New Hobart 187 owner

[Turbo Dog]

Howdy to everbody...I just picked up Hobart 187 brand new for $100 less than the 190 model. Was that a good deal? The only thing I notice different is that it doesn't come ready for the spool gun...anything else? I don't think I'll need a spool gun because I doubt I do much aluminum.

Already used a $20 110V model to weld up a cart so the first project for this one will be to mount my spare tire in the bed of my truck. Just got a full size spare and it's a l;ittle to big to go back under the bed.

[Blacksmith]

You did well. If you're never going to do aluminum, the 187 will serve well. A big step up from a 110 machine.

[usmcpop]

$100. saved is $100. more that you can spend when you just have to buy a TIG (and stick and O/A and spot) welder.

[Turbo Dog]

Thanks for the input...I was waiting to unpack it wanting to be sure it wasn't a bad model to buy. I think I can get another $100 for my old Elektra Bekum 110V with a regulator and new roll of .035 wire.

Or, what to you think an older model 110V would be worth? It works fine but it doesn't have a gas solenoid valve so you have to turn the bottle on and off as needed.

[Hotfoot]

Thanks for the input...I was waiting to unpack it wanting to be sure it wasn't a bad model to buy. I think I can get another $100 for my old Elektra Bekum 110V with a regulator and new roll of .035 wire.

Or, what to you think an older model 110V would be worth? It works fine but it doesn't have a gas solenoid valve so you have to turn the bottle on and off as needed.

It wouldn't be at all difficult to rig a footswitch for that, using a simple, cheap Blowgun with a threaded output nozzle...(but the pressure and flow would have to be set with a regulator).

Off-brands do well to bring $100.00 if they are nice and clean, not beat-up. If they were flux core only, I'd say $40.00....but it always depends on buyer/seller. Have a sample of welds each has done with the machine to show..

[Turbo Dog]

Hmmm...considering that I paid $70 for the regulator and it is less than a year old, and the welder is pretty beat up and old and I bought it without any wire for $20, and it has a new full roll of .035 wire...that's why I think I'm gonna put it on Craigslist for about $100. Then if someone wants to pay less I'll just part it out and keep the regulator and wire as spares for the new Hobart.

Thanks for the input on the pricing and the idea about adapting a blow gun into the gas line, that would be much cheaper than an electric solenoid.