Deal on a Hobart 180 Welder?

MadReferee · Mar 5, 2005

Spool gun (model 3035) goes for about $400, control box SGA100 goes for another $200.

Sears internet store just had the spool guns on clearance sale for $169. As soon as it was posted on the Hobart/Miller board everybody and his uncle (me included) ordered one.

slydog · Mar 5, 2005

( Is it worth getting the gas kit with the machine? What do you use the gas for (obvious newbie welder question)?)

In my opinion, YES. I'm a newbie also, and I have found the welds are much cleaner with ALOT less spatter if you use the gas. However, when you get up to the 1/4 thickness size with my Licoln 135, the book says to use the thicker flux cored.

As far as the purchase goes, I'd say get it! I have really enjoyed learning on my mig. It is so much fun. You won't regret your purchase, and you can always sell it if you aren't happy with it. (things I tell my wife so she is all in agreement! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif )

Have fun!

Dargo · Mar 5, 2005

$169!? You're kidding! Any still available?? If so, where?

MadReferee · Mar 5, 2005

( $169!? You're kidding! Any still available?? If so, where? )

You're too late. The price is back up to $399. Go to Sears.com and do a search for "welder". You will probably find some of these sale guns on eBay soon for a lot more than $169. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

If you are interested in welding you should watch the Miller/Hobart welding forum. I check in every day. That is where I found out about the Sears sale.

Miller/Hobart Welders Forum

The spool gun sale thread

Cliff_Johns · Mar 5, 2005

I now own a Hobart 180 MIG welder for $529 (comes with some flux core wire). I also picked up an auto-dark helmet with the shade adjust knob on the outside and a 6-year solar-recharging lithium battery for $50. Those magnets that look like an arrow head for doing setup were a sidewalk sale at $0.99 (instead of $5) so I bought 5 of those too.

Now if I only had a 220 outlet to plug the welder into. Having the equipment will be my encouragement not to dally doing the electrical to my workshop.

Thanks for the encouragement. Without you guys, I wouldn't spend any money at all!

Cliff

slydog · Mar 6, 2005

( Thanks for the encouragement. Without you guys, I wouldn't spend any money at all!)

Boy don't I know that feeling! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif But it really is much more fun spending someone elses money.
Congrats on the new welder. I think you will will really like it.