Which Machine? Miller or Century?

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I'm looking at two used AC/DC stick machines right now since I need to run some hardfacing on my neighbors bobcat.  Which of these two machines would you pick (both are older models)?Miller Thunderbolt orCentury AC/DC 230/140amp--Wintermute"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Lockewww.improvised-engineering.comManufacturer Agnostic:Blood----------Sweat---------Tears----|------------------|----------------|----Lincoln Red, Miller Blue, Esab Yellow
Reply:I think century is made by lincoln, but if it were me I'd go with the miller. The thunderbolt is a pretty good little stick welder.My vintage equipment 1957 Lincoln sa 2001980's Lincoln 225 AC1952 F-2 ford truck1957 F-250 ford truck
Reply:century is out of bizzgo with millerLast edited by ed mac; 02-01-2010 at 10:24 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by ed maccentury is out of bizz
Reply:Is the Thunderbolt AC or AC/DC? If it's AC/DC it would get my vote..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I have a thunderbolt A/C D/C I got used several yrs ago and it's been a good performer for me as a hobbyist. Understand it doesn't get used day in and day out. I've run lots of 7018 and once a couple of sticks of nickel doing some cast repair.                         JMHO,                                   MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Not really one you listed, but the Hobart Stickmate is damn close to the Miller.$469 free shipping from Northern Tool. AC/DC too boot.Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:Well...checked out my existing equipment and it looks like I can actually run the E7018AC rod on my little TA Dragster 85 and get decent penetration as long as the bucket is pre-heated.  Tried out some Stoody 35 on my Lincoln AC-225 and it is also penetrating well as long as I'm careful with the arc distance and as long as the bucket is pre-heated.  So I've decided to skip out on picking up either of the welders I was looking at.  Instead, I'm saving up for the Miller Dynasty 200DX Footpedal Complete package.That'll probably be a better investment in the longrun and will give me more overall capabilities down the line.  So in short, it looks like I'll work this current job with my existing equipment and save for the best equipment I'll be able to afford in the next few months.Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate the assistance.--Wintermute"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Lockewww.improvised-engineering.comManufacturer Agnostic:Blood----------Sweat---------Tears----|------------------|----------------|----Lincoln Red, Miller Blue, Esab Yellow
Reply:The Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC is a great little machine. I have one and if your in a area where line voltage is not up to par,they have a tap to wire them to 208V and this really improves the performance. For the duty cycle they have, they perform really well,better than most buzz boxes.