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jeepinmatt

jeepinmatt

#1 WEBWHEELER
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Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Location
Stanley, NC
What welder should I buy?

I need to replace my Hobart 175 MIG because it’s cheaper to buy a new welder than buy a new liner for the gun, duh. Looking at the Lincoln Powermig 211i for $1300 or the Miller 211i for $1360. Not too concerned with multi process because I don’t have the time or patience to do the proper prep for TIG. And id like to keep it name brand because it’s just my preference. I know there are plenty of other options out there for less money, but I’ve had great luck with Miller/Hobart/Lincoln through the years. Any reason to go with one over the other? I’d also consider a Hobart 210MVP due to the lower price (~$1000), but I’m less concerned with price and want to get something future proof with the right bells and whistles. I’ve had my current welder since 2002.
 
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My miller 250x, is ok. it's bad about being globular in the puddle feed. However, I would buy another miller in a second if it failed.

Also, props for my primeweld TIG225X AC/DC TIG. I rarely use it but when i do it's a great machine.
 
primeweld.com

MIG285 285-Amp MIG Welder

The powerful and versatile 285-Amp MIG285 welding machine is capable of MIG, FCAW, Lift TIG, and Stick welding in one portable unit. The MIG285 is well-suited for applications ranging from aluminum and stainless steel fabrication to light industrial use.
primeweld.com primeweld.com
 
I have the old version of the Miller 211MVP (transformer, not inverter), I really like the machine and my understanding is the transformer machines are more reliable than the newer (and lighter) inverter machines. The Hobart 210MVP looks like the hobart version of the 211 I have, less the autoSet feature (which is not worth the added cost anyway).
My understanding is that Miller and Hobart units are made in the same factory, should help you keep brand name and future serviceability in check.
 
I have both colors in my shop. Pick your poison. My newest unit is a MP 200 range Lincoln inverter.

I've ran every process with it and ran it off my Red Brand portable as a power source. I like the arc in general mig way better than my Miller 200 range solid state machine.

The dislike i have about all my wire feeding machines is none share the same consumables. The like is each is pretty dedicated to a particular wire type, size, and welding. I only say this because your Hobart will come closer to sharing with Miller if you have any stock in tips, diffusers, or such...may get lucky. Lincoln for dang sure want cross over.

Short vs. each will work pretty well. Keep in the .023 to .030 range and don't look back.
 
braxton357 said:
Don't buy any junk ass overpriced Miller welders. Inverter machines that have adjustable inductance can be made to weld like whatever old Hobart Lincoln or Miller machine you're used to
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braxton357 said:
Honestly, yeah. At least you can get parts for it if it breaks and they aren't bad welders. I've owned every major brand of 200 amp class mig welder as well as several Miller tigs. Now everything I own is everlast.
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I’m not good or practiced enough to try and chase some prior welding experience on a new machine. Ive welded with a few different welders, and find that I am the limit on any of them, but the last thing I want to do is chase problems because I’m just not good enough at it to understand what is wrong. Which is likely to be more consistent and reliable? A Lincoln, Miller, ESAB, Everlast, Vulcan, Hobart, Yeswelder? I’m genuinely asking because I don’t know.
 
I'm running a multi process Yeswelder. It replaced an old HF buzz box. I couldn't weld worth crap with the buzz box, with the Yeswelder I have turned out some damn fine welds. For a machine that cost me $500, it's fantastic. At it's retail price, it's still a fine machine as it does flux core mig, gas mig, tig, stick and has a plasma cutter.

I have used the Hobart and the Vulcan 220and both did a fine job.I was going to buy the Vulcan but found the kickstarter deal on the Yeswelder and I'm glad I did.
 
Kamel said:
Why not an esab machine?
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Fine with that too. I’ll buy whatever if it makes sense. Been looking at some of the recommendations so far and it’s a slippery slope where I end up wanting a 7 in 1 machine that does everything from TIG aluminum to plasma cut 1/2” steel. But that’s dumb because I already have a decent plasma, and I’m not meticulous enough to TIG aluminum. :D
 
jeepinmatt said:
Fine with that too. I’ll buy whatever if it makes sense. Been looking at some of the recommendations so far and it’s a slippery slope where I end up wanting a 7 in 1 machine that does everything from TIG aluminum to plasma cut 1/2” steel. But that’s dumb because I already have a decent plasma, and I’m not meticulous enough to TIG aluminum. :D
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I’ve found that most things that do multiple jobs can do them but never do them all greatly. I have the fire power from esab. That was on sale when the plasma went viral on here. I like it well it’s a 2xx 110/220 unit
 
I know it’s a “mp” but I also have the Lincoln mp210 and absolutely love it. Even @Curtis_H bought one. But they have doubled in pricing. I’ve only ever used it for mig. Consumables are available at Oreillys for it which is nice. But to do it all over again I’d go with a hf inverter style with a good warranty. I guess I lucked up on the “esab” fire power for a few hundred bucks at the time. But to be honest I need a better grinder too lol 😂
 
justjeepin86 said:
If i were needing one, I most likely, would buy a hf or primeweld machine. I'm still rocking my early 2000's Miller 210.
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I have the same 210 and it works great, my son (welding degree and his job) has grown to dislike it due to the lack of digital readout. He wants to know exactly what the settings are and it frustrates him. But he would buy blue over red any day. He says the Lincolns have more problems than Miller in a daily use environment.
 
No fries said:
I have the same 210 and it works great, my son (welding degree and his job) has grown to dislike it due to the lack of digital readout. He wants to know exactly what the settings are and it frustrates him. But he would buy blue over red any day. He says the Lincolns have more problems than Miller in a daily use environment.
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Give him some years. Those numbers will become more of an average of close enough😁. I used to be the same way.
My 210 Lincoln has the digital. Took me a bit to relearn because all it's suggested parameters didn't align to what I had become accustomed to. Now my son, same age bracket as yours does way better with them.
 
So after an excessive amount of research and deliberation and forum reading over the past 24+ hours, I’m leaning toward the Lincoln PowerMig 215 MPI. I can get one for $1500ish brand new with a free Lincoln Viking 1740 helmet, and it has some more features and better power curve than the 211 series machines, plus the capability to do DC TIG if I ever wanted to down the road. (I already have an argon tank/reg and TIG torch from previous endeavors).
shop.arcsolinc.com

Lincoln Electric POWER MIG® 215 MPi™ Multi-Process Welder K4876-1 w/FREE VIKING 1740 Matte Black Welding Helmet & $100 ARC Gift Card

Shop the Lincoln Power MIG 215 at Arc Solutions. Free 3-day shipping on orders over $50! In stock and ready to ship!
shop.arcsolinc.com shop.arcsolinc.com
 
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WARRIORWELDING said:
Give him some years. Those numbers will become more of an average of close enough😁. I used to be the same way.
My 210 Lincoln has the digital. Took me a bit to relearn because all it's suggested parameters didn't align to what I had become accustomed to. Now my son, same age bracket as yours does way better with them.
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He can adjust his speed to make a great looking weld but he wants to know how much he changed it by. It's just not the machines he is used to. Plus he is doing TIG all day long.
 
jeepinmatt said:
So after an excessive amount of research and deliberation and forum reading over the past 24+ hours, I’m leaning toward the Lincoln PowerMig 215 MPI. I can get one for $1500ish brand new with a free Lincoln Viking 1740 helmet, and it has some more features and better power curve than the 211 series machines, plus the capability to do DC TIG if I ever wanted to down the road. (I already have an argon tank/reg and TIG torch from previous endeavors).
shop.arcsolinc.com

Lincoln Electric POWER MIG® 215 MPi™ Multi-Process Welder K4876-1 w/FREE VIKING 1740 Matte Black Welding Helmet & $100 ARC Gift Card

Shop the Lincoln Power MIG 215 at Arc Solutions. Free 3-day shipping on orders over $50! In stock and ready to ship!
shop.arcsolinc.com shop.arcsolinc.com
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I hope it works out for you. My 210 MP gives me fits. Trigger is super touchy, the power cord will pull out with the littlest pressure, and I have never been comfortable with it. I had a friends Miller mig unit here for a couple years and I did very well with it. I just replaced the liner and thought I had it figured out but I think there's something internally wrong with the gas valve or solenoid, or...? I see other people that are very happy with theirs also so hopefully its just mine or me. lol
 
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