Miller vs. Hobart

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I'm in need of a new welder to replace my older Lincoln. I've been looking at the Millermatic 180 and 211 versus the Hobart 185 and 210. Would like to know what you all generally prefer and why. I generally weld thicknesses of steel but would like to start working with aluminum. Thanks,JasonSorry if I posted this in the wrong place, I'm new to the site. Please feel free to move my post if need be.
Reply:Miller and hobart come from the same stable.miller is generally the higher end machine ,they both weld but miller has the edge in technology and quality with a higher price.You get what you pay for.IMHOFelonCaution lurker lives here" hmmm That is serious,pass the ganja and pick up a  24 of MGD"
Reply:Take a look at the Thermal Arc line.
Reply:Both companies have a common owner, and some Miller parts are used in the Hobarts.  But they are made in different facilities.  I've had one of each, and liked them both just fine.  But if welding was how I made my living, I'd probably want to err on the safe side and go with the Miller.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:for a first welder i dont see howyou can beat the mm211
Reply:Originally Posted by ed macfor a first welder i dont see howyou can beat the mm211
Reply:The great thing about the 211 is that it's truly portable.  Not only is it small, but it can run on 110v or 220v, which means you can bring it to the job in ways you couldn't with a 220v-only machine.  If you never leave your shop, or only work where there's 220 on tap, this isn't an issue.  But for a home hobbyist or for someone who wants to do work in a residential setting, it's very useful.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:If you have a Lincoln ,why go the other way. Take a look at the new Lincoln 216 it replaces the 215 and if you go threw Airgas they are offering a Spool gun FREE!!!. I have used this unit and runs very well. The flyer i seen had the combo for less than $1500.00, its a great deal. Before you buy look at all options and good luck, I used Miller for 15 years and now I have Lincoln and very pleased.welding instuctor
Reply:i think miller makes much better spoolguns and the 211 with a spoolgun is under $1200.00Last edited by ed mac; 12-19-2009 at 05:30 PM.
Reply:Having just suffered a melted ALUMINUM busbar on my 1993 Hobart Betamig 170, I'd check to make sure the machine you buy has copper bars.BTW, the 170 was mostly used for thin gage tubing welds.  See thread in the Hobart section.You see, wire telegraph is like a very long cat. You pull his tail in NY and his head is meowing in LA. Radio operates the same way: You send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is there is no cat. A. Einstein
Reply:I got the Millermatic 180 and it works great for me.  The Millermatic 212 would be the better way to go.
Reply:I have always considered the Hobart lineup more of more of the hobbyist casual user piece of equipment with Miller aimed more at the shop owner/commercial grade of equipment. Since mainecowboy left out the specifics of what the welder would be used for I can recommend the Miller as he'll find more support for parts & service.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:Thanks, everyone, for all the great info. I've found a local welding supply shop which sells Miller products. The others I had tried up to this point mostly stocked Lincoln (local stores, HD, Lowes,etc), or Hobart (Tractor Supply). A visit to Valley National Gases & Welding found a good price on a Miller 211 and even a couple DVI2 units, which from what I hear are pretty sweet. I'll be researching the DVI2 more after Christmas once I'm free of house guests.Specter: I'm looking for a welder that I can use for a range of projects like building misc brackets/braces/holders to auto and tractor restoration (though I'm guessing that some of the frame metals might be too think for what I can afford?)
Reply:In this amp range, you should be able to do 1/4" single pass, thicker stuff, multi-pass.  If you are doing significant burn time look at the duty cycle.  Aluminum, ya need one that's set up for a spool gun.Either one Miller or Hobart will work, just depends on what your preference is.  Both will weld different than your Lincoln and will have a learning curve.  But that's not so bad.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build