Thoughts on Hobart welders???

[2manyrocks]

I have the Hobart 187 and am very pleased with it. You can go on this site and get lots of opinions about your choices.

Weld Talk Message Board and Online Forum - Hobart Welders

 

[mrennie]

I would recommend the Hobart Handler 210...only a bit more than the Hobart Handler 187, and besides the increased output it is ready to add a spool gun for aluminum welding without the need for a separate controller.

 

[Bill_C]

I would recommend the Hobart Handler 210...only a bit more than the Hobart Handler 187, and besides the increased output it is ready to add a spool gun for aluminum welding without the need for a separate controller.

Yep, if I had the money to buy a new MIG, that'd be at the top of my list--a lot of bang for the buck.

 

[BuckeyeFarmer1994]

I have the Hobart Handler 120, which is primarily designed for light use (up to 3/16 steel), but I love it! I highly recommend going with shielding gas as opposed to the flux core wire. Based on my experience it is much easier to see and control the weld using shielding gas.

 

[djw250]

I've had the 187 for about a year now, and use it for just about everything. I bought the factory refurbished (A grade) from tool king, and couldn't tell it from a new one. I've used it on everything from thin tubing to 3/8" plate, and it just flat works great. I'd def go with the shielding gas and solid wire as it makes a much nicer weld.

 

[JB4310]

I've got the 135 handler which came just before the 140.

It's an excellent little machine and is well built and user friendly, just wouldn't want it to be my only welder. I have welded heavier metals with it cranked up.

I prefer stick but if I was gonna go with a mig as my only welder, it would have to be a larger machine.

JB.

 

[Hozen]

there is such a big difference from 120v to 240v since your outlet can only pull a certain number of amps. Not to mention most 120v outlets have 14gauge wire which is rated for 15-20 amps and 240v outlets have 10 gauge for 30amps. Regardless of brand other than offbrands, the welder will weld pretty well; the difference comes with preference. An example would be me with my Miller stl 150 which I do tig work and stick work with the same controls that I"m used to for years. I've used Hobart before and dont have any complaints. Go out and try each brand and find which one you like, then consider price. That's just my opinion

I wired my building myself. So, all outlets are 20A rated with 20A breakers and 12-2 wire. I'd have to run a 240 line if I wanted to use a 240 welder, but that's not a problem. I'll have to see what the max draw is on the Hobart 187...

 

[Hozen]

Looks like the hobart site has it listed as 20.5A draw for the 187... That isn't bad at all. Running a line of 10ga wire to a 240 outlet should work fine, I'd think. I think after reading all this I have my mind set on the Hobart 187... now, how to pay for it?

 

[Soundguy]

I'm looking to get a wire welder here in hopefully the near future. I've only used Lincoln wire welders, but noticed the Hobart brand is noticably cheaper. I ran electric out to my shed this summer and it has 240, but with the long run, it's only 40amp service. So, I was looking at either the Hobart 140 or Hobart 187. The 140 runs on 120 and they claim it can weld 1/4 inch steel. The 187 runs on 240 and does 5/16 inch.

So, is it worth paying the extra for a Lincoln or is the Hobart brand "as good"?

I have a hobart stickmate 235xl.. and if their wire welders are as good as this stick unit, you should be fine.

soundguy

 

[ovrszd]

I have a Miller 180 Autoset and my Son has the Hobart 187. I've used both. It appears they use the same gun. The feed mechanism is different however. In appearance it looks like the Miller feed is of better quality but we haven't had them long enough to know yet. Being used to my Miller, when I use the Hobart I notice the sound of the feed mechanism being louder, I also think the Miller feeds the wire more steadily. My Son says the same thing. I paid $200 more for the Miller than he did for the Hobart.