WTT TIG for MIG

[Blackend]

I have a Hobart TR-250-HF with a Miller Radiator and a cylinder of Argon and I've never welded anything in my life! Bought it at auction a couple of years ago because it was there and haven't touched it since. I am looking to learn and would like an "easier" machine to get started on. I've seen these machines sell for $600 - $2000 so I have no idea what this one is actually worth. Would prefer someone local who has an "extra" MIG who'd be interested in talking through a possible trade.

Let me know what you have so I can research a bit and we can go from there.



Geez - didn't mean to make it sound like a personal ad on CL or anything! LOL

Thanks,
Brian

 

[the spyder]

I wanted to add a few things to help someone possibly interested.

Is it Single Phase 220? Have you ever plugged it in or tested it?

A comparable machine is anything from a Miller/Lincoln/Hobart/Esab 200 amp + MIG.

Good luck! I would never trade my tig

 

[Blackend]

I wanted to add a few things to help someone possibly interested.

Is it Single Phase 220? Have you ever plugged it in or tested it?

Don't know and never have! When I bought it around 2 years ago it was from an auction and I was told that all machinery was in "good working condition" when it was pulled from the shop it came out of. It was one of those "well if nobody's going to bid on it" moments and I'm in way over my head with this machine!

A comparable machine is anything from a Miller/Lincoln/Hobart/Esab 200 amp + MIG.

Good luck! I would never trade my tig

Thanks for the help spyder! I know I'm letting a great machine go for a "lessor" one, but I figure as lucky as I was in getting the deal I got on this machine, I have no problem letting it go to someone who can use it so long as I get a good starter rig and learn what I want to do. Kind of a pay-it-forward opportunity IMHO

 

[the spyder]

See if you can find out the voltage, there should be a plate or its in the operators manual (usually available online). This will really help someone decide if its worth it.

Always good to pay it forwards!

 

[atari]

I would also never trade my TIG. I would just pick up a MIG on CL if you have to have a MIG. I learned to TIG before anything else and I think it would have been harder to TIG after learning to MIG.

 

[35mastr]

I would plug it in and start learning with the machine you have. Personally I think Tig is a great process to weld with. With practice you can learn to lay down nice rows of dimes.

Buy a mig at the next auction.

 

[35mastr]

I wanted to add a few things to help someone possibly interested.

Is it Single Phase 220? Have you ever plugged it in or tested it?

A comparable machine is anything from a Miller/Lincoln/Hobart/Esab 200 amp + MIG.

Good luck! I would never trade my tig

Most of those machines are both. Can be used with single and 3 phase power.

 

[Blackend]

Thanks for the feedback guys - I guess I just don't see myself ever needing to TIG anything. The only real reason I need a welder is for small automotive parts like making prototype strut bars and keeping metal stuck where I want it for a short trip to my fabrication shop so they professionals can crank out the production versions! This TIG is a big machine, and space in the garage is at a premium...I figured with a little Handler 140 type of machine, I'd have what I needed, somebody would get a good deal and hopefully be willing to give me a couple pointers with their machine to get me started out...

 

[atari]

My brothers hobart 140 is in my shop as i type...............wow, he would be pissed.

I look at a MIG as a limited capability machine, the TIG does it all. (assuming its an AC/DC unit) If you trade it for a MIG you have limited your capability to weld stainless and aluminum, even if your only building prototypes. Some day someone will ask you to make something out of aluminum. I dont want to beat a dead horse or be go on and on but I am a welder by trade and I only have a TIG welder in my shop because space is limited. I am not gonna lye and say I dont use a MIG every now and then but not enough to trade my 1500$ TIG for a 200$ MIG.

 

[StumpXJ]

I dont know where round rock is, but I have an "extra" Century 155 mig. I just bought a new Handler 187, and no longer need the other one. Works great, just dont need it.

[email protected]

Thanks, James

 

[Blackend]

LOL @ Atari's edit comment!

Ok, ok, ok - message received guys. I'll keep it and find someone to teach me on this machine!

Thanks all

 

[35mastr]

LOL @ Atari's edit comment!

Ok, ok, ok - message received guys. I'll keep it and find someone to teach me on this machine!

Thanks all

You will learn on that machine and will become a proficient welder with that machine with a little patience and some help,