Hobart Ironman 230 Review: Designed To Simplify The Art Of Welding

The Gas Metal Arc Welding, which is commonly called MIG welding, is used to melt electrodes to the end that it deposits the material in the weld joint. It does this by applying electrical power. The machine is an automatic welder that does most of its work.

The MIG welder can be used for various jobs like welding all the standard and available alloys and metals. Now that we have discussed the basic functions of a MIG welder, let’s have a closer look at one of these machines in our Hobart Ironman 230 review.

Top Welding Machines: Hobart Ironman 230 Review & Buyer Guide

The Hobart Ironman 230 MIG Welder is a machine with higher output aimed at increasing productivity while welding. The device is designed to allow for a more extended welding period while it is used. It is also designed to weld at higher amps during a low work cycle. It delivers between 30-250A while welding. It is fully equipped with a lot of exceptional features.

Hobart 500536 Ironman 230 MIG Welder With Wheel

With a soft, stable arc, the Hobart 230 MIG welder is designed to reduce work spatter and eradicate most after-work clean-up that ultimately follows welding. It comes with a MIG gun about fifteen feet and welds about 200A. It also has a regulator that is used to control the power flow.

This device comes with a gas hose that is 5 feet long. A clamp and a ten ft work cable, and other amazing features.

The MIG welder by Hobart was designed to simplify the art of welding. The machine is made for heavy jobs but comes in a smaller package.

The aim is to make the equipment useful even for professionals who have substantial welding projects. It has a power controller that allows you to make accurate predictions of how much power you want to use for each job. The machine is easy to set up, following a much simpler operation procedure.

The MIG welder is designed to decrease the need for spare parts. It was built like a total compartment with only small detachable items. It comes with a standard one-piece drive roll.

The machine is easy to operate, allowing for massive power output in short work cycles. It has a control weld puddle used for controlling the arc’s performance. It also comes with cable hangers mounted on each side of the device.

The material thickness that this device can weld is about half an inch of mild steel. It can weld aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. The input voltage of the Hobart 230 is between 220-240V, single phase. The rated output is 60% at 175 amps. It weighs about 185 lb with 36.5 inches in length and 31.5 in height. It comes with a three-year warranty period.

Pros

The MIG welder has some advantages, like how easy it is to set up. It also comes thoroughly packaged with a MIG gun, extra tips, cable, and clamp. It functions as an all-around unit with an excellent duty cycle.

It has a long lifespan even though it is used every day. It is also essential portable for its output. It can weld both heavy and thick materials and small and thin ones. It is easily adjustable, making it suitable for a wide range of materials.

Cons

The disadvantage of this machine is that the power cord and ground line are short and might require changing to longer lines, depending on the work you are looking to do.

Video: Ironman 230 Product Demonstration

Who Should Buy The Hobart Ironman 230 MIG Welder?   

This welding machine is most suitable for all kinds of people who love welding. The device was designed to make MIG welding easier to do.

Hobart put a lot of new and easy-to-use features in a smaller machine with many horsepowers. Therefore, if you are a hobbyist, who welds for fun, this machine would serve you well. It is easy to use and requires little or no preparation. It can be used at home or as a hobby with an adequate power supply and will weld several items together.

It is also a perfect fit for beginners just learning to work with MIG welders. The easy regulation of the machine covers up for the lack of experience. Since the device can also be used on different types of metal, a beginner can use it on various projects while familiarizing themselves with the in-to-to of welding.

Professionals also acquire this welder as a backup tool for welding materials. Unlike the bigger ones, this machine is portable, making it easier to haul it to jobs and back. It also boasts more power capacity than the smaller hobby size units and is not expensive for its power capacity.
A hobbyist can use this machine for arts and crafts welding to make items for household use and automotive repairs. It can also be used for more advanced work like welding some heavy-duty industrial work.

Welding Machines Top Brands: Hobart Welding Products

The Hobart Welders is a company that has perfected, over the years, the art of developing machines that are directly suitable and befitting the demands of their customers. For about a century, the Hobart brand has worked on some of the top welding products that can be used across different fields. Their work has been on welding and cutting durable and long-lasting machines, with a 1 to 5 year warranty period for their products.

They have made machines used by production companies, automotive professionals, mechanics, maintenance staff, auto repair services, and hobbyists. The products they develop are meant to last and provide a natural means of cutting and welding for all these experts in their various fields.

In 2000, they expanded the brand, adding a newer and broader range of products covering every need of Hobart’s customer base. The latest update included hardware, state-of-the-art tools, and fancier electronic gear.

How To Successfully MIG Weld Aluminum With A Spool Gun

To successfully MIG weld aluminum with a spool gun, you must first ensure that you are using the right equipment. While there are many options out there, the right tool would be perfect for carrying out your task. Not only would it save you time, but it would also ultimately keep you from making silly mistakes that might end up ruining your work.

Because of how soft aluminum wire is, you cannot feed it into your liner without a spool gun; steel is much stronger than aluminum wire and requires a spool gun. It would help if you chose the appropriate welding wire for the job.

While welding aluminum with a spool gun, here are some factors to keep in mind:

Thickness. The thickness of your aluminum wire would affect how it is pushed through a spool gun. You have to have your machine set just right, or it becomes too hot and begins to form beads that build up.

Cleanness. Your process has to be kept clean so you don’t eventually contaminate your work. The spool gun and every other equipment that you use must be regularly kept clean for use.

Shielding Gas. Many shielding gases can work for the MiG welding process, but it is best to use 100% argon gas. Check the reverse polarity or the direct current electrode positive to ensure it’s right before MIG welding.

Spray Transfer Process. The spray transfer process is the best of all the processes you can use when working on MIG welding for aluminum. This process smoothly transfers molten metal. The droplets that are moved are always smaller in size than the electrode. This process, however, involves much heat.

Use a specially designed spool gun. Use a special weapon for the process, the Hobart DP-3545-20 Spool Gun. This is an excellent spool gun alongside the Ironman 230 to eliminate welding soft aluminum wire problems.

Choose the right filler metal like the ER4043 – MIG Aluminum Welding Wire and ER5356 – MIG Aluminum Welding Wire.

What Do Online Reviews Of Hobart Ironman 230 MIG Welder Say?

The online reviews of the Hobart Ironman 230 MIG welder are mostly positive. Most of the users agree that the Ironman 230 is a great machine capable of impressive MiG welding and durable for long periods of work. The tool works on many materials, from the soft aluminum wire to the much harder steel.

The online reviews categorize this tool as affordable based on its prowess. It is reported as an all-around unit that works on anything and is perfect with a heavy-duty cycle. The MIG welder fills all the gaps when working without burning through the materials. It can also be used for different welding styles without issues.

“The machine is designed with selectable voltage taps”, “…Makes the welder durable and timeless design”, or “This is a power-horse that works great and gets the job done”.

However, other online reviews complain about the length of the wires of the MIG welder, claiming it ought to be longer. Other than this fact, it has been reviewed as an excellent machine.

Hobart 300349 DP-3545-20 Spool Gun

FAQs

What’s included in the box? 

The box includes the Hobart 230 with 15 ft. 200 amp MIG gun, regulator, and flowmeter, 5 ft. Gas hose with fitting, input power cable, plug, 10 ft. Work cable with clamp, 030/.035 inches, dual groove drive roll, manual, two plastic cable hangers, and extra contact tips.

Does it come with the spool gun for Aluminum?

This MIG welder does not come with a spool gun for Aluminum. The spool gun is sold separately. The best spool gun to use with this MIG welder is the Hobart DP-3545-20 Spool Gun. This is an excellent spool gun alongside the Ironman 230 to eliminate welding soft aluminum wire problems.

The Hobart 230 smoothly runs the aluminum wire when the Spool Gun specifically designed for this unit is included. With this accessory installed, you can weld 18 inches to a half-inch of aluminum.

Does the fan run all the time?   

No, the fan only runs when the temperature goes up during use. It shuts back down when the temperature drops to normal.

What is the maximum size of the cylinder it can carry?  

This MIG welder would hold a full-size cylinder, a K. 9.25 in diameter by 60 tall.

Does this welder run off single-phase AC? 

Yes, the welder is powered by a single-phase unit equipped at 220 Volts.

Can this make spray welding? 

Yes, it can make spray welding with the correct size and gas, but limited.

Review Summary

This review has outlined the characteristics of the Hobart Ironman 230 MIG welder, intending to explore whether or not it is a welder machine to recommend. From all that has been thoroughly discussed above, the Hobart Ironman 230 is worth its price.

The device has proven to be strong and durable, capable of welding all sorts of materials. Although some have complained that the cables are short, this problem can be easily fixed by using long lines. The Hobart Ironman 230 is a solidly capable welder and a must-have for hobbyists, beginners, and professionals.

The Alternative

A worthy alternative to the Hobart Ironman 230 MIG welder is the Miller Electric 212 Auto-Set MIG Welder – Wheeled, 208/230VAC.

Miller Electric 212 Auto-Set MIG Welder 

This machine is an automatic setting welder with an attached spool gun. It welds aluminum and mild steel. It has some features similar to the Hobart Ironman and has been recommended for durability.

It operates on a single-phase power and with 220 volts. It is a basic machine that gets the job done and can be useful for all of your welding needs.