A plethora of options will greet you when you enter the market to purchase a quality MIG welder. Metal inert gas (MIG) welders have been around for the past seven decades and are a superior alternative to other types of welders, including TIG welders and plasma cutters.
If you are planning to take up welding as a hobby or profession, or are working on a project that involves melding metal sheets, you need to invest in the right MIG welder. Thankfully, you have a variety of models to select from, but at the same time, you could end up feeling confused. Hence, you should consider purchasing from Hobart.
About The Product
Hobart is a reliable brand, offering high-quality welding equipment and accessories. The Hobart Handler 500554001 190 with SpoolRunner 100 comes with all the features you would expect from a top of the line MIG Welder, along with bearing the stamp of quality Hobart guarantees. Here is a look at the best features of this product:
source: weldermagazine.com
Welding Power
This model is powerful enough to weld up to 24 gauge steel. You can decide on the thickness of the metal without having to worry about the performance of the welder, as it will help you get the job done.
Multiple Metal Options
You can conveniently weld stainless steel, sheet metal, and aluminum using this welder. As mentioned, the thickness of the metal can be up to 24 gauges, so you have a wider variety of options regarding DIY and other projects.
Power Options
The power option of the motor is 190 amps, which offers sufficient power for you to tackle hard metals. Plus, there are seven voltage settings that you can choose from, allowing you to set the current according to your needs.
This feature makes this MIG welder incredibly versatile, as you can adjust the power to suit different types of projects. Hence, this model is ideal for beginners and experts alike. The power cord also extends up to 10 ft, allowing you to plug in the welder in any outlet.
SpoolRunner
The standout feature of this product is the SpoolRunner. You can adjust the spools to 4 inches or 8 inches, depending on the task at hand. The spool hub assembly will easily accommodate the reels, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Versatile Design
Hobart has designed this model to serve a variety of applications. You can use it for farm projects, home repairs, and even on auto bodies. This level of versatility makes it convenient for you to take the welder to different job sites and get the maximum value for your money. You can switch between flux core welding and gas-shielded MIG welding, as per your needs.
Additional Features
This MIG Welder offers some ancillary features that enhance its usability and enables you to complete jobs with accuracy and precision. The foremost among these is the sturdy gas hose, which ensures a steady flow of gas if you want to use gas-shielded MIG welding.
There is a dual-gauge regulator that comes with a solenoid valve, enabling you to adjust the power to suit your needs.
Pros
- Adjustable voltage
- Decent power output
- Versatile design
- Portable and compact
- Patented SpoolRunner to extend the wires
Cons
- Expensive as compared to other welders with similar features
What Others Are Saying
A majority of people who purchased the Hobart Handler 500554001 190 with SpoolRunner 100 on Amazon are happy with its performance and features. A customer stated that he purchased this model as an upgrade on a smaller welder he had been using for a while.
He wrote that the difference in quality is stark and that this welder offers great value for money. He further goes on to state that he has been using this MIG welder for different types of metals and has been able to achieve the precision and accuracy he desires each time.
Another customer stated that he is pleased with the features of this welder. He wrote that the welder is perfect for beginners and professionals. In particular, he praised the SpoolRunner as a handy runner that helps keep the project organized without the risk of wires dangling or getting in the way.
However, he did complain that the ground clamp is inferior to the other parts and you might have to replace it.
On the flipside, a few customers had an unfortunate experience with the product. A client wrote that the power output listed on the product is 60 Hz when in fact it only offers 50 Hz. Another reviewer complained about a particular setting not working, which ruined his overall experience of using the product and that he won't recommend anyone to buy it.
Buying Advice
Amazon is the best online store where you can buy this MIG Welder. Not only can you conveniently order the product and have it delivered to your doorstep, but they also don't charge you for shipping costs.
The price of the product is around $800, which is lower than the retail price of around $100. You can economize your purchase by browsing multiple sellers on Amazon to look for deals and discounts.
However, this model is pricier than other similar welders on the market, and if you don't plan to use it frequently or are just into DIY welding, you are better off investing in a cheaper model.
Verdict
Overall, this MIG welder from Hobart is among the best on the market. It doesn't lack regarding features, but the price tag is slightly higher than other models. That said, the versatility and portability of the machine make it worth the price, offering you great value for money.
The bottom-line is that this is an MIG welder you should consider purchasing, as it offers everything you would expect from a handy product.
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