Hobart Handler 190 Review – 230V MIG Welder – #500554

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This is a MIG welding machine that can use either, the solid wire, and the shielded gas, or can use the flux core wire that requires no shielded gas. It is capable of producing output amps ranging from 25 to 190.

The machine is powered by a 230 volt electrical circuit similar to the ones that you would use to power your electric clothes dryer. It is a durable machine with high performance abilities that can be used on the farm, in a shop, to make repairs, or to fabricate new things.

Hobart Handler 190 Reviews

Aluminum Weld ready

The majority of welding machines either do not have the power to weld aluminum, or they need you to purchase accessories to make them capable of welding aluminum. This Hobart Handler 190 does have the power needed to weld aluminum and it does come with the Spool Runner 100 spool gun that enables you to be able to weld using aluminum wire.

This spool gun allows the aluminum wire to be fed freely without tangling or being crushed. It opens a whole new world of welding possibilities up to you.

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Sets Up in Minutes

One of the features we love about this Hobart welding machine is how quickly it can be set up and ready to use. You can set the machine up and be starting your first weld in under five minutes.

On the front of the machine you have a power button and 2 control knobs. You have a seven setting voltage selector that allows you to increase the wire feed speed or decrease the speed according to the material you are using. 

You have a set up instruction in place under the cover so you can quickly reference what settings are recommended for the material type and thickness you are working with. You literally turn the knobs to the desired settings and go to work.

MIG Welder or Flux Core Welder

You can do both the MIG welding process that uses solid wire and shielded gas or you can use the flux core welding process. The flux core welding process is performed almost exactly like the MIG process except, when using flux core the shielding gas is a part of the wire not a separate controllable unit.

MIG welding is preferable for thicker materials that you want to weld in one single pass. Flux core welding is more convenient and it allows you to create a stronger weld because the flux core wire prevents contaminants from compromising the integrity of the weld.

MIG welding is perfect for teaching someone to weld because the MIG solid wire application is easier to do and more forgiving than any other form of welding. This machine is designed to be used by first time welders or experienced welding professionals.

25 to 190 Amp Output

This machine will provide the output that you need to weld stainless, steel, mild steel, aluminum, steel alloys and more. You can expect an output ranging from 25 Amps to the maximum 190 Amps.

You will have the power to weld 5/16” thick steel that is 24 gauge in one single pass. 

It is powerful enough to create smooth welds that have little slag and need very little cleaning or grinding once they are completed. This saves you time and effort.

Powered by 230 Volt

You will not need to go to great lengths to install a power plug capable of operating this machine. It is powered by the common 230 volt power that you have at home powering your air conditioner, your dryer, your electric stove or your hot water heater.

Do NOT plug this unit into an extension cord that is not an industrial strength cord that is capable of handling the higher 230 volt currents required for operation of this machine. Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions on the care and power use of this machine.

Variety

This machine gives you the ability to work with many metals. You can weld a variety of metals including stainless steel, steel alloy, mild steel, steel plate, cast, wrought iron, sheet metal, copper, brass, and more.

You can work on thin metals or you can work on thicker metal pieces. You will also be able to weld dirty metals, rough metals, rusted or corroded metals, painted metals, powder coated metals, and metals with many imperfections.

It is a good choice for lawnmower repair shops, farms, ranches, homeowner’s, hobbyist, car restoration enthusiasts, and auto repair shops. It can be used on so many metals at such varying thicknesses that there are very few places that this machine would not be considered to be an asset. It is also small enough to transport from one location to another.

What’s in the Box?

Pros

Cons

Final Notes

This Hobart Handler may possibly be the perfect and affordable individual owned welding machine. It performs the MIG welding process using both solid core wire and flux core wire. It is small and easy to transport. It is powerful and capable of welding thicker metals, but it can handle the thinner metals that are often encountered by homeowners.

This welding machine is built in the United States, and it is designed to provide the optimum amount of welding power in a minimum size package. It is a high quality product that offers you unlimited possibilities.