sry for the noob ?'s
Reply:There are  couple of factors you should consider.If you are doing vehicle modifications - 200Amp machine is enough.If you are building a vehicle, because of duty cycle considerations (think about welding up a trailer), consider a 250 series machine.Another thing to consider is where you are doing your welding.  At a friend's house?  A more portable machine might be appropriate.  There are machines that weld great at 230V and do an acceptable job (power limited of course) on 115V.   Miller 211 is very popular around for just that reason.  Personally, I would rather drag a 115 extension cord than haul my 230 extension.As for tapped vs. continuous voltage adjustment.  Obviously continuous gives you more adjustability, but you will find many people that simply set their machine on 18V and 300 ipm and tune from there.  With a little bit of experience you will be able to see when things are "not right" and your about to burn through or "not right" and your just laying down a catapiller (no penetration).What I would suggest is that if you do buy a red or blue machine (by that I mean Lincoln or Miller) and you buy it used (Craigslist, Ebay, whatever) you will probably be able to sell the machine for the same price you bought it if necessary.  Getting familiar with the used prices is also a good way to judge the value of the newly priced.  I bought my first MIG from a professional welder who didn't need it and barely used it (it was his personal machine - not his work machine).  I got the bonus of getting a machine that worked 'out of the box' and a 15 minute lesson on how to use it.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:I have had a 187 for a few years and it works great. Last project I was welding 3/16 MS and on one part I layed a 3' continious bead. Never even sniffled at it. It gets my vote. I have spent alot of time in front of a Miller with infinite adjustments ESABs and Hobarts without and it really doesnt matter. Just start where the machine tells you and adjust from there. Come to think of it, I have never not had to make some adjustments away from what ANY machine reccomends. Remember, materials vary slightly, people vary alot in speed and technique! RGRG_______________________Hobart 187Northern Tool Plasma 375Harris 85 O/A Rig (Ireland)
Reply:When I look at answers on most questions on this site, pipeline welders who weld 10 Hrs a day will talk down these small machines.  I have built houseboats and marinas with a much older (and smaller) miller 172 challenger as a secondary machine.  Believe me you will be happy with a MIG in that size.  By looking at the posts, including mine, I think you can get the miller for slightly less.  I would go for the spool gun option.  Even though you might rarely use it, you can rent an argon cylinder for the time you do.
Reply:Originally Posted by blackbartWhen I look at answers on most questions on this site, pipeline welders who weld 10 Hrs a day will talk down these small machines.  I have built houseboats and marinas with a much older (and smaller) miller 172 challenger as a secondary machine.  Believe me you will be happy with a MIG in that size.  By looking at the posts, including mine, I think you can get the miller for slightly less.  I would go for the spool gun option.  Even though you might rarely use it, you can rent an argon cylinder for the time you do.I haven't ran a MM 211, but I have ran a MM 180 against a Handler 187/190. Overall , the Handler 187/190 produced the cleaner running arc, this was especially noticeable on the top end .  The Hobart was the lighter spatter producer. Weld puddle wet out from the Hobart was noticeably better too. The Hobart was also less finicky about brand of wire it was being fed.I own a Handler 210 MVP. Performance wise, the 210 MVP is similar to the Handler 187/190. Everything I've read from Miller or owners of the MM 211 on the units arc characteristics has it sounding like it performs similar to the MM 180.I own a MIllermatic 210 and an Hobart Ironman 230. Once you get past 1/8" thick steel the Hobart produces the noticeably smoother arc, with less spatter, and better weld puddle wetout.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice