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surferdude
02-28-2012, 07:09 PM
Is this a good entry level welder for building smokers?hobart 500549?

TTNuge
02-28-2012, 07:21 PM
Maybe, depending on what you want to do. It's a lower amperage model so you will be limited on the thickness of metal you can weld. I also don't believe it comes with the hardware needed to hook up a gas bottle so you would be limited to flux core wire until you spend more money, not that you couldn't get by with flux-core.

Honestly you'd probably be better off looking for one with more power for building smokers considering lots of designs use up to 1/4" and that one won't cut it for that.

Bluehawg
02-28-2012, 08:34 PM
I have a lincoln 180 in my arsenal (along with several other types of welders) and it will do both gas mig and gasless fluxcore. I haven't tried dual shield with it yet but I know it welds like a gem. Lowes sells them for about 600 bucks BUT I bought mine from and EBAY powerseller for 280 bucks plus shipping! Was BRAND NEW in original box! :)

surferdude
02-28-2012, 08:35 PM
Thanks for the input!:thumbup:

woodbutcher1
02-28-2012, 09:11 PM
Save your $$$$ and spend it on meat. I build three smokers,no welding on a single one. Found ways to bolt everything together.