Nice welder but disappointed due to missing features
May 21, 2021
I am in the process of setting up the welder so I cannot comment on it's welding performance but am disappointed it is missing a few items that it should have. For one, no welding settings guide decal on the inside of the access panel like most other welders have. I suppose I could copy the one out of the owners manual and tape it to the inside myself but most machines have it and I feel this one should have it too. Secondly, one of the first jobs I have planned requires a small amount of .023 wire. I ordered the two drive wheels I needed for this wire but when I went to install it in the machine, I find I cannot because I need two additional washers and a spring, and these parts did not come with the welder. Come on Hobart, this one omission is going to aggravate allot of buyers. I found several complaints regarding this same issue on welding forums online. And trying to purchase these parts appears to be such a hassle I am not going to even bother. Instead I will return the 3lb. spool of .023 wire for a refund and purchase an 11lb spool so it will fit on this machine. The sad part is after I run about 30 ft. of wire off that roll, it will come off the machine and sit on a shelf collecting dust. I also dislike the holders for the cables on the front of the machine. I much prefer the plastic ones like they offered on the side of the cabinet on the Ironman 230 model. I'm sure this machine will take care of my welding needs but due to it being missing a few low cost features that the 230 model has, my overall satisfaction with this machine was somewhat diminished.
Built in wheel kit
Nice speed and feed controls
Does not come with needed inexpensive, but hard to get parts to be able to run small 2lb. spools of wire.
No settings guide decal on inside of access panel door like most other models have
Dislike the front handles acting as cable storage. Much prefer the style that the Ironman 230 had on the side of the cabinet.
