which welder?

[h0nke]

what are your opinion's on these machine's:

Hobart handler 180 -vs- Miller millermatic 175

or for about $300 more I could go with

Hobart Ironman 210 -vs- Miller millermatic 210

The miller's are a little bit more expensive, but from my experience they are of a slightly higher craftsmanship.

I need a good welder for my SAS and other projects.

[Anthony]

Miller Is the way to go.    Better quality machine.

[toyrokcrwlr]

Miller  is the best choice, I have 20 years into welding, always had a miller millermatic 210 and stll kickin, welded over 100 roll cages for customers.

[Makman]

I totally agree.  The Miller runs better and last longer.  Assuming you have the power necessary to run it and you can come up with the cash, I'd say it's worth stepping up to the 210.  The extra amps can come in handy. 

[Rebeltilldeath3]

When it comes to migs, nothing beats Hobart.  When it comes to tig, nothing beats Miller.

I've been welding for 10 years (and going to school for it now just for practice, hey, its better than practicing on a customer's car right?), my dad for 20, and my grandpa since welders were invented.  We all agree, nothing can beat a Hobart mig.


We use Miller migs at school, I freakin' hate them, especially since they're all set up with .045 wire.

[billy hill]

A Linweld rep told me that Miller and Hobart welders are the same. Miller has a bit more adjustability with the heat and wire speeds. Plus the wire drive assembly isn't plastic like the Hobarts. But, other than that, the two welders are the same. I've used both and I'd spend the few extra dollars for the Miller.

[kneedownnate]

MILLER!!  You definately need to buy a miller.  You definately need to buy my welder.  Miller super s32-p.  It's in parts for sale section with a link to a site that sells the same thing.  If interested email me and I'll send you some pics and you can make me an offer. 

[hornett22]

it's personal preference.how close is it to a dealer? how often will you need parts? i think both are fine for a hobbyist.i have lincolns and never have problems.unless your using it all day everyday,i wouldn't be so picky.

[h0nke]

thanks hornet22 -- btw your avatar icon is odd

[Rebeltilldeath3]

A Linweld rep told me that Miller and Hobart welders are the same. Miller has a bit more adjustability with the heat and wire speeds. Plus the wire drive assembly isn't plastic like the Hobarts. But, other than that, the two welders are the same. I've used both and I'd spend the few extra dollars for the Miller.

More adjustability can be bad too.  I was so used to my Hobart having straight forward settings, then had to use a Miller and played with it for a good while to get the settings I liked.

Not all Hobarts have plastic in them.....

Don't get me wrong, I love both Miller and Hobart, just for different types of welding.

[h0nke]

hobart 210 is $200 cheaper

[Rebeltilldeath3]

You could have a $200,000 welder and make welds that look like garbage to that compared of a $200 welder.  It's all the person.  Of course, there is just plain old junk out there.

[reklund5]

Another vote for the Millermatic 210.  I've had nothing but success with mine!  If I can make good looking welds with it, it MUST be good! 

Seriously, its a hard machine to beat for the money and parts availability. 


Ryan

[IronClad]

miller fo sho  the 175 is an awesome machine i have one and absolutely love it  and my buddy will only run miller stuff ( was a structure welder now owns a 4wd shop so i'll trust what he says )

[hornett22]

i know my avatar is weird.fortunately for many here it expires at the end of this week so hang in there guys!

[To The Floor]

miller vs. hobart is like comparing maxums to bayliners, both boats are made by the same company, but one is just a little better quality.  another comparison is gmc to chevy, or toyota to lexus.  you have my vote for a millermatic 210.  i cannot stand hobart migs. 

[kneedownnate]

Good analogy To the floor, bayliners pretty much suck, and maxums aren't much better.  Kinda like asking which is better, a ford focus or a dodge neon

[Skinny_Pedal]

hobart migs suck! there great for occasion use....maybe. all we had in autobody were hobarts. a bunch of handler and one 210 beast....not very relieble machines. so i head down to TO THE FLOORS place and bust out their millermatic 210.....BUTTER BABY! go miller, its the red white and blue company and they always get my support

[h0nke]

Thanks all for the replies. Looks like I will be going with the millermatic 210.