Brand Loyalty?

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Just curious how many Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, Thermal Dynamics fans there are on here.  I am a Miller guy but for some reason I feel like I should be a Lincoln guy.  Don't know why, maybe cause I am a Ford guy and for some reason a Lincoln feels more like Ford to me.  I know that is a dumb reason, anyway, I'm going with MillerMy Babies:MillerMatic 185Thermal Arc 300SHobart StickMate AC/DC 235/160Dalex Werke Spot WelderOh and the wife and kids are important too!
Reply:Why do people keep insisting on leaving out ESAB when hobart is a much lesser machine?I guess you know where my loyalties lie.  The only product I will use of Hobart is a ss brush and their good quality rods.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:i'm guessing ESAB?  Hard to say though, it says you have 2 Lincolns as well.My Babies:MillerMatic 185Thermal Arc 300SHobart StickMate AC/DC 235/160Dalex Werke Spot WelderOh and the wife and kids are important too!
Reply:I gotta say im a fan of lincoln got an old ac cracker box and a Ranger 250 thats my baby and my next piece is gonna be an esab plasma then a tig i got touch start on my ranger but i want machine also a big fan of my victor oxy/fuelBuild It       Run ItBreak ItFix ItREPEAT
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldWhy do people keep insisting on leaving out ESAB when hobart is a much lesser machine?I guess you know where my loyalties lie.  The only product I will use of Hobart is a ss brush and their good quality rods.
Reply:Everybody has their preference.  My dad had lincoln, I learned on lincoln and my first welder was a lincoln.  I still have it. Had noting but good luck, so I stuck with them.  I have a TA-185 and a Hypertherm 600 plasma.  I only use a Miller elite helmet......  got a lincoln vista 3000 too, but don't like it.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by gjgarrei'm guessing ESAB?  Hard to say though, it says you have 2 Lincolns as well.
Reply:All two of my welders are Miller but had a 'red' AC buzzbox years ago and would put a Lincoln in the current stable any day.  Got my eye out for that SA200 that has my name on it somewhere.If your poll is meant to include plasma cutters too you forgot Hypertherm gjgarre unless you ran out of selection spaces in which case you should have left out... mmm... not Miller.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55All two of my welders are Miller but had a 'red' AC buzzbox years ago and would put a Lincoln in the current stable any day.  Got my eye out for that SA200 that has my name on it somewhere.If your poll is meant to include plasma cutters too you forgot Hypertherm gjgarre unless you ran out of selection spaces in which case you should have left out... mmm... not Miller.
Reply:What's up with the poll chart colors?  Miller is red and Lincoln is blue.Surely this doesn't indicate they're opposite "wanna be's".MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:i lean towards redLincoln 255XT Power Mig                                                                    Lincoln Precision Tig 225Hypertherm Powermax 30
Reply:The smaller Esab migs imported into the USA,are not from Sweden and are really sub-standard in build quality and general arc performance. They don't wet out the weld bead and run hot down low. Lots of volts but really stain if you run larger wire.
Reply:I don't see a space for other. As said above are we including Plasma Cutters if so you need to add Hypertherm.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:I'm not really brand loyal.  If I am in the market for a new machine then I run all of the machines in that class, and decide on which one I like the best.   I don't do the chi-com crap, but I don't always buy one brand either.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:http://products.esab.com/Templates/T085.asp?id=80131Last edited by becanadianplaylax; 02-27-2009 at 09:36 PM.
Reply:im with dave r..  just for the other color...  i learned on blue..  bought my first welder it was blue..  its never let me down and does amazing..  ive had bad luck with the red brand so its hard to swap or not be biased when ive enjoyed miller so much!!!and blue is my favoriot color!
Reply:I like Miller alot, but I also like my Thermal Arc tig welder, HTP mig welder, Hypertherm plasma cutter and Bernard torches.   I have to say that Miller, Bernard and HTP have the best customer service of any companies I have ever dealt with, even those not related at all to the welding industry.   All three are always very willing to help, have knowlegeable people and genuinely care about solving my issue or getting me the right info to answer my question.   One retailer that is another one very good on customer service is Arc Zone.I voted for Miller.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I vote Lincoln - I started Lincoln because of the J. F. Lincoln foundation's book new lessons for arc welding in late '70s and I've bought every other welding publication the they sell and a few of their machines toohttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...=mwccwi&page=3Last edited by mwccwi; 02-28-2009 at 12:29 AM.Reason: they has an "H" in tey didn't sound right.Martin MC Weld TechAWS-CWIAWS-CWEwww.linkedin.com/pub/martin-cramer/20/b36/940/
Reply:I have never had a serious problem with any miller i own or have worked with I now own 4 millers well 5 if you count the plasma and I have had great customer service from miller250DXMM251MM175225G plus 251D-1
Reply:I'm a Lincoln fan. Currently have a Square Wave 255 TIG and I just picked up a Power MIG 300.In my puddin' head I've always considered Lincoln the best for my needs (although I was lookin' at a real nice Millermatic 300 before I bought the PM300). When I was a mere lad, the guy next door had a shop in his garage. He used to say, "If it ain't a Lincoln, it ain't a real welder!"The Lincoln plant is about 30 minutes East of where I live.
Reply:I started out in OK welding oil pipe and out there it is red or nothing. I have seen guys not get to test cuz they had blue in the back. My border collie is named lincoln. Ill run red till im dead. The foreman on the job im on Has a short hood 200 from the 1950s and it does a full days work every day.Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:Thermal makes a nice shop machine. The old predators were tough as nails and welded nice too.Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:Only used Millers except for one Lincoln 140C MIG, and i really want an SA200 (who doesn't...).  IMO Miller screams well-built and heavy-duty and something about the blue is appealing.  Can anyone find a new Lincoln welder that doesn't say NASCAR on it?  I guess they must be good machines if they use them to make "stock cars" go that fast...Multi-brand O/A setupCasting furnace in the works!
Reply:Why would anyone want to be stuck on just one brand?Why not just simply buy what would work best for whatever you plan on using it for!The reason I say this is, not one single brand has a do it all, and even in the one brand, if you find one thing that would fit your need, it might be a lemon, and another brand selling something similar in makeup and price, but be a better machine that has proved itself!In my shop, you'll find all colors of equipment, my only vise is it has to be made in the USA "No Chinese junk"Just my .02Ken.Last edited by Ken Dennis; 03-01-2009 at 12:49 PM.#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:My shop has been blue for nearly 25 years...until recently. I now have a Hobart and two Esabs. I don't care what it is as long as it is NOT Chicom junk or Lincoln. I had a very bad experience with Lincoln a long time ago and while they do make good machines, they will not be getting anymore of my money.QamuIs Heg qaq law' lorvIs yInqaq puSI have a good mix of Miller and Lincoln
Reply:I like 'em all really (except of course the garbage that the Chinese snake oil salesmen are pushing, hi guys!) When I need to buy more stuff I will see who has the best fit for what I need and get that.Yup
Reply:I sell em all for a livin' and don't really have a preference either way. When I'm dealing with a newbie, I show him everything I have, which is Miller, Lincoln and Esab, they all make good stuff, but Miller always seems to shine when we need help, the service and help they give our tech is second to none, the biggest difference for us is the fact that we have great representation from our reps from Miller and Esab, the Lincoln rep is very sharp, but is always trying to sell direct on me!
Reply:I think that they should have 2 more choices on the poll list above!An "All of the above" and a "None of the above" choices#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:One of the best welders I have ever used was an OLD, OLD Hobart Power source back from when Hobart made large, industrial machines.  It beat every new Miller in the shop.  I have only ever used Hobart filler metals and will either use Hobart or Miller machines.
Reply:Originally Posted by BurnitI like 'em all really (except of course the garbage that the Chinese snake oil salesmen are pushing, hi guys!) When I need to buy more stuff I will see who has the best fit for what I need and get that.
Reply:Miller here, but only because I had a bad first experience with Big Red.  Wisconsin Pride!!!
Reply:I'm all Yella... Esab for me. Have 2 of their machines in my homeshop and they are great and reliable.  I also have a ThermalDynamics which has been an outstanding cutting machine as well.
Reply:I have a question that I think fits in the thread since someone mentioned wet out and arc.From what I think I know about electricity you have a power supply and rectifiers and to change the arc you need to change either the capacitance or inductance. It just seems to me that if one manufacturer had outstanding arc characteristics then the others would just open it up and look at the values. They could then change theirs to match. I don't think this would be patent infringement. I have always wondered about the arc thing and was hoping someone could answer it for me. I am not doubting that there may be a difference between machines but can't understand why the manufactures wouldn't look at the superior arc and change their machines so it was not an issure.I have red and blue and haven't had any problems with either. I can understand how someone might get a lemon - it happens in cars too. Also, the manufacturers don't make all the components that go in them. It may have an American name on it but I betcha the solid state stuff is made in Asia somewhere like it has been since the early 60'sBut I have always wondered about the arc thing.
Reply:Originally Posted by 6010I have a question that I think fits in the thread since someone mentioned wet out and arc.From what I think I know about electricity you have a power supply and rectifiers and to change the arc you need to change either the capacitance or inductance. It just seems to me that if one manufacturer had outstanding arc characteristics then the others would just open it up and look at the values. They could then change theirs to match. I don't think this would be patent infringement. I have always wondered about the arc thing and was hoping someone could answer it for me. I am not doubting that there may be a difference between machines but can't understand why the manufactures wouldn't look at the superior arc and change their machines so it was not an issure.I have red and blue and haven't had any problems with either. I can understand how someone might get a lemon - it happens in cars too. Also, the manufacturers don't make all the components that go in them. It may have an American name on it but I betcha the solid state stuff is made in Asia somewhere like it has been since the early 60'sBut I have always wondered about the arc thing.
Reply:I try to keep it simple.  Miller and Victor for me.
Reply:I have a question that I think fits in the thread since someone mentioned wet out and arc.From what I think I know about electricity you have a power supply and rectifiers and to change the arc you need to change either the capacitance or inductance. It just seems to me that if one manufacturer had outstanding arc characteristics then the others would just open it up and look at the values. They could then change theirs to match. I don't think this would be patent infringement. I have always wondered about the arc thing and was hoping someone could answer it for me. I am not doubting that there may be a difference between machines but can't understand why the manufactures wouldn't look at the superior arc and change their machines so it was not an issure.
Reply:I run production work every day.   I still run older Iron for the heavy stuff. LINDE/L-TEC & HOBART.   ESAB now holds the patents for Linde/L-tec & still support it for the most part.   If they do not carry the part needed they will give you a source for it.The only really new machines I own are a Lincoln Ranger 250GXT & a ESAB Heliarc 161. Both seem to be all the advertising claims them to be.A close friend recently purchased a Thermal Arc Fabricator 251. It also seems to be a very fine Medium duty mig machine.    If you compair apples to apples on that size machine there is way more standard features included in the base price than red or blue or yellow.I think each machine needs to be chosen on their own merrit.     Pretty much any Hobart, Lincoln, ESAB, Miller or Thermal Arc are going to have good quality.I don't & never will own just 1 brand unless one of them wants to give me machines to test.Last edited by millman52; 06-27-2009 at 09:16 PM.IF IT WORKS, DON'T FIX IT2 Lincoln CV-300 / LN-7 GMALinde-VI 253,400 & 450 w/MIG35 feedersCNC Table with Oxweld O/A & Hypertherm 1250G3Lincoln Ranger GXT 250Hobart-MicroWire 300ESAB Heliarc 161ESAB-Mobilemaster 2 CC/CV Feeders& more
Reply:I am a Miller man because they donated a Dynasty 300 and plasma to uslifetime customer because of itMechanical Engineer
Reply:New to welding and have just bought some Miller gear. One thing I can say is that I have never spoken to a Human (from a big corporate entity) with the right answers to my questions as fast when I have phoned Miller. The second fastest by just a nanosecond was Hypertherm. I spent about twenty minutes on the internet  just trying to find Lincolns phone number.Bob.Miller Dynasty 200 DXMillermatic 211Hypertherm PM 600In Tool acquisition Mode
Reply:Now that the poll is well underway "Nomeland" security will be making some visits next week to pick you up from your workplace.  :'))
Reply:Had a Miller syncwave 250 for years never a minutes problem so my wife knew I wanted a mig and bought a Miller 212 for me and love it works like it should. So I guess I am a miller guy..... BrandonLincoln Tombstone 225 A/C Steel StickerOld Victor O2/Acetylene setupMiller Syncrowave 250 Tig/PC-300 PulserMiller Millermatic 212 Mig HTP Invertatig 201 Giant Teck D50 Plasma cutterLots of HF grinders
Reply:Blue.  Never really liked the lincolns, did use an SA200 that was ok though, but it wasn't Red so I think it's ok.
Reply:I'm new to welding and i'm on my 3rd miller in 2yrs.  Started off simple with a mm135,then a dvi, and i just bought a new mm212.  I love there customer service, 2nd to none.  It also helps that they built them 60mins from me.
Reply:I have a Victor torch, and 2 sets of Purox (ESAB) torches, a Miller Trailblazer 301 on the truck, and a Lincoln SA-200, and a SA-250 on trailers for big jobs, 2 Hobart Hefty wire feeders, and a Lincoln LN-22 feeder. I have no loyalty if the price is right, and I like the product I am buying.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Yep Tozzi, you said the magic words, "price is right" and it's an acceptable alternative.I started with a no name copy of a Thunderbolt. I hated it. Got the chance on a Bobcat 225G, great price and had it for years. Then I got electricity in my yard and sold it for my current Shopmaster. I love it because it's AC/DC, CC/CV and single phase. Now my friend lent me, indefinatey, a very old LincWelder DC180AS with a Wisconsin engine. It runs great and has a great arc. You adjust the amps with the throttle.I prefer Miller because its what I have had and because of cust service. I had a problem with my Super S32P wire feeder and called them up. The rep went thru it with me to diagnose the problem and tell me what part to order and hoe to fix it.I would buy an SA200 for the right price, but I dont know why they have such little aux A/C power."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:I think most people like the machines that they start out with , the same is true for me to . my first purchase was a 1948 short hood Lincoln stubby, it has worked perfectly well for me now for almost 10 years .. but i do like miller for in shop work lol  just seems they excell for that application . I to have seen welders not test cuz they were runnin millers in the patch here in Canada .brentc
Reply:My loyalty is American Design/Made, with customer service.-RhynoLast edited by Rhyno; 04-04-2010 at 02:53 PM.07 Fowler 200D65 RedFace04 Miller TB 302, 22hpMiller 12RCMiller HF 251-1Lincoln SP135HyperTherm PM 380and a few others... Originally Posted by RhynoBut, if I "all of a sudden disappear....  ...." hopefully I didn't suffer too much....
Reply:No brand loyalty here, except that it be US made or mostly so. I go by models instead, and have red,blue, and yellow machines.
Reply:The local Airgas guy treats me very well. He has steered me right on gear and the service is good, there's a reason to like a brand,  I like the Lincolns. I REALLY like KChoate's SA 200  hmmm think he'd  maybe trade outa that beautiful thing?  I got a double signed (silk screened  Buck Owens signature from Fender and HAND signed by  Buck in Bakersfield before he died)  Buck Owens model Telecaster in Red White and Silver Sparkle... New in the Alligator case with all the goodies?   Nah, probably  not well, we'll see??Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools