Replacing Hobart 210 MVP

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35 years ago I bought a Lincoln 115v SP MIG to use for misc autobody and misc repairs. It has the infinite variable voltage. I learned to MIG with the infinite variable voltage and could fine tune my setup.10 years ago I purchased a Hobart 210 MVP for heavier stuff, the LWS owner said it would suit me fine and being a tapped machine would not hamper me at all, He said I could fine tune via the wire speed.It has not worked out for me, I can weld heavier stuff, but many times welds are less than stellar because I can not fine tune like I would with my 115v Lincoln. I can not find the "perfect" spot like I can with variable voltage AND wire speed.I will be the 1st to admit, I do not have a full grasp of how MIG machines control voltage, current, etc. I typ grab a test piece of similar metal, run beads while turning up the voltage until i get blow through, then back off slightly.I would like to replace the Hobart with a 200 amp machine  (at least 200, max 250) that has variable voltageI keep my Lincoln 115v machine setup with .023 for sheet metal so I do not need dual voltage.I have a Lincoln Precision TIG 225, so I do not need a "Multi function" machine.Used or new, I want reliable and parts availability, The less electronics the better IMHO,, but open to schooling on this aspect.No preference between transformer and inverter,, Thoughts on reliability between the 2? I do NOT want to be repairing/replacing the machine in 10, 15, 20, 25 years. I use my MIGs an average of 1-2 hours a week, sometime sitting idle for a month.I was in Harbor Freight last month,, They do have a MIG only machine, and did look at the "MigMax 215",, nice machine with good reviews, but resisted for the obvious reasons.Any thoughts?
Reply:I would bet if you could get someone that was familiar with the machine you have, that person could make the machine do EXACTLY what you want.Vary voltage, and wire speed, the machine should be able to take care of the rest,,IMHO,, if you get a "different" machine,, you will be up against the same wall,,you will be trying to get the new machine to operate with the parameters you select,,That is what I usually find,, when the machine does not want to do what I want,,Are you using the right gas, and wire with your present welder? Are you using the best contact tips? Look for the cheap fix first,, a tank of gas is pretty cheap, compared to a new welding machine!! Good luck,,
Reply:My issue is the 220v Hobart is a "tapped" machine, only 6 "stepped" voltage selections.While my 115V Lincoln is infinite variable voltage.Many instances on the Hobart, One voltage setting is to low, the next tap is to high. I can adjust wire speed to try to compensate, but then I run into issues of to much or to little filler being introduced into the weld, I could work around by adjusting travel speed, etc. But why?? My "style", the way I learned was adjusting voltage for thicknes/penitration, then tuning the arc via wire feed to get a consistent "buzz"  Like I said, I have zero problems with the infinite variable Lincoln. I "can" and do weld with the Hobart, but I am looking for that final 5% of perfection like I can get with the infinite voltage Lincoln.

Originally Posted by SweetMK

I would bet if you could get someone that was familiar with the machine you have, that person could make the machine do EXACTLY what you want.Vary voltage, and wire speed, the machine should be able to take care of the rest,,IMHO,, if you get a "different" machine,, you will be up against the same wall,,you will be trying to get the new machine to operate with the parameters you select,,That is what I usually find,, when the machine does not want to do what I want,,Are you using the right gas, and wire with your present welder? Are you using the best contact tips? Look for the cheap fix first,, a tank of gas is pretty cheap, compared to a new welding machine!! Good luck,,
Reply:I'm getting exactly what you mean, I am actually a fan of some of the big industrial tapped machines, but they tend to have 25-40 different voltage settings, with steps of half a volt in the low end and bigger steps once it's past 30 volts so you actually get pretty fine control.6 voltage settings is pretty poor for a 200 amp machine.If you want a machine that will still be going in 25 years that limits your options, some of the older ESAB transformer machines will be in that range, or a Lincoln V350 pro with an ln 25, but I'm guessing both are outside of your budget.I suggest actually considering the HF migmax 215, or if you can find a vulcan equivalent, AVE did a teardown of a vulcan machine and was actually very impressed with the build quality.
Reply:I am partial to larger machines. I would try to find a used Millermatic 252 or perhaps go with the Hobart Ironman 240 https://www.hobartwelders.com/equipm...-welder-m30243Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Look for an older Miller 211 transformer style. I’ve had one for 12+ years. Sounds like exactly what you are looking for.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Thanks for the advice guys.I had no idea the Ironman 240 was infinite voltage,, I will also keep an eye out for a Miller 211 Xfrmr machine
Reply:So is the general consensus that inverter machines are not "Lifetime" machines?
Reply:I hope not...I just bought a Multimatic 255  

There's lots of non-inverter machines that die too...look at the venerable Syncrowave, for example. I am not sure there are any "lifetime" machines anymore.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:If you can find a good used Linde / L-tec / ESAB Migmaster 250 you will be happy.  Transformer based machine with replaceable parts inside and out.  If good when purchased, it should last you a life time.  The Linde/L-etc/ESAB Migmaster 225 is almost the same machine.Last edited by N2 Welding; 07-18-2021 at 06:06 PM.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Louie1961

I hope not...I just bought a Multimatic 255  

There's lots of non-inverter machines that die too...look at the venerable Syncrowave, for example. I am not sure there are any "lifetime" machines anymore.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Slackdaddy

Used or new, I want reliable and parts availability, The less electronics the better IMHO,, but open to schooling on this aspect.No preference between transformer and inverter,, Thoughts on reliability between the 2? I do NOT want to be repairing/replacing the machine in 10, 15, 20, 25 years.
Reply:

Originally Posted by G-ManBart

Huh?  How many dead Syncrowaves have you seen?  I've had 17 or 18 of them so far, all bought without being to test them first and all have worked.  I'm positive a few die here and there, but it's not too common.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Slackdaddy

10, 15, 20, 25 years.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Slackdaddy

I typ grab a test piece of similar metal, run beads while turning up the voltage until i get blow through, then back off slightly.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Louie1961

Ask Steve (7A749). He used to blow circuit boards all the time. There's a fair number of people who have had to replace or repair PC1.
Reply:This Transformer based millermatic 211 popped up a couple hours ago near Reno NV. List for $700https://reno.craigslist.org/tls/d/da...353488819.htmlLincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.