Mig Comparison

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I'm looking to buy a new mig welder, and I have it narrowed down to either a Hobart Handler 210 or a Thermal Arc Fabricator 190. I was just wondering what you all thought about the two. Price is basically the same. The Fabricator 210 is also not out of the question and looks to me like a really nice machine for the money.
Reply:The Thermal looks good on paper but as far as real world knowledge I can't help ya out....the 190 will hold the larger spools of wire so it could save you some $ on that....not sure about the SG options of the Thgermal units....also the 190 has an extra tap so more adj. can be made
Reply:Both machines have good warranrty coverage.. I have had postitive experieces with there tech help at both hobart and thermal dyn. I guess that would make it come down to spool size, and parts availabiltiy.. There is another post out there somewhere and a guy is looking for a insulater washer on the neck that I can't fine. Check with who you are buying the machine from, and make sure the stock liners, and all the front in parts for the machine.. Also make sure hard parts are avaiable within 3 days.. best of luck with your new machine.Carl
Reply:Wait for specials, my Thermdyne Fabricator 190 listed for up over $1500.00 and I got it for $1059 in the spring (plus they through in Victor O/A torches), but would like to be able to run a small spool now and then in it of .023, instead of the big spool, but not a big deal, but they have a fall special at Acklands-Graiger for a 210 mig w/chassis, helmet with accessories and a hand spool gun! But I was shoppin around forever.....I don't think their is much difference between the big three, in fact they may even be co-suppliers to each other, keep an eye for for tap numbers, the 210 has more and better duty cycle.Feed length, stuff you have to pay to customize.Last edited by pistolnoon; 11-05-2008 at 12:31 AM.
Reply:I'd go with the Hobart, but then I am extremely biased. When I recieved mine for beta testing for Hobart, I was skeptical at first. After the first half hour or less, really..., I was 100% sold and have been ever since. It is my go-to machine in the shop. Parts are easy to get and consumables are sold everywhere. Hobart would get my vote.QamuIs Heg qaq law' lorvIs yInqaq puS
Reply:Miller had a second generation? mig(synergy) way back with the feed(rotary) adjust on the handle, and a narrow nozzle for thin stuff, was ok if you did not forget it was their because you had to be concious of it.This was way way back in the early 80's, I like it.Do they still offer that handle, or machine?Last edited by pistolnoon; 11-05-2008 at 01:40 AM.