Hobart RC-250: what to do?

[Kurt]

Hi Forum,

This is my first post, but I've been lurking for a while. Great stuff in these threads...lots to learn about.

Anyway, I've got a bit of a conundrum I'm hoping a few of you will venture an opinion about.

I've come to own a Hobart RC-250 Mig Welder. I'm guessing it's 30+ years old. A local guy posted it on Craigslist for less than what the CO2 tank and cabling are worth, so I bought it. I do need a MIG and was looking at a Miller 211 or 212. A Lincoln SP175 might work, too. However, in my searches for local units for sale, this one came up and the junk-collector in me just couldn't pass on it.

It's a monster and must weigh a ton (literally). It has a Hobart 27 wire feeder that's portable with 30ft of extension to the main unit and a rolling cart. See pics below.

Apparently, it only runs on its lowest setting, so repair is required. I can't test it as I only have single phase available. However, I'm betting that if it did work it would be all the MIG welder I'd ever need (so long as portability wasn't a requirement).

So here's the thing, which of these directions would you pursue:

1) Fix it, sell it, buy something newer with the proceeds
2) Fix it and use it with a 3-phase generator
3) Rob it of all it's cabling, sell the feeder on eBay, sell the copper as scrap
4) Re-deploy the wire-feeder as an attachment to my DC stick welder (is that even possible?) and sell its innards as scrap
5) Start a welding equipment museum and make this my first specimen

Is there an option I've overlooked?

http://speedy.hestonsystems.com/weldingweb/hobartrc250/welder001.jpghttp://speedy.hestonsystems.com/weldingweb/hobartrc250/welder002.jpghttp://speedy.hestonsystems.com/weldingweb/hobartrc250/welder003.jpg

[7A749]

Hi Forum,

This is my first post, but I've been lurking for a while. Great stuff in these threads...lots to learn about.

Anyway, I've got a bit of a conundrum I'm hoping a few of you will venture an opinion about.

I've come to own a Hobart RC-250 Mig Welder. I'm guessing it's 30+ years old. A local guy posted it on Craigslist for less than what the CO2 tank and cabling are worth, so I bought it. I do need a MIG and was looking at a Miller 211 or 212. A Lincoln SP175 might work, too. However, in my searches for local units for sale, this one came up and the junk-collector in me just couldn't pass on it.

It's a monster and must weigh a ton (literally). It has a Hobart 27 wire feeder that's portable with 30ft of extension to the main unit and a rolling cart. See pics below.

Apparently, it only runs on its lowest setting, so repair is required. I can't test it as I only have single phase available. However, I'm betting that if it did work it would be all the MIG welder I'd ever need (so long as portability wasn't a requirement).

So here's the thing, which of these directions would you pursue:

1) Fix it, sell it, buy something newer with the proceeds
2) Fix it and use it with a 3-phase generator
3) Rob it of all it's cabling, sell the feeder on eBay, sell the copper as scrap
4) Re-deploy the wire-feeder as an attachment to my DC stick welder (is that even possible?) and sell its innards as scrap
5) Start a welding equipment museum and make this my first specimen

Is there an option I've overlooked?

http://speedy.hestonsystems.com/weldingweb/hobartrc250/welder001.jpghttp://speedy.hestonsystems.com/weldingweb/hobartrc250/welder002.jpghttp://speedy.hestonsystems.com/weldingweb/hobartrc250/welder003.jpg

Option #3 is probably the best bet. A phase converter to run it will cost as much as a used MM 210 & a lot of effort to go thru to keep it. I know a guy in California that really likes these machines, but if you don't have access to the means to freight ship (or don't live in California) Probably not worth the effort.

You won't get much for it unless a buyer who specifically wants one comes along. Take the leads & feeder off it & either throw the power supply on ebay or get rid of it another way. Scrapping that machine won't yield a lot & you're going to have to bust down & burn off all the transformer windings to get anything substantial out of it.

#1 Copper is about .90 a pound right now (at least here). I can tell you from a good deal of experience scrapping welding machines that it's going to be some pretty labor intensive work to clean it out & the fruits of your efforts won't be a whole lot.

Good luck with it.

[Kurt]

7A749,

I do live in California, near SF.

[Kurt]

7A749,

Not sure where you were going with knowing someone here in CA. Any chance you would PM me the details. Thanks!

[bshanek]

I own a HOBART 27 wire feeder that is not worth fixing. I would love to buy yours and use mine for spare parts. How much do you want for it? I live in Monterey, CA about 1 1/2 hours away and would be willing to pick it up. My phone number is 831-905-2090 and my name is bryan. Thanks

[Kurt]

Bryan,

I've sent you a private message.

--Kurt