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Miller vs Lincoln

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 32Rules, Aug 9, 2010.

  1. 32Rules
    Joined: Mar 17, 2007
    Posts: 202

    32Rules
    Member

    I went to the Street Rod Nationals with the intention of finding a good show buy on a Miller 180.
    While I was there I tried both the Lincoln 180 and the Miller 180. I found the Lincoln much more comfortable and easier to use.
    I am a novice welder, just wanted to know what you guys thought before I purchased it.
    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. metal man
    Joined: Dec 4, 2005
    Posts: 2,955

    metal man
    Member

    I've used a lot of machines from both companies.Both have outstanding products.Buy the one you are comfortable with.
     
  3. irondoctor
    Joined: Jan 7, 2007
    Posts: 568

    irondoctor
    Member
    from Newton, KS

    I have both brands in my shop and cant say a bad thing about either one.
    They both make a great product.
     
  4. Lotek_Racing
    Joined: Sep 6, 2006
    Posts: 689

    Lotek_Racing
    Member

    I have a Lincoln 225 stick. I sure miss my old Miller Thunderbolt 250

    I have a Miller mig for sheetmetal. It's still my favourite.

    Shawn
     

  5. metal man
    Joined: Dec 4, 2005
    Posts: 2,955

    metal man
    Member

    Lincoln welders are made in Cleveland.
     
  6. cretin
    Joined: Oct 10, 2006
    Posts: 3,066

    cretin
    Member

    Personally I'm a Lincoln man, but like metal man said, they both make a good product, go with what's more comfortable for you.
     
  7. gasser300
    Joined: May 25, 2010
    Posts: 486

    gasser300
    Member
    from Ft Worth

    A guy at the welding supply house by me said that welders are regional. In the south, its Miller. Up north its Lincoln.

    I have a Lincoln MIG
     
  8. metal man
    Joined: Dec 4, 2005
    Posts: 2,955

    metal man
    Member

    Yea, I know the M.I.G machines and wire are made in that plant as I've toured it a few times,But maybe they farm out some other stuff.The Cleveland plant really isn't all that big.
     
  9. Hnstray
    Joined: Aug 23, 2009
    Posts: 12,355

    Hnstray
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Quincy, IL

    I have both makes and like them equally............

    Ray
     
  10. krooser
    Joined: Jul 25, 2004
    Posts: 4,584

    krooser
    Member

    Owned both... good units.
     
  11. ryno
    Joined: Oct 6, 2005
    Posts: 3,470

    ryno
    Member

    i'd vote for the miller
    I've had Lincoln's before, but like the millers better.
     
  12. switchkid0
    Joined: Dec 2, 2008
    Posts: 145

    switchkid0
    Member

    Check out your local welding supply house or houses. Choose the one where the guys at the counter aren't pricks, and not too busy chasing comissions to talk to the little guy. Whatever brand they carry or recommend is probably your best bet. It makes it easier to get parts/ supplies/ service down the road.
    Whatever brand you decide to go with, there will be a dozen guys who say it's the best, and at least two dozen who say it's crap. Kind of a "Tastes Great, Less Filling" sort of argument.
     
  13. crapshoot
    Joined: Apr 25, 2005
    Posts: 690

    crapshoot
    Member

    there both great machines,but i like red better
     
  14. Johnny1290
    Joined: Apr 20, 2006
    Posts: 2,834

    Johnny1290
    Member

    I bought a Hobart. A girl I used to date worked at the factory in Troy Ohio. I'm not sure if I like it better than my 110 lincoln, they cut some corners but hopefully they're made up for in more important areas.

    Are the higher end lincolns metal gear wire drive? I know my cheapie wasn't. Aren't the millers?
     
  15. socalmerc
    Joined: Feb 24, 2008
    Posts: 475

    socalmerc
    Member
    from socal

    sorry to high jack but do any of you guys know anything about the old miller 330 A tig welders. i was looking at a 180 but i keep seeing these old gilrs show up on CL and am thinking of buying it instead.

    also i have both a two red migs and one blue mig a red plasma and a blue gas engine ark and they are all great machines
     
  16. Da Tinman
    Joined: Dec 29, 2005
    Posts: 4,222

    Da Tinman
    Member

    I dig my miller, but nothing wrong with a lincoln either, I've used both.

    More of a personal preference I think.
     
  17. fbama73
    Joined: Jul 12, 2008
    Posts: 989

    fbama73
    Member

    Switchkid0 has the best point- check and see if one is easier to find part/service for up there in Plymouth. If there's no big difference, decide on preference or price. They're both excellent welders and should serve you well for years.

    Miller has a great reputation (well deserved) and a loyal following (also deserved), but they're all pretty equal. Well, except for Hobart, who eats everyones lunch :)
     
  18. StinkBug
    Joined: Aug 5, 2010
    Posts: 14

    StinkBug
    Member
    from San Diego

    I've used about everything out there, and have owned at least one of all the big machines. They are all good, but when it came time for me to put down the money for a new machine I didn't choose either.

    HTP MIG 200 won out. Made in America, without a lot of frilly plastic crap, and with copper windings instead of aluminum. The arc consistency is just beautiful, and it's got a few little features that Miller and Lincoln dont. It also has a much finer amperage adjustment than the others. There's not as much local support for the machine, but to be honest I've never needed it. I use the machine every day for my business and in 6 years the only thing I've had to order was a couple replacement liners since they didn't have them at the LWS. Now I just keep an extra one in the shop and order a new spare when it's needed.

    The other thing that sold me on the HTP is the flexible swan neck. You can hold the torch handle stationary in one hand and use your other hand to move the nozzle around in super tight spaces, or pull it out straight, or bend it 180* to get into wierd spots. It's the best option you could ever spend your money on.
     
  19. 35mastr
    Joined: Oct 26, 2007
    Posts: 1,899

    35mastr
    Member
    from Norcal

    I am a Blue fan myself. Have 2. Mig and Tig. But nothing wrong with the Red ones.
     
  20. 32Rules
    Joined: Mar 17, 2007
    Posts: 202

    32Rules
    Member

    <P>Thanks I like the local support issue.</P>
    <P>I got what I needed.</P>
     
  21. petritl
    Joined: Jul 31, 2006
    Posts: 949

    petritl
    Member
    from Marion, TX

    Miller is in Appleton, WI, I believe they also own the Hobart brand.
    Lincoln is in both Toronto, Ontario and Cleveland, OH.


    I don't know about Lincoln but Miller has good product support techs that are available by phone.
     
  22. Von Rigg Fink
    Joined: Jun 11, 2007
    Posts: 13,418

    Von Rigg Fink
    Member
    from Garage

    I just Bought the Miller 180 Auto set..(made in the USA says so on the tag)

    love it..shoulda bought it years ago
     
  23. bobkatrods
    Joined: Sep 22, 2008
    Posts: 756

    bobkatrods
    Member
    from aledo tx

    I agree with switchkid, see your dealer, how they treat you and what they have the most parts for, i have a lincoln a miller and a hobart, i have no issues with any of them,,, as said before seems like north is red and south is blue
     
  24. kookee
    Joined: Jan 19, 2008
    Posts: 526

    kookee
    Member

    I went to Autorama to buy a Miller 180. I ended up buying a Miller 211 with all the trimmings. Beautiful machine with enough flexibility to meet all my needs. I will be going back to Miller for a Plasma and TIG.

    I have used (Im a beginner BTW) a Lincoln, nothing bad to say. It was a neighbors Home Depot rig. The speed control and heat were not very dynamic. But I am sure it was a lower end model.
     
  25. Ricci32
    Joined: Jul 30, 2010
    Posts: 416

    Ricci32
    Member

    Both machines are excellent but try to stay away from the home depot and Lowes even though they are by lincoln they are of lesser quality for price and homeowner use. This told to me by a lincoln sales rep . I have a HTP and love it lot of cool options.
     
  26. switchkid0
    Joined: Dec 2, 2008
    Posts: 145

    switchkid0
    Member

    Gets me to wondering...
    Why are no welding suppliers Alliance Vendors? There's a lot of wire burners on here. Heck, even a reduced shipping discount on wire and other supplies would help out some of our members in the boonies.
     
  27. Ryan was working on somthing with Miller a while back but I don't remember what happened with it.
     
  28. thebugbox
    Joined: Nov 29, 2009
    Posts: 255

    thebugbox
    Member

    This is the same as asking Chevy vs. Ford

    Buy what you like. Either one will do the job without problems.
     
  29. uglydog56
    Joined: Apr 8, 2008
    Posts: 331

    uglydog56
    Member

    I have a lincoln 180 and it's not bad, except for one thing. The drive wheel wears out fast, and I'm not cranking on the spring, just enough to stop slipping. I'm not production welding or nothing either, just fabbing in my garage.
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2010
  30. pauls fords
    Joined: Jul 7, 2009
    Posts: 183

    pauls fords
    Member

    Ditto on the HTP, I have the 160DV dual voltage , welds 120 amps on 120V or 160 amps on 220V, plus I have there 380 plasma cutter and buy all my mig wire from them, call 1-800- usaweld, If it breaks they will diagnose the problem on the phone and send you the repair parts so you can fix it yourself in a couple of days instead of weeks, have had mine for 10 years with no problem, also use it nearly every day.
     

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