Lincolin/Miller/esab...what about Hobart?

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So I noticed that virtually everyone on here has either Lincolin, Miller or Esab welders. What about hobart? Are they any good?The reason I ask is that I see that tractor supply has a Hobart Stickmate 180 (I think it's a 180) for $319. I think that might be the next welder I upgrade to seeing as its 110/220 capable. Thoughts?Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:The "Hobart" name has been relegated to the retail resellers market I'm afraid, (IMO). None of the welding stores carry the brand. Only the farm supply and some hardware outlets have them. I like my Hobart machines which are older and work fine for the amount of knowlege in stick welding I posses which is lacking at best.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:never hear of a stickmate 180 but I owned a champion 4500 welder generator which was small and portable, I sure do miss it.
Reply:Hobart had limited models of machines.Owned by Miller.They will be extinct within 10yrs.
Reply:@AKweldshop I'm guessing that would mean getting parts will be difficult, unless the parts are the same as Miller's. P.S. this is off topic but that truck bed you're making looks amazing. I'm very impressed at your fabrication skills.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekku@AKweldshop I'm guessing that would mean getting parts will be difficult, unless the parts are the same as Miller's. P.S. this is off topic but that truck bed you're making looks amazing. I'm very impressed at your fabrication skills.
Reply:@AKweldshop gotcha, I'm glad to hear good things about them. Always willing to learn, just wish there were more welders in the area willing to teach.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Miller and Hobart are part of the same company as previously mentioned, there also are some auto arc models made by miller as well. Its hard to say if the Hobart line would be discontinued , between tractor supply and northern tool they sell a lot of machines.