Hobart 500536 Ironman 230 MIG Welder Review

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In Brief: Hobart 500536 Ironman 230 Review

The Hobart Ironman 230 MIG Welder creates exceptional results for both MIG and flux core welding. It comes with several attachments and functions designed to make it as user-friendly as possible while offering enough power to handle tough jobs. This machine lives up to the Hobart company brand name and makes welding jobs efficient.

The Hobart company prides itself on its excellent products and outstanding customer service.

This company makes welding equipment and accessories as well as safety gear, providing loyal customers with everything needed for jobs of any shape or size.

With all the precision and reliability of a Hobart product, the Hobart Ironman 230 MIG Welder brings professional-grade results to users of any skill level.

This machine comes with MIG attachments and the option to work as a flux core welder, too.

Key Specifications of the Hobart 500536 Ironman 230

Hobart 500536 Ironman 230 MIG Welder With Wheel Kit & Cylinder Rack

The Hobart Ironman 230 welder includes plenty of accessories to get you started welding right away.

With infinite wire speed adjustments and fine voltage controls, this machine makes it easy for users to achieve precision, professional results.

Check out the Hobart 500536 Ironman 230 in action here –

 

Read the long list of Hobart 500536 Ironman 230 specs below:

ParametersDetails
Type
MIG, Flux Core
Welding Amp Range
30-250A
Rated Output175A @ 25.5VDC
60% duty cycle
Open Circuit Voltage
38VDC
Input at Rated Load200V: 37A
230V: 32.5A
KVA: 7.4A
KW: 6.3A
Wire Feed Speed Range0-700ipm
Dimensions36.5 in. d x 18.875 in. w x 31.5 in. h
Weight185lbs.
WarrantyCheck Manual
FeaturesFan-On-Demand
Fine voltage control
Reversible drive roll
Accessories10ft. work cable and clamp
15ft. MIG gun
Power cord and plug
Dual-groove drive roll
Regulator, flow gauge and hose for gas
Sample consumables
Running gear

Unique Features

With precision controls and a convenient Fan-On-Demand feature, the Hobart Ironman 230 welding machine makes welding jobs efficient.

Fine Voltage Control

The Hobart Ironman 230 welder allows users to dial in fine voltage control and infinite wire speed with simple, easy-to-use knobs.

Fan-On-Demand

This welding machine only runs its internal fan when needed, which cuts down on noise and debris while improving energy efficiency.

Reversible Drive Roll

The built-in reversible drive roll cuts down on changeover time and makes it easy to choose between two different wire size grooves on the same drive roll.

Spool Gun Ready

Designed to work with the DP 3545-20 spool gun assembly, this machine comes ready for use with a spool gun attachment.

Cable Hangers

The machine features two cable hangers built into its sides so you can easily store cables out of the way when the machine is turned off.

 

Performance & Ease of Transportation

The Hobart Ironman 230 welder provides excellent performance and a surprising level of portability in a larger welding machine.

Performance

This machine performs admirably as a main or backup MIG welder. It includes convenient dials that allow precise adjustments and sturdy attachment parts.

The welder features reliable internal components as well as a durable external shell. Its overall design remains built to last and ensures customers can enjoy completing projects with this machine for a long time to come.

The built-in running gear holds up well to regular use and remains intact for a long time. It combines with the welder itself to create an impressive, high-quality setup perfect for professionals or beginners.

Ease of Transportation

This welding machine weighs 185 pounds, making it quite heavy in comparison to many other MIG/flux core welders on the market.

Its weight removes it from the portable welding machine category. However, it remains lighter than many large-scale welders, too.

Since the machine includes a built-in running gear setup, it provides plenty of portability for on-the-go jobs. Its wheeled design and user-friendly controls make it easy to work with on-site or around the house.

 

Weld Quality and Available Options

This welding machine welds hot and provides a sharp arc that creates beautiful results.

It regularly puts out solid welds when working on mild steel or stainless steel and can function nicely for aluminum welding with flux core capabilities.

The welder makes it easy to start smoothly with minimal spatter and enjoy a clean weld from start to finish. Beginners have no trouble obtaining professional results from this sturdy, powerful welding machine.

The Hobart Ironman 230 welder comes in just one option, but customers often add the following:

  • DP 3545-20 Spool Gun: This spool gun hooks up quickly to the welder and works for 18-gauge to ½-inch aluminum.
  • Reversible Flux Core Drive Rolls: This type of drive roll allows the welder to run with flux core wire instead of solid wire.

Ease of Maintenance, Repairs & Warranty

The Hobart company web site offers some replacement parts available for purchase. These parts include MIG guns, cables, liners, clamps, and connectors as well as consumables.

The company does not offer replacement internal parts for sale. Customers should reach out to licensed repair technicians to handle repairs of internal components.

Perform routine maintenance by first unplugging the machine and leaving it unplugged for 30 minutes to discharge. This prevents electric shock risks.

Every six months open the unit and use compressed air to carefully clean the inside. Clean vents at this time as well.

At the same time, remove the drive roll and grease the motor shaft, then replace the drive roll or install a new one as needed.

Every three months check labels, cables, and accessories for signs of damage. Repair or replace any damaged items. Use a brush to clean weld terminals, then tighten any loose ones.

The Hobart company offers a 5/3/1 warranty for the Hobart Ironman 230 welder. This warranty covers five years of parts and labor for the machine’s power rectifier, stabilizers, reactors, and transformers.

The warranty also includes three years of parts and labor for the drive system, brushes, valves, switches, and controls.

Additionally, it includes one year of parts and labor for accessories, contactors, MIG guns, spool guns, and running gear.

Finally, the warranty covers six months of replacement parts for batteries. It excludes consumables.

Contact the Hobart company for more warranty information at 1-800-332-3281.

FAQs

What size generator does the Hobart Ironman 230 welder require?

This welder provides a lot of power output. Because of this, it needs at least 11,000 watts in a generator.

Can you use flux core wire on the Hobart Ironman 230 welder without any additional attachments?

Yes. The machine takes flux core wire right out of the box.

Can the Hobart Ironman 230 welder run on household current?

No. This machine requires at least 220V of current to operate.

What size spool can the Hobart Ironman 230 welder hold?

This machine holds at least 10-pound spools and up to 45-pound spools.

Price of the Hobart 500536 Ironman 230

The Hobart Ironman 230 welding machine comes in at the high end of many customers’ budgets.

This machine costs more than other MIG/flux core dual-type welders on the market because it comes backed by the Hobart company’s high-quality, reliable products and services.

The machine also includes several attachments as well as a built-in running gear setup.

Because of everything included as well as the impressive weld quality provided by this machine, customers feel it remains worth the cost.

 

Who Should Buy the Hobart 500536 Ironman 230 ?

Customers in need of a professional-grade welder to handle MIG and flux core jobs enjoy working with the Hobart Ironman 230 welder.

This machine makes welding on the go easy with its built-in running gear.

The welder provides precision controls that allow experienced users to dial in fine adjustments and achieve the outputs they need for advanced work.

Its simple knobs and included features make it accessible for beginner users as well.

Our Recommendation

The Hobart Ironman 230 welder provides tons of power in a mid-size welding machine.

It comes with plenty of attachments to get you started right out of the box and offers features for beginning welders as well as professional experts.

We recommend this machine for any professional shop worker in need of a wheeled welder to handle steel and aluminum jobs.

We also recommend it for home hobbyists who perform a lot of welding work and need powerful results.

 

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Kevin Stewart

Kevin is an expert metal worker with a passion for designing and making. He is passionate about his power tools. He contributes his ideas to various online platforms.

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