More than just capacity?

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I've been on the fence for awhile about getting a new mig.  Kind of stuck between the HH180 and the MM210.I had to stop welding for awhile (about 2 years) due to some health issues, and got back into tig about a year ago.  Was borrowing a MM175 the last few months.So I know that you usually go bigger so you don't regret your decision, but the question that I have is, besides the capability of going from 5/16" on the HH180 to the 3/8" on the MM210, and the ability to use larger spools, what other benefits do I get by going with the MM210?I read a post on the Hobart site where some friend of Franz's  was blasting the MM210 saying it was out of date and whatnot.The majority of my work will be around 1/8" to 1/4".  That said, if there is more than just increased capacity I'd get the 210, but I don't even know what I'd use spray for, so I don't see a need for that and am wondering if there are any other benefits gained by going to the MM210. This is for a hobbyist only.
Reply:If you're going to stay in the short circuit transfer mode or run a self shielded fluxcore, the main advantage the MM 210 gives you over the HH 180, besides the obvious extra amperage, is in the area of duty cycle. At the 180 amp range, the MM 210 is going to give you about 30% more duty cycle to play with then a HH 180.The HH 180 sized machines are nice though for the fact that they are compact and easy to move around  if you are in a tight area or up high, where you can,t get the larger sized MM 210 machine.
Reply:Wow, I've never seen so much debate about the MM210 than in the past two days.Great machine.  And keep in mind the BIG difference in duty cycles, and that the HH180 is overrated; you're really only looking at 1/4" with that machine.The MM210 has a host of options, including a spoolgun, 44# spools, .045 wire, spray transfer, wheels, cylinder rack, and the list goes on and on.  It's a professional machine, not the advanced hobbiest machine that the HH180 is.
Reply:My 20 something year old Hobart Betamig 200 runs at about 100 amps output with .035 wire. If it was a 300 amp machine, I would never be taking advantage of the extra capacity.
Reply:Originally posted by Mike W My 20 something year old Hobart Betamig 200 runs at about 100 amps output with .035 wire. If it was a 300 amp machine, I would never be taking advantage of the extra capacity.
Reply:If you look in the HH 180 owners manual at the suggested machines setting, you will see that 5/16" is in multiple passes with fluxcore. With a solid wire an C-25 they're recommending 3/16" in a single pass and 1/4" in multiple. Now, for non-critical welds the HH 180 should be able to produce a single pass fillet on 1/4"with solid wire. With solid wire on a HH 180 3/16" is pretty much the realistic thickness for critical welds. 1/4" is a realistic thickness for critical welds with fluxcore on the HH 180, but you only have about a 15% duty cycle, based on Hobarts duty cycle rating for the machine.
Reply:If you are a tool guy go for the 210.  I also have read Mike quote those figures and never said anything but you wont melt warm butter with 035 at 100A  Something is wrong with your readings Mike.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Check this out if you are looking at MM210. Don't know if they hi-jacked a truck.http://page.auctions.shopping.yahoo....?aucview=0x23:
Reply:Originally posted by stingers Check this out if you are looking at MM210. Don't know if they hi-jacked a truck.http://page.auctions.shopping.yahoo....?aucview=0x23:
Reply:I will check the amps again but I am pretty sure it is right. How many amps do you guys run with .035? My Hobart has two voltage ranges with 9 switch settings for each range. I am always at the low range with the switch at 8 or 9. The wire speed will be between 2 to 3 (0 to 10 dial).
Reply:Yeah, I got snagged by some dude for $500+ on ebay one time, still chasing that guy.  Got all the authorities after him and I have everything I need.  I consider the money gone, but I'm sure his karma will catch him some day.Regarding the 210 vs 180, ok, everything you guys say makes sense.  I guess it's hard to argue with logic and facts although I'd never tell that to my wife.Now if they'd just offer the 210 with free spool guy again, I'd really be set.
Reply:Originally posted by Junk Now if they'd just offer the 210 with free spool guy again, I'd really be set.
Reply:Originally posted by Mike W I will check the amps again but I am pretty sure it is right. How many amps do you guys run with .035? My Hobart has two voltage ranges with 9 switch settings for each range. I am always at the low range with the switch at 8 or 9. The wire speed will be between 2 to 3 (0 to 10 dial).
Reply:Dan,I'm sure you have answered this thousands of times, but why would someone spray weld?Thanks
Reply:Originally posted by Junk Dan,I'm sure you have answered this thousands of times, but why would someone spray weld?Thanks
Reply:Thanks Dan.  That just further promotes my recent understanding that I have so much more to learn.  Thanks for taking the time for my question.  I think one of the best things I've learned here is that my learning is never going to be complete.