Deal on a Hobart 180 Welder?

Cliff_Johns · Mar 4, 2005

Local store has a special - Hobart 180 welder for $529. This appears to be a very good price -- exceptional in fact. Any reason why I shouldn't get it now, even though I haven't run 220 power to my workshop yet. Seems like I'd be saving enough to make it worth buying now even if I don't use it for two or three months.

Of course, I haven't found anyone local to teach me how to weld yet, but I'm figuring I'll pick it up or take the local course or whatever (there are threads on the learning to weld issue already on TBN, so no need to rehash that part here), I'm just stating reasons for my hesitation.

Seems like a machine that should cover 98.7% of anything I'll be wanting to weld in my lifetime, and I've read mostly good things about Hobart welders.

Any comments from the welders out there? As of now, I plan to go out and get it Saturday.

Cliff

MadReferee · Mar 4, 2005

Does it come with the cart?

Either way that's not a bad price, in fact it's a good price. Cheapest I have seen for a complete unit with all accessories but without cart is $575, $625 with cart.

BTW, the C25 gas bottle will be extra, about $100 +/-.

RobS · Mar 4, 2005

What store Cliff? I've been watching that same welder (used to be the 175). TSC carries it in a variey of packages for different prices. If/when I find the money, that's the one I'll get /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Dargo · Mar 4, 2005

That is the same welder I bought at Rural King during one of their sales last year. I think I paid $559 for it then. If my memory on what I paid is correct, it sounds like your deal is pretty darn good. By the way, I've been very pleased with the performance of the welder. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RobS · Mar 4, 2005

Is it worth getting the gas kit with the machine? What do you use the gas for (obvious newbie welder question)?

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

MadReferee · Mar 4, 2005

( Is it worth getting the gas kit with the machine? What do you use the gas for (obvious newbie welder question)?)

The gas regulator setup should be included with the welder accessory kit.

C25 shielding gas (75% CO2/25% argon) is used for Mig welding with solid core wire. It is not needed if you use flux core wire.

Cliff_Johns · Mar 4, 2005

( What store Cliff? )

Farm and Fleet.

The gas regulator is included, although the bottle isn't. No Cart.

Look at page 2 of the Spring Savings Flyer

Cliff

MadReferee · Mar 4, 2005

Good deal. Go for it. Your first project can be the cart. The Miller/Hobart Welder Forum has plenty examples of home built carts.

BTW, you will need a rather expensive spool gun and control to do aluminum. The ad implies that you can do aluminum as is but don't be mis-lead.

DaveNay · Mar 4, 2005

Man....I want a welder bad....it's just not in the budget right now.

Cliff, you can keep it out at my shop if you want...you can even come use my 220V line whenever you want. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I have been thinking of taking welding classes over at COD, jsut so I know what I am doing when I finally get a welder.

Dave

Cliff_Johns · Mar 4, 2005

( BTW, you will need a rather expensive spool gun and control to do aluminum. The ad implies that you can do aluminum as is but don't be mis-lead.)

Thanks for pointing that out. I don't expect to do any aluminum this year. I have enough projects for simple steel. I've been reading the Hobart forum off and on -- that's how I decided the 180 would be a good choice -- and I knew there was another spool gun required for aluminum, though I didn't realize it would be a significant extra cost. I hadn't thought about it. And yes, the ad does imply that it comes set up for it already, doesn't it.

Cliff