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Hey guys, I just joined the forum. I recently learned to weld at the shop I work at, I work at the counter but do lots of Jeep and other car projects. We have a Lincoln Weld Pak 100 running .035 flux core wire, that's what I learned to weld on and I'm actually doing pretty good.I want to buy a 220 volt welder now. There is a Hobart Handler 210 on sale here for $1000 and Home Depot has a Lincoln 180HD for $700 (Canadian Prices). I will run C25 gas and I want to be able to weld 1/4" easily or a bit more depending on what I'm doing. Which welder would be best for me?
Reply:Go with the Hobart.First of all, it has a higher output (always by the most you output you can afford). Second with a side by side comparison between my HH 175 & Lincoln SP 175 Plus, I like the Hobart much better. Personal preference to be sure, but the Hobart arc is hotter & easier to control. My Lincoln is a much smaller "softer" arc but welds fine. I've used both with gas & flux core, but prefer the Hobart with the gas. I have the Lincoln set up with flux core when I need to weld where it's windy.The gun on the Hobart is much more robust, the Lincoln is a light weight Magnum 100 gun. Both work for my needs, but if I were to buy a newer one, I wouldn't hesitate with an larger Hobart.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:That is the way I am leaning to. My LWS has a Miller 212 but they want $1963 for it. Are there any other good welders in the range of the HH210 as far as price? Or should I just get it?
Reply:You could look online at Craigslist or use the Tempest.com to search in your surrounding areas. I've seen MIG's in the $500-$1500 range on Craigslist for welders in those amperage ranges. But I'm in the far southwest AZ area, most welders for sale are in California/Phoenix areas.If buying a used one, be sure to be able to check it out first. I bought my Lincoln for $75.00 & had to replace the liner, but otherwise, it's been a good welder.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:I'd just get it. I field tested the HH210's for Hobart and I still have my original unit thankfully. It is a great little machine. I used it over my Miller 210 and Esab 250+ for most everything except thicker stuff it couldn't handle. It runs aluminum much better than the Miller, IMO. I say get it and don't look back a single time.QamuIs Heg qaq law' lorvIs yInqaq puS
Reply:Sounds good. I've got a few more quote coming in.I just got a quote on a Miller 211 for $1030
Reply:Next question. I will be using Praxair gas. They have Mig Mix Gold, which was recommended to me by them and Stargold in different combos. Which one is better? I weld 1/8" and up usually, maybe a small amount of sheet metal down the road.
Reply:The Stargold should be ok. You should be looking for a 75% Argon, 25% CO2 mix. I think the Stargold is a trimix & is ok too.The tank is going to be the expensive part. Make sure you are purchasing the tank & not renting it. If you don't go through a lot of gas, a smaller tank (125cf) should be ok to start with. The dealer should be able to upgrade you to a larger tank if the need arises. I upgraded to a 125cf tank from a 20cf tank (I got with my HH 175) for about $90.00. It's mine & if I need to go larger, the local LWS will upgrade for a nominal charge when I empty this one.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:What difference will a 90/10 mix make? That is what the welding show recommended.
Reply:None. The 75/25 is a more common mix though.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Compared to 75/25, in short circuit transfer mode, the 90/10 will produce less penetration, a some what sluggish weld puddle, and a rougher arc.The HH 210 is a very nice performing unit. As good as the HH 210 is I'd definitely have to run a MM 211 before choosing the MM211 over the HH 210. My experience with the MM 175, MM 180 , and HH 187, has made me understand that the Miller unit may not always be the better unit when comparing Hobart and Miller.Last edited by Dan; 12-23-2009 at 12:51 PM.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Well thanks for the help guys. I'm going to go pick up the HH210 and some 75/25 gas. |
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