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Hobart Welders

Avery4jc

Avery4jc

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Dad and I decided that it's time to save up and get a welder to have at the house so we can start tearing into some bigger projects...
I have been using the welders at work which is really nice but we're looking to get something a little more reasonable to use in the garage...

I've been eyeing the Hobart Handler 210...

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It seems like a well rounded unit for what we plan to do... so here's my question... should I save the $200 and go with the 187 (only difference I can see is it only welds up to 5/16" instead of 3/8" like the 210) or is it like a trailer... just go big from the get go?

Are there other suggestions for something with similar features from say Lincoln or someone else?
 
The 210 has the option of a spool gun. I have the 180 (old version of the 187) and I love it. They added three more voltage settings from the 180 version.

Personally I think that the 187 would do everything for a normal user.
 
That's kind of what I was thinking... we're talking a 16th of an inch difference in welding capabilities...
 
We had a 175 where I used to to work Old Old Version of the 187 and I have a 180 at home. They do everything you could wish for them to do. That old 175 got used ALOT and never complained.
 
I run a miller 180 and it welds 1/4'' plate easily in one pass. You can always make more than one pass on thicker stuff.

I was going to buy the H187 but the miller came on sale for 100 more. These welders should do anything you need to short of a full time welding shop.
 
the 210 has a bigger dutycycle. thats what id go with. the hobarts are built my miller so they are nice machines.

i have a miller 210 mig myself, great welder. also have a dynasty 200dx tig.
 
kevin400ex said:
the 210 has a bigger dutycycle. thats what id go with. the hobarts are built my miller so they are nice machines.

i have a miller 210 mig myself, great welder. also have a dynasty 200dx tig.
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Yeah I noticed that but didn't think it'd really be a factor for the type of work we'd be doing in the garage (weld on steering brace, bumpers, sliders, etc.)
Is it worth the extra $200+?



EDIT: I was looking around online and found that Northern Tool has the 210 for $899.99 with free shipping...

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200336866_200336866

I think I'll print it off and swing by Fresno Oxygen and Airgas tomorrow after work to see if they can match that price (On purchases this big I try to keep it local if at all possible)...
 
For what it's worth, I've only hit the duty cycle limit one time. I was welding 1/4" plate for the winch mount of my tube bumper.

It seemed like I was welding forever when it tripped. I am more aware of the limit and it hasn't slowed me down or tripped since.

It's not a factor unless your primary weld is 1/4" plate.

I will say this, I've had one heck of a time welding thin stuff. I have been blowing holes in the stuff. It looks like it was hit with a shotgun blast when I finish. I think my problem is not cleaning the stuff up enough before welding.
 
AZ79K5Project said:
For what it's worth, I've only hit the duty cycle limit one time. I was welding 1/4" plate for the winch mount of my tube bumper.

It seemed like I was welding forever when it tripped. I am more aware of the limit and it hasn't slowed me down or tripped since.

It's not a factor unless your primary weld is 1/4" plate.

I will say this, I've had one heck of a time welding thin stuff. I have been blowing holes in the stuff. It looks like it was hit with a shotgun blast when I finish. I think my problem is not cleaning the stuff up enough before welding.
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on really thin stuff you might try stich welding, basically alot of good tack welds in a row. helps keep the heat down and warpage as well.
 
runamok151 said:
tractor supply usually has a good price on the hobarts too, less that northern tools even.
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I WISH!
When I lived in Texas last semester I was introduced to Tractor Supply and I fell in love... BUT back home here in central Cali we don't have one.
There is one in Bakersfield but that's 2+ hours away from here...
 
I got the Handler 210, i got it from here, http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=500526

I say go as big as you can afford, i used to have a 130amp 120v, it was ok, then i got this thing, its small, fit on the same cart as my old POS, I dialed it all the way up pulled the trigger and almost peed my pants i was so excited, it cratered 1/4", for what i plan to do, it will have enough umpf to do shackle points and winch plates etc, but wasn't too big for my garage.
 
Thanks for the links... that's a good price on the 210...

I had to go help move a TON of stuff for a rummage sale they're having at church tomorrow so I didn't have time to run over to Fresno Oxygen or Airgas but I'll print some stuff off and see if they can hit around the same price.
 
I was at Airgas today swapping out some tanks for work so I checked out their line of welders... they don't carry anything from Hobart so it looks like I'll have to go by Fresno Oxygen and see if they'll price match what we found online...
I should be makin' sparks within a few weeks... I'm pretty close financially to getting it and my b-day is on the 16th so after that I'll definately have the funds to place the order...
 
I have the 140 like it for little stuff, my buddy has the 180, but it doesn't hold a candle to my lincoln 175. I have way more voltage settings, which is really nice. If you get a 180 you will be happy no matter what brand, as long as its a name brand.
 
jekquistk5 said:
I have the 140 like it for little stuff, my buddy has the 180, but it doesn't hold a candle to my lincoln 175. I have way more voltage settings, which is really nice. If you get a 180 you will be happy no matter what brand, as long as its a name brand.
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I'm gettin' the 210...
 
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