Welder Question (Blew Up)

[jbboater]

Ok,

I buy a Hobart 175 welder since I wanted something to last more than a HF welder. I am on my first 2# spool of wire and bottle of gas. I'm out there today welding up patch panels and the thing kicks the breaker in the house (30 amp)

I figure I must be working it to hard. The welder was acting kinda funny, like the wire wasn't feeding fast enough. I thought the little breaker in the back would have kicked though.

So I cut the next panel, trim and fit clamp in place etc. Throw on the helmet, turn on the gas flip the switch and pull the trigger JUST TO FEED THE WIRE. i wanted to be sure it was feeding freely. As soon I pulled the trigger the thing starts popping like i had a short in the case. I let go of the trigger and the welder keeps popping with flashes coming out the back. I can't believe he breaker didn't let go.

Anyway, this every happened to anybody, any thoughts on what the problem may be?