10/1/2007
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New Hobart Handler 210 MIG Welds 3/8˝ Mild Steel and 1/4˝ MIG Aluminum,
Features Seven Voltage Taps for More Precise Arc Control
With 25 to 210 amps of welding power in a 77-lb. package, the new Handler® 210 all-in-one MIG welder from Hobart Welding Products offers 25 percent more welding output than competitive welders of similar size. It can weld mild steel up to 3/8˝ and aluminum up to 1/4˝, yet provides low-end control that enables welding 24-gauge material without burn-through or excess spatter. The Handler 210 plugs into a standard 230 VAC outlet and delivers full output power with a normal 35-amp breaker.
Best Small MIG Welder
The Handler 210 offers seven voltage taps, enhanced magnetics with better inductance and infinite wire feed speed control. These features enable users to make arc adjustments in finer increments and simplify creating the classic “sizzling bacon” sound that signifies a perfect arc.
A seven-position tapped control simplifies voltage (or “heat”) adjustment compared to machines with fewer taps or infinite voltage control. The Handler 210 enables users to select a more precise voltage range, which in turn provides greater control over heat input. This helps when welding thin materials, as well as to accommodate welding preferences of travel speed (“fast and hot” to “slow and deliberate”), joint design, welding position, wire diameter, shielding gas composition. By having seven voltage taps, operators can choose which setting best suits their style.
Power for Spray Transfer MIG Aluminum
While the “cooler” short circuit MIG process helps prevent burn-through on thinner steel and stainless steel, it may not provide complete fusion on aluminum because aluminum dissipates heat so rapidly (e.g., the weld puddle cools before the heat of the arc ensures good penetration). For this reason, welding experts do not recommend using the short circuit process when MIG welding aluminum in critical applications, such as a load bearing weld. In non-critical applications, such as skin of an aluminum trailer, short circuit MIG is an acceptable process.
The Handler 210 comes out of the box ready to weld with our without a shielding gas. Unlike units for “gasless” flux cored welding only, the Handler features a built-in gas valve and comes with a dual gauge regulator and gas hose. This enables the user to MIG weld with gas-shielded solid wires – the preferred method for thinner metals and stainless steel and required for aluminum – without purchasing additional kits. A built-in contactor keeps the welding wire electrically cool until the trigger is pulled. Without this feature, the wire would arc if touched to the work-piece.
Hobart backs all power sources with its 5/3/1 warranty, which covers the transformer for five years, the switches, controls and valves for three years and the torch for one year. Engines are covered separately by the manufacturer. For a detailed spec sheet or free literature, visit www.hobartwelders.com.