Review on 🔧 Hobart 500578 Multi-Handler 200: Enhancing Efficiency and Versatility in Welding by Eric Broad

I thought Hobart deserved a written review. It's a no frills machine, you don't get any inductance, pulse or memory settings but I didn't buy it for these reasons, I wanted a quality machine that does what it claims to be capable of. The manual that comes with this machine is top notch. We used Hobart's books in the welding school for every process and it reminded me of them. It covers almost everything and can be very useful for new welders or even those looking to learn a different process. There are pictures, charts and breakdowns for literally every question, which is very impressive. It also includes clear instructions on when the warranty begins. The fork is a Miller/Hobart MVP fork, the other is in the back of the machine, even with a 10lb coil, so you don't have to keep an adapter plug outside anymore. The ground clip is a stamped steel clip but it is probably the highest quality clip I have used, it has a heavy spring and there is a lot of copper in the cable. Same goes for the tip, it has all the grooves you would expect for stick welding plus a strong spring and quality cable. The TIG torch is standard and the consumables that come with the machine are the same. the hobart consumables you know and expect. The flow meter supplied with the machine is Hobart brand, the hose from the box attaches to it. All in all good, nothing special but definitely not elegant. Was surprised by the build quality of the MIG torch, it seems like a new league compared to the Lincoln 180 I ran and the Chinese welding torch I upgraded, far superior. out. It's not a 250 caliber machine gun, it's a bit short compared to them, but I don't expect any problems with it. The diagram inside the machine is also very detailed including 120 and 240 as well as flux and c02 and shows the polarity for solid wire and flux which is thought to be a good idea. The drive roll is also a semi-permanent part of the machine, you simply move it in or out to get a smooth channel for solid wire or knurling for flux. At first I didn't know how much I would like it, but it seemed pretty solid, and now I love the idea that I don't have to keep up with multiple reels or ever lose a feather or anything. Within a minute of turning on the machine it was beading and the pattern was pretty accurate, I didn't change the suggested settings much. I didn't try very thin sheet metal, but the machine reduced the voltage to about 12 volts, which was lower than my other machine, and it cut through thin materials easily. I only use .030 wire but even with 1/16 and quarter inch pipe she is a more skilled welder than me and can't wait to start more projects. Some people will get tired of the inverter machine, I don't need it. with a million ways to go wrong and wanted a good name to know I wouldn't fail or break the bank. I think Hobart suits me in this situation and I'm pretty happy with mine.