HOBART 175 MIG - used it before?

[Kentguy13]

Hey folks. I was going to purchase the Hobart 140 new from Northern tool, until I found a "like new" used Hobart 175 on craigslist. I have been trying to research the 175 and have come up almost empty. Does anyone have any experience with that model? Which is the better machine?

Thanks.

 

[pipehack]

I highly recommend this forum. I'm not sure if this is against the rules so I'm pre apologizing.
http://weldingweb.com/

There is more information on here than you can shake a stick at.
I would also recommend that you search that forum before asking any questions. 99.99% of the time it's already been asked.
http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=44050&highlight=hobart+175
http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=37331&highlight=hobart+175
http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=2094&highlight=hobart+175
There are quite a few more threads over there. This was just a few.

 

[VEGATIMES]

I have that same welder and i can tell you that the thing is great...
i had a cheap one at first then got rid of it to get this one and it was nite and day ,
hope you have fun with it i do...........

 

[r97]

Should be a very good machine, check over at the Hobart forum.
http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/
Keep in mind you will need a 230v plug.

 

[Kentguy13]

Thanks everyone for the input. I was prepared to buy the 175, had cash in hand... and the guy never called or emailed back. I guess that makes my choice easy, Northern Tool here I come. Should get the Handler 140 soon.

 

[r97]

I'm sure you'll be very happy with the 140, will go above and beyond for go kart stuff. Are you going to pickup a gas bottle? Keep that cost in mind.

 

[Kentguy13]

Yes I will buy the gas/bottle also, I priced that out from the local welding supply shop already. I'm still not 100% on the model I'm going to purchase. I'm sure the 140 will be a great machine for welding together a go-cart, but I'm thinking of spending a few hundred more for a bigger machine in-case I decide down the road to get into bigger projects. haha. I'll post a pic of what ever i end up with...

 

[r97]

Hahahaha, your reminding me of myself a few months ago, I started looking at welders really low on the list, and eventually ended up with a Hobart Handler 211 and spool gun! LOL, more than I need, but I like it that way. Have you considered a Miller? If you have the extra money those are just a step above the Hobart (not that you really need that step but, if you can, why not right?)

EDIT: if you see yourself wanting more welder later on, look at the Hobart 190/187 unless you want the multi-voltage plug on the HH210MVP (I don't have it and as long as you stay in your shop your fine, the welder is very heavy too.)

 

[Kentguy13]

pulled the trigger... finally

well I finally BOUGHT one .. haha. Yeah, it was way to easy to keep looking at the next model up. I went from the 140, to the 175, and then decided and purchased the Hobart handler 190. I opted to pass on the spoolgun, I don't see myself doing aluminum anytime soon. I found the machine on Northern tool for $749, but after a google search ended up getting it from Cyberweld.com for $712 and free shipping.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

I opted to pass on the spoolgun,

View attachment 19096

ive heard spool guns suck...

but for aluminum i find that there are a few projects i cant do now that i dont have one.....

things crack.... (engine head, tranny case, intake manifolds, etc)

 

[r97]

Where did you hear that? I haven't used mine yet (still need to buy a second gas bottle for argon... $$$), but people seem to be very happy with any decent model that is setup properly. No they are not as easy as mild still with a normal gun (or TIG if you are proficient), but it beats the crap outa' doing MIG aluminum without one.

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/mig-welding-aluminum.html