Hobart Ironman 230 vs. Millermatic 212

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Hello everyone! First post here so please forgive me lolI searched the forum and Google but couldn't come up with a real comparison of what I'm looking for.I'm currently looking at buying a new mig welder and I've narrowed it down to either the Ironman 230 or the Millermatic 212 with Autoset.I would buy either one of them with the spool gun accessory and obviously the Hobart is about 600 bucks cheaper. But lets just pretend that cost doesn't matter, which one would you choose and why? I've been using my dads Millermatic 210 for the last 5 years or so, so I was immediately set on buying the new 212 but I just happened on Northern Tool today and saw the Hobart which as far as I can tell is basically the same machine with tap settings instead. The only thing that I'm not fond of and maybe it's just me but on the 210 I sometimes have trouble getting the adjustment just right. Like it's just a little too hot or just a little too cold. So that has me thinking that the 212 with it's infinite adjustment might be the better choice?I'm more than a "hobbyist" but less than a professional lol I own a automotive performance shop so I do light fabrication and even some frame repairs. But I also do side jobs that could include up to 1/2" stuff... And I'd use it to do stuff for my parents around the ranch.The weight and mobility aren't a big deal for me either... So, please! Fire away with knowledge
Reply:Heat is set with wire speed feed and both have pots for that so that levels the playing field.Me?.....I wouldn't buy either, I bought a Millermatic 252......not that much more money but a lot more machine than either.
Reply:Of the two, Hobart.Hands down.Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:I have no experience with the Miller, but we had a Hobart Ironman where I used to work and it was awful."If you ain't making mistakes, it means you aren't learning anything."
Reply:I haven't ran the MM 212. On paper one advantage the Ironman 230 has over the 212 is that 230 offers more top end power making the 230 the 3/8" and 1/2" machine.  I owned a MM 210 for at least 12 years, and have owned a 230 for several years now. The 7 tap selections on the 210 weren't enough. There needed to be a tap between 2 and 3 for certain 1/8" applications. The 12 tap selections on the 230 do a good job of covering the output power range. The tap selection that was lacking on the 210 for 1/8" is available on the 230. The short circuit transfer arc on the 230 is very clean running (low spatter) that has a noticeable touch of softness to it. For 1/4" and thinner if you want ultra fine adjust the 212 would probably be the better choice. The 230 has an excellent low end for thin autobody sheet metal. The variable voltage on the 212 doesn't guarantee that it's going to be as good as the 230 in this area.Hobart use to offer a Ironman 210 and 250 they weren't very popular. The 230 replaced both of them.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:I would skip them both. As mentioned, the 252 isn't too much more and a lot more machine. Since the MILLER 211 came out , local supplier has not had anyone buy the 212. It was the 211 or the 252.Farm and Fleet has the 230 on sale for, $1399.99. http://www.farmandfleet.com/products...l#.VOiQVvnF_T9Last edited by BD1; 02-21-2015 at 09:05 AM.