Welder replacement parts question

[Heirloom]

Hey guys,

I just bought a severely discounted Hobart Handler 187 from a chain retailer. It is unused, but was a floor model. I got a good deal because it is missing parts; namely a MIG gun, drive roll, and shielding gas hose (from regulator to back of welder).

I was getting ready to buy the Hobart gun that the welder originally would have come with, until I found some alternative styles for less money, like THIS ONE. (selecting the Hobart adapter, of course)

Is that gun compatible with my welder?
Is there any benefit to using the Hobart gun instead of this one?
Should I buy a gun advertised as 180 amp, even though my welder is 187 amp (the link above is 230 amp)?
Other than reach, are there dis/advantages to a 15' cable vs 10' (tangling/resistance, liner wear)?

I think it would be smart to save money, but not if it means lower performance. Please be honest about abilities and limitations with my options.

Everyone asks "what are you going to be welding?" on this board, so I'll cut to the chase. Everything I need/want to. Immediately, 16 ga steel on my FJ40 tub. Later, anything within the welder's capacity. I want to buy the right gun for many applications.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Heirloom]

Bump.

I would really appreciate expert advise. Thanks.

 

[fj40charles]

Hey guys,

I just bought a severely discounted Hobart Handler 187 from a chain retailer. It is unused, but was a floor model. I got a good deal because it is missing parts; namely a MIG gun, drive roll, and shielding gas hose (from regulator to back of welder).

I was getting ready to buy the Hobart gun that the welder originally would have come with, until I found some alternative styles for less money, like THIS ONE. (selecting the Hobart adapter, of course)

Is that gun compatible with my welder?
Is there any benefit to using the Hobart gun instead of this one?
Should I buy a gun advertised as 180 amp, even though my welder is 187 amp (the link above is 230 amp)?
Other than reach, are there dis/advantages to a 15' cable vs 10' (tangling/resistance, liner wear)?

I think it would be smart to save money, but not if it means lower performance. Please be honest about abilities and limitations with my options.

Everyone asks "what are you going to be welding?" on this board, so I'll cut to the chase. Everything I need/want to. Immediately, 16 ga steel on my FJ40 tub. Later, anything within the welder's capacity. I want to buy the right gun for many applications.

Thanks for all the help.

You need a Hobart H-10 mig gun for your HH187. Back end is different and is very narrow compared to a Miller back end. I would not buy the mig gun you asked about. It will be a made in china pos, parts will be hard to find, etc.,

Any mig gun in the 150-200 amp range will work for you as long as it will fit. Bigger is NOT better when it comes to a mig gun. Bulky and heavy is not what you want. Also, stick with a 10 foot mig gun. Longer and you increase problems with feeding. The small drive roll (one roll) will have a difficult time pushing wire though a 12' or 15' gun.

Shielding gas hose is doen't matter much as long as it will fit. Post a pic of the regulator. I have lots of welding hoses.

 

[Heirloom]

The welder came with this regulator:

Made by Smith, Hobart P/N 770198

Regulator output is a barb fitting. Welder has a threaded input. Can I assemble a hose with locally attainable parts? i.e. Should I be able to go to the local gas/welding supply store and expect them to have the hose and fittings available and in-stock?

Looks like I am convinced to get the Hobart brand torch.

 

[fj40charles]

The welder came with this regulator:

Made by Smith, Hobart P/N 770198

Regulator output is a barb fitting. Welder has a threaded input. Can I assemble a hose with locally attainable parts? i.e. Should I be able to go to the local gas/welding supply store and expect them to have the hose and fittings available and in-stock?

Looks like I am convinced to get the Hobart brand torch.

Find out the id hose the barb will fit on. I'll make a hose for you.

 

[Heirloom]

My micrometers tell me that the OD of the barb is 0.24" ~6mm.

 

[fj40charles]

I talked to Hobart.

The mig gun you wan it this:
HOBART H-100S2-10 MIG GUN 245924 | eBay

This is a replacement for the H10 mig gun.

Drive roll Miller part # is 202925 (.023, .030 - .035) solid wire "V" groove drive roll.