Used welder purchase help

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Hey guys n gals. I've been lurking here for quite a while and decided to finally post a question. I'm looking at buying either a lightly used Hobart 250 for $900 (I think I can do $750-$800), or a Miller 210 for $750. I'm going to use the welder for misc 4x4 fab stuff. Bumpers, rock sliders and whatnot. What do you guys think?
Reply:I like the Hobarts higher duty cycle.Hobart Ironman 250, 60% @ 200 ampsMillermatic 210, 30% @ 210 amps / 60% @ 160ampsBut what about the weld quality?Last edited by Rustyshackelford; 08-21-2012 at 12:59 AM.
Reply:All good machines but having done quit a bit of 4x4 work, you really want a 250 amp class machine.  All those u listed are quality machines.    I also recommend looking for an ESAB or L-Tec MigMaster 250.  They are 280 amp machines with one of the highest duty cycles around along with a deliciously buttery smooth arc quality.   I used to have one till I got my ESAB 300avs to run of my powcon.   Can do 400amps with that setup...  Being the Migmaster is not red or blue it can often be purchased for a steal.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Yeah, I'm pretty sure the Hobart 250 is the way I want to go. I have just heard pretty good things about how this Miller 210 welds. And all I've ever used is miller, had a miller 35. I had to sell it due to an offer of double what I paid. Since then I've been using a friends mm 200, which is awesome. I'd love to find a mm200 for sale locally, that would make my decision a no brainer. As far as getting anything else I have been on C-list like every twenty min to see if something new in my desired amp/doody cycle (huh, huh, I said doody) pops up and these are the only units.Last edited by Rustyshackelford; 08-21-2012 at 08:47 AM.
Reply:I'd have no issues with one of the Hobart Ironman units in the hobbyist / light fabricating role. They are nice machines.Two things, one do yourself a favor and add your location to your User CP at the top left so we know where you are located. That way if someone here knows of a deal near you, they might let you know. 2nd, If you aren't using a CL aggregator like Searchtempest, Crazedlist or a similar site, you probably want to try one. These allow you to expand your CL search to other areas you might not look at. You simply put in your zipcode and the range in miles you are willing to go and then go thru the results. Also I often use the search term "welder" and sort the list manually. Many times people won't list the model, and may only say "arc welder" or "mig welder" and this can help you find "deals" that others may overlook. Just a quick search using "millermatic 200" on Searchtempest pulled up at least 8 results from Philly to NC over the last month. I didn't look at the individual pages, so some may have already been deleted when sold, but it's a good starting point to work from..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 don't know your location, but a 210 for $750.00 would be a steal by me in northern Illinois.Guys here try to get that for a 135 !  Location makes a difference
Reply:Originally Posted by RustyshackelfordYeah, I'm pretty sure the Hobart 250 is the way I want to go. I have just heard pretty good things about how this Miller 210 welds. And all I've ever used is miller, had a miller 35. I had to sell it due to an offer of double what I paid. Since then I've been using a friends mm 200, which is awesome. I'd love to find a mm200 for sale locally, that would make my decision a no brainer. As far as getting anything else I have been on C-list like every twenty min to see if something new in my desired amp/doody cycle (huh, huh, I said doody) pops up and these are the only units.
Reply:A friend of mine is getting ready to sell a mildly used hobart handler 180 with cart, think he said he was going to ask around $550 for it..  western kentucky area.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:The MM 210 has the better wire drive system. The MM 210 dual driven system will perform better with a 15' gun length then the single driven set-up used on the Ironman 250. Output power wise both units are simliar. The 210 outputs more than 210 amps.The Ironman 250's main egde is duty cycle. Honestly though, the average hobbyist shop that mostly welds 1/4" and thinner isn't probably going to push the duty cycle of the 210. Especially when you consider that the  duty cycle rating is established at 104º F. So if you're welding in a shop/garage that  is 70º F the duty cycle of the unit is actually higher then the rating given to the unit by the manufacturer.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice