hobart 180

dirt clod · Mar 25, 2008

found one for $250 at a pawn shop. Is this a good welder

xlr82v2 · Mar 25, 2008

It's not the best wirefeed that Hobart makes... people in the know say that the 175 it replaced, and especially the new 187 that replaced the 180 are better welders, but for $250, I'd take it out the door and not look back.

It's not that the 180 is a bad welder, it's just that the others are just a little better in some respects.

I dont' have one myself, but if you go to the message boards at Hobart Welders and do a search for "Hobart 180", you should find a lot of info on it.

bota7800 · Mar 26, 2008

I agree with xlr8. That seems like a good price but what condition is it in? Since it is at a pawn shop, I don't suppose there is a way to run some beads?

barneyrb · Mar 27, 2008

Dirt,
Check the shipping weight of Hobarts units compared to a like miller or lincoln. I want to say someone told me lincoln and miller have copper wound transformers and hobart use alum windings.

IMCA38 · Mar 28, 2008

I bought the HH 180 package on sale at TSC a couple of years ago. Was a great deal, I want to say it was under $500. Included the welder, cart, small bottle of gas, a couple of spools of wire, auto darkening helmet, chipping hammer, wire brush, gloves, etc. Overall, I've been pretty pleased with the 180. Of course the Tim "the toolman" in me would love to have a 210 or 250 sized machine, but I can't justify spending over twice as much. I know there has been a lot of discussion both here and on other boards about whether or not the Hobart is as good as a Miller or Lincoln. I can't totally ascess that as I've never had a Miller or Lincoln, but I can tell you that the gun on my HH 180 says Miller on it, so that should be the same. Also, I can tell you that the carry handle on top of the HH 180 is a joke as that thing weighs a ton. It would take on heck of a man to lug that thing around with one arm like it was a suitcase! I can't imagine another brand could weigh much more than a Hobart. I certainly don't think I got hurt with what I spent on it.

dirt clod · Mar 29, 2008

that was a deal. welding forums praise this machine.

chvet73 · Mar 31, 2008

We love our 175. Had it for several years. Paid close to $600 with bottle and stand. I highly recommend it

schmism · Mar 31, 2008

Hobart and Miller are built in the same ITW owned plant.

Under ITW direction Hobart was "transformed" into more the hobiest line and Miller is marketed more toward the professional line.

As such i expect them to both be great at what they are intended to do.