Returned HH140 bought MM175 - oh the controversy!

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I posted for some help and suggestions >here< and at the time HH140 sounded like a good welder based upon the documented 1/4" welding capability.However, it turns out the HH140 documentation is misleading since the 1/4" capability is for multi pass . Long story short, I decided to return it and go 'blue'  mainly out of protest (even though in the end the money goes into the same pockets but whatever) and also due to Miller's reputation as being better of the two. So I went ahead and ordered the MM175. Then, I see all these old posts on Hobart's website about the wire tracking issues and how its not a desireable machine (after ordering the MM175 of course)  So I'm hoping to find out more about this wire tracking system from the current or the previous MM175 owners as far as what you think of it ? Miller used this feature on both the MM135 and MM175 (and I think the MM251 also but has digital readouts for amps and volts ?). I guess I'm trying to determine if I should leave it boxed up when it arrives and turn around and sell it or don't worry about it and just start welding already! One more thing that puzzles me is why Miller would put something controvertial in their more expensive line of the products. Its like Toyota running Scion Xb under the Lexus name...and also why would they not change it after having had the model out for all this time (since 2001 ?), I'm sure the number of sales would've hinted them if nothing else, if in fact this is not a desireable feature ?
Reply:i assume you are discussing the tapped settings on the hobart, Some users say that the miller is a little harder to get started with given that it is variable on both heat and wire feed speed. But rest assured that hobart/miller has excellant support if you need it.StangnetShop Full Of Stuff. Joey
Reply:Sorry, I should clarify that  I'm referring to the "Infinite voltage control with wire feed speed tracking " feature on the Miller 135 and 175.On the Hobart 140 and180 they use tapped/stepped voltage control which I'm told is more desireable.
Reply:it's easier to not have to dial in a perfect settingStangnetShop Full Of Stuff. Joey
Reply:There is some confusion about the two features. One is wire feed speed tracking and the other is tapped vs infinite voltage settings. Both Hobart and Miller have wire feed speed tracking. This helps the welder to have a larger sweet spot for wire speed. The Miller has continuous voltage settings as opposed to tapped. Some people seem to think the tapped settings are easier to set. I have not had any trouble with this on my MM175. I love this little welder.MM175Lincoln AC225 Tombstone
Reply:I have the MM175 and love it.  I took 2 welding courses at the local vo-tech and bought Blue...Basically the Miller's have an additional control to fiddle with - the infinite voltage, but because you mess with the voltage, it will also mess with your wire speed at the same time.  (Increase voltage and it increases wire speed)If you KNOW that your too hot for a given wire speed and turn the voltage down a bit - you have to increase the wire speedwhen you lower the voltage.Every machine is different even the same model machine, so each has it's own quirks and needs.  I just get the voltage right and then only adjust wire speed.It takes a little more time to get the setting right, but if you use your notepad to keep notes on thickness and settings, no problem.I hadn't welded for almost 2 years before I started refreshing my skills on some scrap 1/4" plate for my first project - a car rotisserie.  It wasn't but maybe 15 minutes before I was getting purty welds!I believe I have posted a picture here of it.My next project will be stripping out the dash, wiring, fuel and brake lines and interior trim of my 280 Z, removing the front fenders and doors and getting it on the rotisserie in order to put in new floor pans and subframe connectors.I love my 175.
Reply:RussellHDon't fret about the MM 175. It is a solid machine. Some gripe about the wire speed tracking. Most don't even notice it much. It really doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things. If you use the door chart to get you started, fine tuning IF necessary, you can produce excellent welds. The infinite voltage is just another thing to fiddle with. If you are worried too much about having to fiddle with it , don't. Just treat the machine like a tapped unit and weld. Dial it in with the wire speed. The results will be the same. Don't worry about it...do it! Weld well and have fun.Don
Reply:Thanks for making me feel better guys! I thought I'd picked up a POS machine for more $$ than the Hobart Brad, nice work on the rotisseri and I love the early Z cars, good luck with the restoration - sounds like a great a project.
Reply:The MM175 is the king of its class.  I was extremely happy with mine.  The only time you would care about the automatic wire speed tracking is if you like to document your wire speeds for a given dial setting.  If you are the type to do that, you are already outclassing the market for which this machine is designed.If you're the dennis the menace type where you feel you have to play with knobs just because they are there, you can always PRETEND that you have a tapped machine and only use the 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 settings on the voltage.  Find the one with the range you like for your particular project, then adjust the infinite control on the wire speed (which both makes have) and you will soon find a perfect combo.For what it's worth, the settings listed on the door chart were dead on.
Reply:Originally posted by MAC702 you can always PRETEND that you have a tapped machine and only use the 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 settings on the voltage.  Find the one with the range you like for your particular project, then adjust the infinite control on the wire speed (which both makes have) and you will soon find a perfect combo.
Reply:I have the MM175 and I don't have a problem with the tracking. I'm no expert weldor but the machine works for me. Use the door settings and you will be in the ball park. Change the wire feed to fine tune the weld. If you do need to change the voltage, you have more control over the setting with the Miller than the Hobart tapped settings. I look at the choice of variable settings as an advantage compared to the set taps which limits your control. It may be easier to learn the tapped machine in the short run, but in the long run that's a poor argument.