Hobart Betamig 1800

[Tommypony]

I am new to MIG welding, and I would like to purchase a welder for a hobby/automotive work. Most of my welding requirement will be thin sheet metal, since I am in the process of restoring a 1954 vehicle. I have the opportunity to purchase a used Hobart Beta-mig 1800 with tank for $750. Is this a good deal? Thanks for you help.

[Hobart Expert Rock]

TOMMYPONY...........WELL THE SERIAL NUMBER IS THE KEY.... IF YOUR ASKING. IF MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT IT WAS $1000.00 TO $1200.OO NEW.......... HOWEVER I'M GUESSING TELL ME THE SERIAL NUMBER I CAN TELL THE AGE AND GIVE THE LIST PRICE...
ROCK................................[email protected]

[Tommypony]

serial number

Thanks,
The serial number is: KH428982
Stock #: 903532

[Hobart Expert Rock]

HERE YOU GO ON BM-1800.........UNIT WAS SOLD 06/25/1997, UNIT IS 208/230 VOLT SINGLE PHASE MACHINE. IN 1995 UNIT SOLD FOR 1180.00 USA FUNDS.......IN 1997 UNIT WAS 1280.00 USA FUNDS LIST..........JUDGE ACCORDINGLY...........MOST PARTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THIS MACHINE.......... YOUR CALL YOUR MONEY......................HAVE SOME FUN WITH IT NOW........ BY THE WAY MY BROTHERS AND I OWN ONE OF THESE MACHINES STILL PLUGGING ALONG.......................ROCK
[email protected]

[cope]

Beta Mig 1800

This sounds like a good buy especially since the cylinder is worth $150 or more. If he doesn't have the owner's manual you can download a copy from Hobart.

http://www.hobartwelders.com/owners_manuals/

I know a professional welder who has been using an older Hobart MIG for years. He bought a new ESAB but quit using it because the Hobart welded better.

[Mike Sherman]

Be very careful on the cylinder issue. If he does not have documentation of his ownership (deed), you may not be able to get it filled. Leases are not usually transferable. Find out if it is owned, with a deed to prove it or leased. Talk to the people who fill it for him. Selling of leased tanks is against the law and it happens everyday. Buyer beware. Even if he owns the tank, the filling station is under no obligation to continue filling it once he sells it. Again, talk to your supplier.

[cope]

cylinder issue

Mike, a good point. Around here I have never seen a deed for a cylinder, merely a receipt. I bought a set of O-A cylinders that originated in Ohio. The Acet. had a different valve than we use in Texas and I attempted to swap out with my dealer. He said the cylinder was a lease bottle. Apparently the last time it was re-filled they gave him a lease bottle by mistake. The seller took it back to Ohio to his old dealer but his slaesman was on vacation so he gave me the $ for a bottle. When I bought it and when I swapped the O2 for a larger bottle, I was not given a deed but simply a receipt.

[Roger]

Leased cylinders should have a collar immeadiately below valve or below threads for valve cover. Company's name is part of collar casting. The name could also be USN, ect.

[Stoney]

Also, as a general (not steadfast) rule most cylinders 36" or shorter are considered "customer-owned" or "pool" cylinders. You bring me a piece of steel in good shape, I give you another filled with whatever gas you want(within reason) Even if you purchase a leased cylinder, a lot of distributors will work with you if you bring it to them. Back to the machine aspect, the BM 1800 should give you plenty of good service in the future, and like Rock said, parts are still available, one of the most important things when you are buying used equipment.

Steve