Miller vs Lincoln vs Hobart

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I've never MIG welded before, but have wanted to learn how to weld for 20 years. Got a guy that's gonna give me some lessons.IF buying new, which should I buy and why? I'll just be welding attachments on trailers, fabbing some light duty stuff...just piddlin'.Millermatic 180Lincoln 180Hobart 187Remember a quick why would be great. Guy at welding shop said to avoid Hobart as they are built to less quality than the other two. I can get the Lincoln and Miller for about $750 and the Hobart for $700. I prefer to buy a good used machine, but they are hard to find.Thanks
Reply:FYI I was in the same boat a month ago. I just bought a Lincoln 180c from IOC. It was $730, free shipping and a $50 dollar gift card. I have only stick welded so this is my first mig I am pretty happy with this unit.
Reply:Miller and Hobart are owned by same company, if i remember correctly, the Miller brand is geared toward industrial applications, and Hobart is geared toward the hobbist.  of course, the lower amperage machines like the ones you're looking at are supposed to be "pretty similar."  please, someone with experience with these machines should chime in, because I am looking at those SAME three machines.  I'm looking to buy in a week or two.  I'm currently borrowing a Lincoln 220volt machine from a good friend of a good friend but since this is the first machine i ever weld with, i can't compare it to anything.I'll just share this tidbit:  even though these machines are "lower end" they're still heavy.  A cart (either buy one with the welder, or build one soon after purchase) would be most helpful.
Reply:After doing some more research, I may try to swing a Millermatic 211. That way I could weld where a 220 plug is not available.Keep the opinions coming.
Reply:Originally Posted by FirescoobyAfter doing some more research, I may try to swing a Millermatic 211. That way I could weld where a 220 plug is not available.Keep the opinions coming.
Reply:They are all fine machines American by birth Southern by the Grace of God
Reply:A farmer buddy of mine,(NOT Samm) just bought a Hobart 187, and he loves it.I talked him up from a 140. Have not used it myself yet.
Reply:I have the little H135, and it's a good little machine for lighter metals.I don't use it all that terribly much, but I've been satisfied with it.  I do think though, that higher amps would better.  Probably be a pretty slim duty cycle at the high end though.  I don't know, so I shouldn't say"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I'm looking at a Hobart 140. very close to buying it. I hope it is not a mistake. I'll be using it for an auto restoration. $479.00 for this unit, the closest Lincoln is the 140 at $599.90.Then the Miller at $639.00. I have to draw the line somewhere I guess.
Reply:If I don't go for the bigger unit, I'm leaning towards a Hobart 187. I'd hate to drop $1k and be a complete welding idiot or not have the need or time.At least this way I'm only out $750-800 with helmet. Plus it should do just about everything I want to do.
Reply:How easy can you get parts and service for each?  More Miller dealers around here than anything.  Easy to get what I need when I need it.
Reply:Originally Posted by FirescoobyIf I don't go for the bigger unit, I'm leaning towards a Hobart 187. I'd hate to drop $1k and be a complete welding idiot or not have the need or time.At least this way I'm only out $750-800 with helmet. Plus it should do just about everything I want to do.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1Get the HH87 and don't look back Go hit "Add to Cart"
Reply:$400.00 is a very good price with what is listed- tanks are 150-200 bux these days-Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1$400.00 is a very good price with what is listed- tanks are 150-200 bux these days-
Reply:You might insult him with the 350 but it is always worth a shot.I don't see the tank in the photo but even without, not a bad price- Looks like he has an extension cord too.Definitely worth the drive.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1You might insult him with the 350 but it is always worth a shot.I don't see the tank in the photo but even without, not a bad price- Looks like he has an extension cord too.Definitely worth the drive.
Reply:Buy it for $400.  It's worth it.I have a HH175 & use it rather infrequently.  I was going to get one of the 110V models but this one came available at TSC for 599.00, with cart, 20cf tank, auto darkening hood, and a roll of wire.  It was a Xmas special when I bought it & I've welded up to 1/4" (multi-pass) with it.  And I've welded light sheet metal too. Attached ImagesMarkI 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:There have been a fair amount of control board failures (transistor) on the early production run of the HH 175. Once the potential problem was discovered, my understanding is Hobart addressed the issue by going to a more robust transistor.Performance wise, the HH 175 is a decent unit, whereas , the HH 187 is a very good unit. I've owned a HH 175 and currently own a HH 187. My recommendation would be to go with the HH 187.
Reply:If you are asking for opinions...I have one.I bought a Hobart, used it once and GAVE it away. I was too embarassed to sell it. What a hunk o junk.I am partial to Lincoln but Miller is not a bad machine. But the advice I give to people regarding blue or red is to buy what you can READILY get parts for in your neck of the woods. My LWS sells Lincoln but he has to order EVERYTHING. I can do that on the internet. What do I need him for?  If I had a Miller I would be able to walk in and walk out with anything I needed. In all honesty I think Lincoln and Miller are so competetive that their offerings are almost identical in features and prices. I hope that was fair and balanced!! Unlike the news.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Firescooby,I think you will like any of the 3 for what you plan to do. I sent you a private message with more information.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Hey, Firescooby.I sent you a Private Message to answer your question. Let me know what you think.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:One thing that is confusing about this comparison are the manufacture specs. Lincoln claims the 180C can weld 3/16" in a single pass while Miller claims their 180 can do 5/16" but both claim the same output. That is a huge difference. Are those claims accurate or is Lincoln conservative or Miller exaggerating?Also, if you ever want to weld aluminum the Hobart will end up costing a lot more as it is not ready to use a spool gun, a separate unit must be purchased.
Reply:I own both the HH 175 and the HH 187. The HH 175 is a nice welder but the HH 187 shines far above it. Hobart really done their homework on getting this welder ready to sell. It is really easy to set up and welds awsome.
Reply:Here's my 2 cents worth . I was in a similar position about 6 months ago . I looked at all three ( MM180 , PM180C , HH187 ) . I have only owned Miller products up to this point so I was kind of partial to Miller. When the dust settled , I had the PM180C .Why ?  Well , a lot of what Lincoln had to say about the PM180C just seemed to make sense . So , I decided to give it a try . It welds beautifully . No question about it .However , it is not a top end power champ . It welds 3/16 perfectly , but that's the limit for a single pass done right ( good penetration ) . Just like Lincoln advertises . I would not want to bet any money that the Miller 180 can do 5/16 right . I think that is a VERY optimistic rating . Never tried the Miller on 5/16 so who knows ?I was not impressed with the plastic drive setup on the Hobart . Even the dealer suggested that I pay a bit more to get a lot more machine . Whatever .No regrets with the Lincoln though .I own a HH 187 and PM 180C. I also field tested the MM 180 version prior to the addition of the auto-set feature.As stated above 3/16" is the realistic single pass ( solid wire and C-25) capability for the PM 180C. Ok, it could handle 1/4"  on a vertical up.At 180+ amps the HH 187 and MM 180 offer more voltage then the PM 180C. Realistically, in a single pass application the 187 and MM 180 top out at 1/4".
Reply:gday guys around 6 months ago i brought a Lincoln 180c i could not fault it if i tried i use it every week its so simple to use and has plenty of adjustment i would gladly pay double the asking price
Reply:I feel that the rumble could go on and on about which is the better between the Miller vs Lincoln vs Hobart, as I think they are all great machines. I will tell you this though, I don't think you could beat the customer service that you get with Hobart. Not only is their customer service great but they have a weld talk site where they allow open remarks about all the different welding makes. I think they get a great deal of good information from this and have been able to use the feedback to help them in building some very nice welders at a very competitive price.
Reply:I would go for the machine that has the highest rated power and duty cycle, I would not buy one that has a plastic wire feed assembly, you will have problems, metal only, with a quality gun also.CheersBilly
Reply:UpdateI commented earlier that 6 months ago I had decided to go with a Lincoln PM180c instead of the other choices . Well , today a fellow absolutely insisted upon buying my 180c , which put me right back in the market to do it all over again . This time I decided to try the Miller 180 with Auto Set ( couldn't care less about Auto Set ) .What a surprise !!! The Miller 180 has a LOT more power than my Lincoln did . Why ? Don't know , but , the difference is significant . The Lincoln seemed to be a bit weak on the very top end , but , not the Miller . It just simply runs away from the Lincoln .Go figure .
Reply:Tigster200,I wonder if the Miller is simply more efficient than the lincoln. If the Lincoln transformer is just losing a ton of energy it will not perform well. I know that on the higher end machines Lincoln has as an option the Power Factor Correction Capacitors. They should be part of the unit, not an option if you ask me. So Miller wins in your book. That is not good to hear! heheheLincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Honestly , I am not sure why the Miller has so much more power on the top end . In one respect , I was very surprised . But , in another , I wasn't . Prior to the 180c , I had a Lincoln 180T ( tapped voltage ) . As far as "power" is concerned , they were very similar .I was always very suspicious of the Miller advertising when they said that their 180 could do 5/16 . With the Lincoln , 3/16 was it . Period .  I always thought , " 5/16 ? Ya right Miller" .The power specs are almost identical to the Lincoln .Well , I think it very well could do 5/16 . In fact , I'll be very surprised if it doesn't .It's got a lot more "snap" on the top end . No question about it .
Reply:Hey, looks like you got the better end of the stick on that deal!!! You sold a Lincoln you loved and got a Miller you loved more! heheheLincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by Tigster200UpdateI commented earlier that 6 months ago I had decided to go with a Lincoln PM180c instead of the other choices . Well , today a fellow absolutely insisted upon buying my 180c , which put me right back in the market to do it all over again . This time I decided to try the Miller 180 with Auto Set ( couldn't care less about Auto Set ) .What a surprise !!! The Miller 180 has a LOT more power than my Lincoln did . Why ? Don't know , but , the difference is significant . The Lincoln seemed to be a bit weak on the very top end , but , not the Miller . It just simply runs away from the Lincoln .Go figure .
Reply:I don't care what you say....RED is better. Everyone knows that fact. heheheLincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Well, I brought home my brand new MM180 wit cart today. It was just under $900.Gonna wire my 220 outlets next week, buy a 75/25 bottle...and hopefully get to welding. Man, I am so excited. She's sitting out in the garage (actually moved my care out to the driveway to make a space). Took some pictures, but haven't downloaded them (of course it's just your standard 180).Thanks for the help y'all.
Reply:Well, as they say, seeing is believing.I don't see no pictures so I don't believe you got one!!! Neener Neener Neener!!!!Hurry up and post pictures dangit! I have insomnia. I am so bored.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by Joker11Well, as they say, seeing is believing.I don't see no pictures so I don't believe you got one!!! Neener Neener Neener!!!!Hurry up and post pictures dangit! I have insomnia. I am so bored.
Reply:You keep the baby.I'll keep the insomnia.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Funny you mention the drive setup.  That is at the top of the list of things to inspect before a purchase.  Look for metal parts!  Also, I won't touch a welder unless it has infinite controls.Sorry, I didn't see the second page of posts, but metal parts are still good.