Yet another MIG welder question--hobart, miller, lincoln...?

[james]

I need to upgrade from my little lincoln 100. I'm looking at the miller 210 and the hobart 210. Anyone really compared them? It's a lot of money for me right now, but I don't want to have to buy another for a long time. My lincoln has been trouble free for 7 years, but I know I've welded some stuff I shouldn't have with it. ( never had a weld break though, even on heavy stuff). I've heard though, that lately lincolns have become more problematic. I like the miller and hobart's ability to later add a spool gun and be able to do aluminum without altering anything, just flipping a switch to swap back and forth. (I'm lazy that way). I was set on the miller, but northern tool has the hobart with six months same as cash and free shipping. I need it soon for a job, so I'd just pay it off after the job. Anyone have either of these machines? I'd be doing mostly steel, from bodywork to light structural work, probably nothing more than 3/8", some frame work, etc. I need to be able to do aluminum, though, as I've already passed up jobs because of lack of equipment. To keep this on topic, I'll be using it to finish the frame swap and put bags on my 54' plymouth...

[ELpolacko]

Miller and Hobart are the same company now. New Hobart machines are pretty much Millers with a tan case instead of a blue one. Both are pretty good machines.

If you really want a good machine try an ESAB ESAB WEBSITE (http://www.esabna.com) and check this out MIG and TIG in one machine! (http://www.esabna.com/ESAB/showdetl.cfm?&DID=8&Product_ID=1647&CATID=9) I think this would be the most killer piece of equipment a home hobbyist or small shop could ever own.

Your desire to do aluminum made me think of this particular machine. Hell I would like to have this one. I have had an LTEC Migmaster 250 for nine plus years now under production use with very few problems. The weld quality cannot be matched by the Miller machine I have. Both weld very well but the LTEC is just a much smoother machine.

[james]

Damn that's a cool machine!! I called my local dealer and it's about $2500...a little high for me, I'm looking at under $1500.

[zman]

I have a Miller 210 and the spool gun that goes with it. I couldn't be happier. Check with your local Miller dealer I got a great deal on mine and it came with the spool gun thrown in. Explain what you can get and maybe they can match it. Even though Miller and Hobart are in bed I think the Miller might still be a higher line. Plus the blue looks better than tan.. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[swazzie]

Hey James. check this one out with free shipping!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=45032&item=3809812 317&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
goodluck

[james]

Damn it, ElP!! Now you got me trying to figure out where to get another grand!! It sure would be nice to have both mig and tig,,,,

[james]

So does anyone here own the Hobart 210?

[river1]

do a search or ask your question AT HOBART MESSAGE BOARD (http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/)

while it is a hobart message board they don't mind other brands being asked about. i think the miiler 210 and the hobart 210 are the same machine just one is tapped voltage and the other is infinite voltage. the above voltage meaning the dail that you use to set the voltage on the machine.

later jim