Need help deciding

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I'm Looking at a MIG welder. I can't decide between a Hobart Ironman 250 or a ESAB Migmaster 253, anybody got any suggestions. Will consider other suggestions
Reply:a used mm 251 or a new mm 252one you can use a 30a spool gun with
Reply:I would choose the ESAB over the Hobart.   Hobart is the lower line of Milller.  ESAB is comparable to Miller.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Hobart has discontinued the Ironman 250. Hobart's current floor model offering, which happens to be a very good unit, is the Ironman 230. The only thing I dislike about this unit is that the gun lead is somewhat stiff compared to Binzel Alpha guns that I run on my ESAB Migmaster 250 and MM 210.http://www.hobartwelders.com/pdf/spe...ronMan_230.pdf In the ESAB line-up the Migmaster 250 would be the first unit I'd consider purchasing. I've owned a Migmaster 250 for several years now, and have been quite pleased with it. I've seen a Migmaster 253, and the wire drive and supplied gun are a dissappointment.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:The 253 machine are going to get a Swedish makeover. Stay away from those Esab's for now. 250/275 Migmaster are the solid ones.Last edited by Brand X; 11-16-2009 at 10:04 PM.