In Brief: Hobart Stickmate 205 Review
Welders of any skill level looking to learn more about stick welding or enhance their stick capabilities find the Hobart Stickmate 205 an excellent solution. This durable welder comes from the well-known Hobart company and offers plenty of amperage and heat control to make any project run smoothly.
The Hobart company regularly paves the way for other welding equipment companies thanks to its commitment to design and customer service.
This company produces welders that meet the needs of those who use them and strives to keep up with a variety of hobbyists, from home welders to auto repair and beyond.
Key Specifications of the Hobart Stickmate 205
With a simple design and basic features, the Hobart Stickmate 205 brings stick-style welding techniques to beginners and on-the-go users too.
This welder provides all the basics needed to complete stick welding jobs in a snap.
See the Hobart Stickmate 205 welder in action here –
Read through the long list of Hobart Stickmate 205 specs below:
Parameters | Details |
---|---|
Type | Stick |
Rated Output | 165A @ 25VAC |
Duty Cycle | 20%, 50/60Hz |
Welding Amperage Range | 30-205A |
Maximum Open-Circuit Voltage | 80V |
Amps Input at Rated Output | 47.5A |
Dimensions | 18.75in. h x 12.75in. w x 17.5in d |
Weight | 83lbs. |
Warranty | Check Manual |
Features | Accu-Set Indicator Increasing Duty Cycle Continuous Cooling Fan Infinite Current Control |
Accessories | 12ft. electrode cable Electrode holder Power cord and plug 10ft. work cable and clamp |
Unique Features
This welder incorporates several user-friendly features with a smaller design that makes it a worthy addition to any welding garage or shop.
Accu-Set Amperage Indicator
This indicator makes it easy to see the heat and amperage settings at any time. It also allows easy and quick adjustments as needed.
Increasing Duty Cycle
As the amperage lowers, the duty cycle increases, so this machine always puts out the right amount of power for the job.
Infinite Current Control
This welder features easy output adjustment of as little as 1amp at a time. The user can control this function during the welding process for precise, accurate welds every time.
Varnished Coils
The magnetic coils inside this welder feature a varnished finish that keeps them running smoothly and allows them to hold up for longer.
Continuous Cooling
With a continuous cooling fan cycle, the machine reduces the risk of overheating and cuts down on the amount of power needed to run it, too.
Performance & Ease of Transportation
Customers find the Hobart Stickmate 205 an excellent addition to their welding shops and garages. Its performance abilities and accessible design make it both accessible and convenient.
Performance
Users enjoy working with the Hobart Stickmate 205 welder for welding jobs around the house and garage work. It holds up well to regular use and prevents burnout well, so the machine and its working parts last a long time.
The welder creates solid arc stability that allows customers to control their welds precisely. It reduces the risk of burn-through and creates regular, smooth welds for beginners and experienced users both.
This product works great for welding jobs of all sizes. It handles light, moderate, and advanced welding jobs with no trouble.
Ease of Transportation
At 80 pounds, this welder weighs considerably more than other single-purpose welders on the market. When used with its attachments, its weight increases somewhat, but not very much.
This welder does not include a handle for carrying like some of its competitors.
Overall, the welder works best when used as a stationary machine or on a cart for moving it from place to place. However, it still offers a light enough weight for portability if necessary.
Weld Quality and Available Options
The Hobart Stickmate 205 regularly creates beautiful, smooth welds regardless of skill level.
Its accessible features encourage beginners to learn how to weld and its simple design makes any project easier for experienced professionals.
Thanks to its precision arc controls, this machine offers a high weld quality for almost any job. The results look professional and finished and the material rarely suffers burn-through.
This welder only comes in one option. Some customers choose to add on other items to make their welding experience more convenient:
- Consumables kit: Stock up on the consumables you need to operate this machine for a long time to come with a consumable replacement kit.
- Cart: Since the machine is less portable than some others like it, you may choose to buy a cart and wheel it around the garage or workspace as needed instead.
Ease of Maintenance, Repairs & Warranty
The Hobart company makes it easy to order replacement consumables, accessories, and cables by checking out the company’s web site.
Customers should avoid replacing the internal components of the machine and should contact a professional technician to do so.
Customers can and should perform routine maintenance on the welder, however. Begin by shutting off the power to the machine, unplugging it, and letting it stand for 30 minutes.
Every three months use compressed air to clean out the vents and inside of the machine.
This will prevent dirt and dust from building up and causing problems later. The welder may require this more frequently if used in busy areas or used frequently.
Every six months check cables, connectors, and consumables. Replace damaged or worn items and refrain from using the welder until problems have been resolved.
The Hobart Stickmate 205 falls under the Hobart company’s 5/3/1 warranty.
This warranty covers five years of parts and labor for rectifiers and stabilizers as well as three years of parts and labor for PC boards, drive systems, solenoid valves, rotors, switches, and controls.
The warranty also includes one year of parts and labor for guns, torches, spool guns, contractors, and other accessories.
FAQs
Not out of the box. However, you can change the clamp and stinger for TIG welding. Just remember the duty cycle is short, so the machine offers a less than ideal setup for TIG welding.
No. This welder requires a grounding source and a 220V outlet.
This welder needs a 50amp breaker to operate.
Yes. It is a 240V single-phase welding machine.
Price of the Hobart Stickmate 205
The Hobart Stickmate 205 welder offers a low price point and a high value for the cost. Although it only covers one welding technique, this machine creates professional results and keeps up with shop-quality outputs as well.
Customers looking for a small but powerful stick welder find this machine well worth the price. In comparison to its competitors, it comes in at or below average in price.
Who Should Buy the Hobart Stickmate 205?
The Hobart Stickmate 205 welder makes precision stick welding convenient for users of any skill level. It comes with everything needed to start welding out of the box and creates professional projects of any size.
Beginners can use this machine as they learn, and intermediate welders enjoy improving their skills with every project using this sturdy little machine.
Advanced users enjoy working with exceptional precision controls and creating impressive results with every new project.
Our Recommendation
Backed by the support of the Hobart company, the Hobart Stickmate 205 welder includes several precision features for easy, accurate welding. It handles projects of any size and provides a convenient way to stick weld.
We recommend this welder for intermediate users who already know at least one type of welding technique and want to learn stick welding.
We also recommend it for professional welders looking for a somewhat portable stick welder for the shop.
Last update on 2024-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API