NEW: Hobart Handler 190

[Dan]

The fact that tractor supply is selling them fairly cheap, and the fact that its photo in the literature hadn't been updated (new front face sticker and gun) like the other Handler units, I had my suspicions that the HH 187 was probably being phased out


http://store.cyberweld.com/hoha190migwe.html

Being spoolgun ready, I am suspecting the HH 190 may not contain the wire speed tracking circuitry that seemed to give the HH 187 a slight edge in arc quality (short circuit transfer with C-25) over the HH 210 units.

[brucer]

yea those hh187's at tractor supply for $549 is a smoking deal

[Hobart Expert Darrell]

The fact that tractor supply is selling them fairly cheap, and the fact that its photo in the literature hadn't been updated (new front face sticker and gun) like the other Handler units, I had my suspicions that the HH 187 was probably being phased out


http://store.cyberweld.com/hoha190migwe.html

Being spoolgun ready, I am suspecting the HH 190 may not contain the wire speed tracking circuitry that seemed to give the HH 187 a slight edge in arc quality (short circuit transfer with C-25) over the HH 210 units.

The Handler 190 has the same great arc characteristics as the Handler 187. Same WFS tracking circuit to produce a very smooth arc.

The only change was to make the machine spool gun ready with the SpoolRunner 100 spool gun.

Darrell

[usmcpop]

No beverage holder.

[Dan]

The Handler 190 has the same great arc characteristics as the Handler 187. Same WFS tracking circuit to produce a very smooth arc.

The only change was to make the machine spool gun ready with the SpoolRunner 100 spool gun.

Darrell

I am glad the circuitry wasn't changed, because it's the only reason I can come up with for the improvement in the overall arc quality that I see in the HH 187 over the HH 210 units.

So, the Handler 190 contains the exact same power transformer as the Handler 187?

The name change is just due to the addition of the spoolgun circuitry?

I see the gun control circuit wires have a socket connection on the face of the unit now just like the Handler 210 units. I consider this a nice little improvement over the spade connections that are located in the wire drive compartment on the Handler 187.

[Hobart Expert Darrell]

I am glad the circuitry wasn't changed, because it's the only reason I can come up with for the improvement in the overall arc quality that I see in the HH 187 over the HH 210 units.

So, the Handler 190 contains the exact same power transformer as the Handler 187?

The name change is just due to the addition of the spoolgun circuitry?

I see the gun control circuit wires have a socket connection on the face of the unit now just like the Handler 210 units. I consider this a nice little improvement over the spade connections that are located in the wire drive compartment on the Handler 187.

Yes. The power transformer's the same. The Handler 187 was always 190A capable. The naming convention of the 187 came from the improvement of the Handler 180 with the seven-position switch (which, of course was also coupled with the improvement of the output choke). The Handler 190 uses the maximum weld amperage for the naming convention.

The spool gun ready feature necessitated the use of the 4-pin connector.

[Brand X]

Now does the WFS Tracking help when using the Spool-gun welding aluminum? Over a HH-210? More adjustment??

[Hobart Expert Darrell]

Now does the WFS Tracking help when using the Spool-gun welding aluminum? Over a HH-210? More adjustment??

That's probably going to be a very subjective answer. It's always been a personal preference (WFS tracking / no WFS tracking). I personally see the benefit of the WFS tracking feature when welding with steel solid wire. It's not as pronounced with the softer aluminum wire which inherently produces a soft arc.

The Handler 210 has the advantage of a higher output.

[Dan]

Yes. The power transformer's the same. The Handler 187 was always 190A capable. The naming convention of the 187 came from the improvement of the Handler 180 with the seven-position switch (which, of course was also coupled with the improvement of the output choke). The Handler 190 uses the maximum weld amperage for the naming convention.

The spool gun ready feature necessitated the use of the 4-pin connector.

EXCELLENT!!! When I stumbled on to the Handler 190 yesterday afternoon, I was hoping you weren't eliminating your best short arc unit.


Based on the V/A meter readings I took back during the field testing of the Handler 187 I was aware that it was capable of outputting 190 amps

[Blacksmith]

Another complication in my decisions. I really want to wait until September, when my second "extra" payday is (get paid every 2 weeks, so 26 times a year). By then the 187's will be gone and looking at the current discounted 190 price, my best buy may be the reconditioned 210's at ToolKing. I've seen nothing but good things on here if the welder survives the delivery company handling and I really don't need the 110 capability. I'll keep watching and comparing. Found out my local gas supplier will sell me a 60 cu. ft. bottle of C25 for about $175 and refill it (at today's prices) for under $30. I'm still looking at portability for a couple-three years. I may skip the CO2 kit and go right to the big time. All my bad welds will be 100% mine.

The man at the gas supplier was friendly enough, but of course they stocked Miller and Lincoln and when I mentioned I as looking at Hobart, the bias came out and he opined as to how Miller bought Hobart and was slowly improving them.

[morgaj1]

Another complication in my decisions. I really want to wait until September, when my second "extra" payday is (get paid every 2 weeks, so 26 times a year). By then the 187's will be gone and looking at the current discounted 190 price, my best buy may be the reconditioned 210's at ToolKing. I've seen nothing but good things on here if the welder survives the delivery company handling and I really don't need the 110 capability. I'll keep watching and comparing. Found out my local gas supplier will sell me a 60 cu. ft. bottle of C25 for about $175 and refill it (at today's prices) for under $30. I'm still looking at portability for a couple-three years. I may skip the CO2 kit and go right to the big time. All my bad welds will be 100% mine.

The man at the gas supplier was friendly enough, but of course they stocked Miller and Lincoln and when I mentioned I as looking at Hobart, the bias came out and he opined as to how Miller bought Hobart and was slowly improving them.

Tractor Supply has the HH210 on sale for $699 right now.

[Sberry]

These machines are a super bargain, its amazing how much you get for less than the cost of a good TV these days and you can work the snot out of it for years without issue. The 210 is nearly a steal at that price, why bother with used unless it was free.

[Brand X]

The 210 is nearly a steal at that price, why bother with used unless it was free.

Because there are great deals used. I run into them all the time.


http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/tls/2478851801.html

[Hobart Expert Darrell]

The man at the gas supplier was friendly enough, but of course they stocked Miller and Lincoln and when I mentioned I as looking at Hobart, the bias came out and he opined as to how Miller bought Hobart and was slowly improving them.

Just to clarify:

Miller didn't purchase Hobart.

Illinois Tool Works (ITW) purchased Miller in 1992 and then purchased Hobart in 1996. Both are owned by the same parent company.

[Blacksmith]

Darrell - I know the truth, I said he opined - or stated his opinion and showed his bias. If he has the best price on gas, I'll buy from him, but as I have posted before, I'll never buy a welder from him. Tell me all the features about your brand and I'll listen, run down what I'm considering and I can't hear you.

I don't mean to give anybody the wrong idea; I was making fun of Bubba.