If you’re a beginner on a budget, this Hobart Handler 190 review is for you. Whether you’re a student welder or a hobby welder, this is a great MIG welder under $1000. But is it truly the best welder for beginners? In the following review, you’ll find the important information you need before spending your hard-earned cash.
Table of Contents
- Hobart Handler 190 Review: Specs, Pros, and Cons
- Welder Parts List
- Hobart 190 With Spool Gun
- Comparison: Hobart 190 vs 210
- Is this the Best Welder for Beginners?
Hobart Handler 190 Review
Without a doubt, the Hobart 190 welder is one of the top rated MIG welders for sale on the market. It simply has what beginners need. For example, it features a wide output range. It can also handle a variety of metals, such as flux core, stainless, and mild steel.
Hobart Handler 190 MIG Welder Specs
First, let’s cover the basics:
- Welding Amperage Range: 25 to 190A
- Duty Cycle: 30% at 130A
- Input Voltage: 230 V
- Wire Feed Speed Range: 40 to 700 IPM
- Weld Thickness: 24 ga. – 5/16”
- Weight: 68 pounds
- Height: 12 and 3/8”
- Length: 19 and 1/2″
- Width: 10 and 5/8”
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 5/3/1 year industrial manufacturer warranty
Hobart Handler 190 MIG Welder Review: Advantages
In general, there are four main advantages to this particular welding machine for sale:
- Versatility
- Ease of Use/Portability
- Durability & Warranty
- Price
Versatility
One reason we recommend the Handler 190 is its versatility. As mentioned above, it can handle multiple types of steel and aluminum ranging in thickness from 24 gauge to 5/16 of an inch. Additionally, a voltage switch with 7 settings gives you precise, high-quality voltage control. Another important aspect is a wire feed speed range of 40-700 IPM.
Due to its maximum output of 190A, the Handler 190 is also powerful enough for heavier welding jobs. With a generator handy you could even take the Handler 190 out in the field, as it has an input voltage of 230V.
Ease of Use & Portability
There are a few reasons why the Handler 190 one of the best MIG welder for beginners.
- First, nearly everything you need is included in the package. Once the kit arrives, assembly is fast and easy. quick assembly.
- Second, it’s simple to operate. The obvious labeling for connections is clear on both the voltage control knob and the amperage control knob. Not only that, but the knobs are compatible with even the thickest welding gloves.
- Another benefit of the numerous safety features. In other words, Hobart took great care to prevent motor damage and overheating. Even more, the built-in contactor cools wires electrically even when you aren’t actively welding.
- Notably, this machine features Hobart’s trademark “Infinite Speed Control.” Because of this, your welds will be smooth and produce minimal splatter. This means that your welds will come out smooth and with minimal splatter.
- If you’re not sure about which settings to use, Hobart included a handy chart. Because of this, it’s easy to find the right voltage for the gauge and wire-type you are using.
- Comparatively, the Hobart 190 welder is lighter than many other transformer-based welding rigs.At only 68lbs, it’s a cinch to move between shop and home. For even more portability, Hobart offers a cart specially designed for the Handler 190 that includes storage space for gas cylinders
Durability & Warranty
Due to the safety features listed above, this welder is resilient. In other words, it’s unlikely to need frequent repairs.
Better yet, Hobart protects the Handler 190 with a 5/3/1 warranty. This includes five-year protection for transformers, three-year protection for electronics, and one-year protection for guns.
Hobart provides unparalleled customer-service experience, with a help line that puts users in touch with real welding professionals who are well-versed in Hobart products.
Price
At just $649.99, the Hobart Handler 190 is one of the best-priced MIG welders on the market. While it might be a bit pricier than other Chinese-made welders, none have quite the power range, flexibility, or customer support that the Handler 190 offers. It’s easy-to-use, all-around feature-packed, and ready for all but the heaviest of welding tasks at an attractive price. Plus it’s incredibly easy to attach the relatively inexpensive SpoolRunner 100 spool gun which converts your Handler 190 into an amazing aluminum welder.
Hobart Handler 190 MIG Welder Review: Special Considerations
Although it’s one of the overall best MIG welders, it isn’t for everyone. Before purchasing, consider the following list of potential drawbacks.
- With an input voltage of 230V, the Handler 190 requires a 220v outlet.
- Although 190 amps is good, it isn’t powerful enough for heavy duty welding.
- The ground clamp is not magnetic. However, this part is cheap and easy to replace.
- Finally, we’ll be honest – there are far cheaper mig welders out there. However, with the lower prices comes lower quality and less peace of mind.
Hobart Handler 190 MIG Welder Parts List
Here’s a complete list of of the Hobart 190’s parts:
- The Handler 190 itself with gas valve built in
- 10 foot MIG gun
- Gas hose with dual gauge regulator
- Clamp with 10 foot work cable
- 10 foot power cord
- Two .030 contact tips
- Sample spool of .030 flux-core wire
- 8” spool adapter
- 240V 50Amp NEMA 6-50 male plug
- Owners manual
- Set-up guide
As you can see, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
How to Save Money While Stocking Up on Welding Supplies Online
Unless you make a point of searching for discount welding supplies online, the cost can add up quickly. Luckily, Hobart offers some good all-inclusive packages.
Here are three options:
Hobart Handler 190 Manual
One of the best features of the Hobart Handler 190 is the extremely informative owners manual; here are few links to free Hobart 190 Welder Manuals Online.
- https://www.hobartwelders.com/pdf/spec_sheets/Handler_190.pdf
- https://www.manualslib.com/products/Hobart-Handler-190-8880822.html
- http://pdf.directindustry.com/pdf/hobart/handler-190/20591-293571.html
Hobart Handler 190 with Best Spool Gun for Aluminum
One of the best features of the Hobart Handler 190 is that the connections and circuitry for the optional SpoolRunner 100 spool gun are built in. Normally, you would need to spend hundreds of dollars and hours of work to make a welder at this price point ready for aluminum welding. However, you don’t need to buy any extra controls or kits to operate the Hobart Handler 190 with the SpoolRunner 100.
Even though wire-feeding softer aluminum wire can be problematic and messy, the specialized spool gun transforms your Handler 190 into a proper Hobart Aluminum Welder.
Top Reasons for Adding the Hobart SpoolRunner 100
The Hobart SpoolRunner 100 can be attached to the Handler 190 and operated in three easy steps, and it’s perfect for all your aluminum welder needs. If you’re planning to use the Hobart Handler 190 MIG Wire Welder for anything from manufacturing signs and trailers to repairing cars and boats the SpoolRunner 100 wire feeder gun is a must-have. It can also be used with stainless or mild steel wires, and the Hobart 190 wire feeder can handle thicknesses ranging from 16 ga to 3/16in. The Spoolruner 100 comes with a durable plastic carrying case which includes a threaded nozzle, a spool compartment with wire tension adjustment for up to four rolls of wire, contact tips, and feed rolls for stainless steel, steel, and aluminum wires.
Hobart Handler 190 vs 210
While the Handler 190 is great for beginners and powerful enough for most light fabrication, those looking for a more robust welder should check out Hobart Handler 210 MVP Review: To Buy or Not to Buy?
The Handler 210 features a better ground clamp, a higher duty cycle, and it will run on a 110V as well as a 220V outlet. The Handler 210 is also compatible with the SpoolRunner 100 spool gun. However the Handler 210 costs about $250 more than the Handler 190 and is slightly heavier. Those looking to build a business around welding or who frequently require more powerful welding could consider the Handler 210. However, the Handler 190 is a better overall option for beginners due to its lower price, ease-of-use, and versatility.
Is this the Best Welder for Beginners?
In a word, yes. The following key features that make the Hobart Handler 190 Welder perfect for beginners.
- Nearly everything you need to start welding is included in the box
- Everything is well labeled and the connections are all marked clearly
- Controls are simple; there’s one knob for voltage and another for amperage
- The Handler 190 is compatible with the SpoolRunner 100 spool gun which makes aluminum welding a breeze
- Hobart included a useful door chart to make it easy to find the right voltage for specific wire-types and gauges
- 190A max power output makes the Handler 190 good for all but the heaviest welding jobs
- Several safety features protect against overheating and motor damage
- Hobart offers world-class customer support; their 800 number puts you in contact with real welding professionals should any issues arise
Hobart Handler 190 MIG Welder Review: Is it the machine for you?
Simply put, it depends on the type of welding projects you want to take on. Even though the Handler 190 is an excellent option, it isn’t for everyone. Below, we’ve described why you should add it to your shopping cart today, as well as reasons to keep shopping for a better fit.
Yes, this is the best MIG welder for you:
- As this review shows, the Hobart Handler 190 is a well-rounded welder that’s perfect for those looking for a versatile, feature-packed, and easy to use tool for MIG and flux-core welding around the home and in the shop. After a few minutes of set-up the Handler 190 can be ready to take on all but the heaviest welding jobs straight out of the box. Though some might consider other cheaper brands, none offer the durability and peace of mind Hobart’s 100 year record of industrial experience provides. It’s a solid choice for beginners and pros alike.
On the other hand, you might want to look at different welding machines for sale…
- While the Handler 190 is powerful, those requiring more industrial, heavy-duty welding might want to consider a more powerful rig. Likewise, if you plan to use this welder exclusively for small welding tasks around the home, you might also consider a less powerful welder or a welder that doesn’t require a 220V outlet like the Handler 190 does. For incredible versatility and ease-of-use at an amazing price, however, the Hobart Handler 190 is a solid choice for beginners and experienced users alike.
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