Hobart Handler 190 opinions

[orezok]

Is this the welder you are looking at? If so, I know I would not like the 7 voltage selector. I want complete control over the welder's settings.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200482227_200482227

I have a HTP 2400 which I have been very happy with. It has 24 tap settings which results in about 9 amps change per tap setting. I doubt that I could get any closer with a variable, but you could probably tell the difference.

I don't know how much voltage changes per tap setting.

 

[Clay45]

You'll love that HH190 and if you slip a piece of plywood under it just enough to permit the side door to swing up it fits on the Harbor Freight cart just fine. Or atleast mine sure does. And just remember Miller was the much smaller of the two companies originally. Hobart had to divest itself of its large manufacturing products before ITW was permitted to acquire it.

 

[houser52]

You'll love that HH190 and if you slip a piece of plywood under it just enough to permit the side door to swing up it fits on the Harbor Freight cart just fine. Or atleast mine sure does. And just remember Miller was the much smaller of the two companies originally. Hobart had to divest itself of its large manufacturing products before ITW was permitted to acquire it.

Thanks for the info from another satisfied customer.

I went to HF this past weekend to have a look at their carts. After seeing them I think the small wheels would be a problem trying to roll it outside in the gravel or grass so, I figured I would just use up some scrap that I have laying around and make one. I also want to make one that's wider, for stability, and use bigger pneumatic tires.

That will make for a good first wire welder project. That will also help me learn how to set it up and experiment with it.

 

[gilraine]

i had my Girlfriend using my hobart 140 2 weeks ago. she went from never having put on a helmet, to being able to make a strong, if not pretty weld in about 20 minutes.it really is that easy

 

[Clay45]

Unless they are flat-free wheels I'd stay away from the pneumatic tires. But larger wheels makes sense for rolling on rough ground. I use gas so I stay inside anyway. I built a good cart for my 2nd Handler (HH175) and decided if it came up again to go back to the HF cart. Just can't build one for that price and I decided less is more.

 

[crashz]

Bought the HH210 last fall and love it! I'm still learning, but found the chart on the door to be way off too.

Still practicing, but I've run through two and a half full spools and my welds look nearly adequate now!

 

[houser52]

Bought the HH210 last fall and love it! I'm still learning, but found the chart on the door to be way off too.

Still practicing, but I've run through two and a half full spools and my welds look nearly adequate now!

I'm still waiting on my HH190 since it's on back order but I've already picked up a spool of Hobart flux core wire and some mig welder pliers. I've also worn out my computers looking a pics of welding carts to get some ideas.
I also hope to get in a lot of practice time before I start on my cart. I could go ahead and make one using the stick welder but what's the fun in that, right?

 

[Clay45]

Houser,

I went back to the WeldTalk message board to see if any of the threads active when I was getting going were still around with pics. There were some truly innovative carts for our little Handlers and Millers & Lincoln's too. Some of the old threads were around but I could not find images anywhere. Like me; our ISP's change and the image links were invalid since the WeldTalk site didn't allow you to upload images to them. You had to arrange to host them elsewhere. edit: I did find this thread you may find useful: Weld Talk Message Board and Online Forum - Hobart Welders

Its a great site when its active and sometimes the Hobart technicians can direct you to solutions no one else seems to be able to.

Look forward to you posting some results after you get it up and going!

 

[houser52]

Houser,

I went back to the WeldTalk message board to see if any of the threads active when I was getting going were still around with pics. There were some truly innovative carts for our little Handlers and Millers & Lincoln's too. Some of the old threads were around but I could not find images anywhere. Like me; our ISP's change and the image links were invalid since the WeldTalk site didn't allow you to upload images to them. You had to arrange to host them elsewhere. edit: I did find this thread you may find useful: Weld Talk Message Board and Online Forum - Hobart Welders

Its a great site when its active and sometimes the Hobart technicians can direct you to solutions no one else seems to be able to.

Look forward to you posting some results after you get it up and going!

Thanks for the info. I've checked out lots sites with pics of carts and there were some that has "off road tires" on them. There were a few that utilizes hand trucks and it just so happens that I have some old hand trucks that might just work. I'm playing around with some ideas but will be kind of limited on what I'll be able to do with it since they're made from aluminum.

*I just got the shipping notice for my HH190. Hopefully it'll be here sometime next week.
With that being said, can answer these questions for me?

How long is the Hobart's power cord? Does it have holes inside so it can be bolted down?

 

[Stimw]

The cord is 6' and I don't know about holes. ??
I use an extension cord on mine and just roll it around where I need it.