Who here owns a Hobart welder? Opinions?

I've been wanting to get a 220v welder to replace my Lincoln 110V machine for quite some time. They have always been just a little out of reach pricewise. Well Tractor supply has this one on sale:http://www.tractorsupply.com/weldin...welders/hobart-handler-reg-187-welder-3807126 which seems like a decent deal. And I can flip my lincoln for a few bucks also.

I have been told Hobert is part of Miller and I know they make good stuff. I am just wondering if any HAMB'rs have Hobart welders and what you think of them. Thanks, Todd

 

Good machines, I almost bought one when I found my Lincoln 175 on Craigslist. The good thing is that any welders supply repair guy who can work on Lincoln or Miller can work on and get parts for a Hobart with no problems. Here locally they are sold by the Big R stores which is somewhat similar to tractor supply.

 

I had a handler 140 which is a 110, I never felt like it got hot enough. And I had to replace a faulty liner right out of the box because the wire got stuck trying to feed in the new spool. I used lincoln 110's and for tacking sheet metal felt they worked fine. The hobart seamed like it wasn't penetrating enough unless you did a continuous burn.

This is one experiance, I bought it because I needed something for tacking in mockup stages as I use my TIG as my primary welder. Everyone I talked to liked them

I was also told that it is basically a miller with more plastic parts.
If I was to buy one again on a tight budget it would be a 220v, but to be honest I think I would buy a used miller or lincoln, just because the issues I had made me a little gun shy.

Good luck!

 

Hobart welders work fine for home and small shops. If you don't plan to use it 8 hrs a day in a production enviroment. I have used a Hobart welders in my hot rod shop for years.
Hope this helps.

 

I have the 185, earlier version of that welder and love it. Does everything from sheetmetal to heavy stuff with ease. Since they are owned by miller mine even had a miller gun. 10 years ago that as powerfull of a mig as most shops had. In a package twice as big!@

 

I just bought the same welder. Havent used it yet but it looks nice!! I did however set it all up and it seems to be of higher quality than others I had looked at in the price range.

 

I have a little hobbie in the garage that I use for sheet metal and it is an excellent welder. I used both Hobart and Miller welders when I was still doing that for a living and liked either one equally as well. Both were good quality durable welding machines.

 

I have one myself and love it. Never had a single problem with it in 20 years. Go for it. Nice machines .

 

I have put a BUNCH of miles (as have my free loading friends) on my Hobart and have had no problems. I love it.

 

I bought a Hobart Handler 140 a couple years ago because a friend of mine has used his to build more cars than I will every build. He's never had a second of trouble with his after something like 15 years and I've never had a second of trouble with mine except it really doesn't seem to crank the power they claim but that's my 140, not the 175.

 

I have a handler 140 works great for what I do.

 

Handler 120, Love it! have used it for 16 years not one problem. Oh yea I use it several times a week. Scott

 

great welder. I have a handler 135

 

I have that exact model you are looking at, the 187. I'm a complete welding noob, but it is very forgiving and helped me build my front end. Works great!

 

I welded at work for many years. After "semi retiring" recently I no longer had acess to the Lincolns and Millers at work. Went to Tractor supply and bought a Hobart Handler 187 when they first went on sale @ $549.95 about 3 weeks ago. I'm very happy with it. Soft stable arc, precise wire speed controll, and the least spatter of any MIG I've ever used. Have not used it with flux core yet, but I've already burned up an 8 pound spool of wire in it.

I have been useing a hotter setting than what they recomend, but I tend to move fast if I can keep the puddle alive.

You won't find one better for less money.

 

I burned some flux core with mine just to see the limitations. Worked well. Keep a roll around for emergencies.

 

Got my Handler 187 at TSC on sale as well. Can't beat the deal and I have been really happy with it.
I replaced the stock power cord with 25ft of heavy duty cable to reach everywhere in my shop.
Great machine!

 

I have a Miller and a Hobart, both very good for my small shop.

 

I've had several Hobarts over the past years and currently have a HH187. In my opinion, it's a fantastic machine for the money and, if needed, their tech support is great.

 

Hobart is owned by Miller. Look at the machines, some have striker similarities. Good machine for the price. Try Indiana Oxygen on Ebay.

 

You really didn't read all the replies.............

 

Love my Hobart Handler 187!!! The only drawback I see is that it's pretty expensive to add a spoolgun.

 

I have the Hobart 187, bought it at Tractor Supply, works great for home shop use, had it for several years now. Russ

 

It's a good welder, I have had mine for about 10 years.

 

Love the hobart 140 usin it for a while...Plus our shop has one for sheet metal and frame work.

 

hobart machines are very good but i prefer miller, granted they are from the same company for a little more money you will get a really good machine in the millermatic 140 w/auto set 110v unit, cheers........

 

I have a combo TIG / arc Hobart tigmate that works flawlessly.
Great for chassis work and aluminum. I also have a Miller Mig for sheetmetal.
2X, I was also told it uses Miller parts like the spool gun.

 

There is one in my shop . (now all i have to do is learn how to use it)
"AND THE BOWTIE ROLLS ON"

 

I also have the 187 hobart, I have had no issues at all, except when using the cheap farm store wire, now I use lincoln wire with no issues

Brad

 

did a whole 2x3 tube frame and everything else with a 220 volt hobart handler. .030 wire with a .035 tip made it flow better.