Miller or Hobart (or maybe Lincoln) MIG Welder

[AndyMan]

Hey guys (and gals).



I'm looking to buy my first MIG welder. Initally, I was looking at Miller only (specifically the Millermatic 210). I stumbled across the Hobart IronMan 210 which appears to be the exact same thing. First are they the same company? Second, are either/both of them great or allright or crap? I've haven't looked much at the lincolns, but I would also like input on them. The 175-200AMP range seems to be about where I want to be.



Thanks for ANY welding related input.



Andy

 

[E7mack96]

the company (ITW) that owns miller also owns hobart. Miller rocks - I have a Trailblazer 301 G. It is a great welder.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I'd vote for the Miller. I have nothing but good things to say about every Miller box I have ever operated.



Matt

 

[AndyMan]

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I was miller all the way until stumbling on the hobart. It appears to be EXACTLY the same ('cept for the color or course), and it's about $200 cheaper. ?? That $200 would go nicely toward a spool gun. If it's not the quality of the Miller, then I'll pass.



Thanks again,

Andy

 

[Royk]

I'm pretty certain both Miller and Hobart are made in the same facility (like a Chevy Suburban comes off the same assembly line as a GMC Suburban), the only difference being what color they are and what badge the put on. I bought the Hobart version of my welder because not only was it cheaper, it had a slightly better warranty than the identical Miller unit. Since both units are virtually identical, I suggest you go with the better deal. Check the discussion forums at http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/. They discuss both Hobart and Miller.



Roy

 

[SRadke]

The Millermatic 210 is an awesome welder. Set it up with CO2 for short arc and you will not be disappointed.



-Scott

 

[kentdiesel]

The Miller 210 is a fine welder, got mine in Nov. of 2001 and it works great. A friend had a Miller 185 that he really liked so that influenced my decision. Back then Miller was running a promotion on the 210 where I got a spool gun for free. Price was $1150. 00

Kent

 

[Paychk]

All the above is true. Miller is aimed at the pro, and Hobart is aimed at the hobbiest/farmer.



One important rule to remember about welders.



"You can turn 'em down if they're too hot, but you can't turn the heat up past it's max" Buy more welder than you think you need, cause you'll always need more in the future.



Another good welder site is:



www.shopfloortalk.com

 

[Scot]

What Paychk said. Bought a small Hobart MIG machine in the late '80's. It worked alright but I never really got it to work well. Replaced it with a Millermatic 251. There is no comparison in the way the two weld. In fact, I have not even burned a stick inside the shop since I got the 251.

 

[Extreme1]

I'm very happy with my Millermatic 225. Cripes! I've had that thing over 10 years!! I was all set to buy a Lincoln but talked to a friend who said "Call me back in 10 minutes". Hi's wifes brother works at Miller and I got a deal on a demo, very nice stuff. The Lincoln was nice too, they also contribute heavily to welding education (college weld textbooks for $10. 50) but the deal on the Miller (employee discount too!) was screamin'!

 

[AndyMan]

Well, I appreciate again all of the assistance. From reading in the two forums that were referenced, I gained a LOT of knowledge regarding subtle but important differences in that I'm looking for. Looks like it's most likely going to be a millermatic 210.



We'll see. thanks again for the help!!!

ANdy