Hobart vs. Lincoln

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Hi all,I'm new to the welding scene and have been considering buying a welder for some time now.  I took a stick welding class about 2 years ago.  I was considering buying a stick welder, but after reading many messages, I think I will go with the Mig welder.  Now, what to get?  I have been looking at the 110v systems, but again been talked out of it.  Now I am looking at the Lincoln 175/180 (whichever it is), and the Hobart comparable.  Additionally, I was looking at the Hobart 210 and the lincoln 215.  The numbers may be off a bit since I am now pulling them out of my head, but you will understand which ones I am talking about.  The Hobart version is slightly cheaper than Lincoln.  Any comments on the four different welders?  I'm looking for direction and guidance to picking the most practical welder.  My purposes are simply for home use, welding sheet metal, maybe a bar-b-que trailer.  Nothing in particular.ThanksBob
Reply:Check Home Depot and Lowe's, they have some excellent prices on the Lincoln SP 175T and SP 175 Plus.  I think the T is $529 and the Plus is $599 at my local store.StonebreakerGraduate of the John Wayne School of Linguistics
Reply:How about some miscellaneous rambling??  Home use can sorta dictate duty cyle and the durability issues. In which case any of the major brands make good units in the right price range. But when you say mostly sheet metal and maybe a trailer--------those two start seperating the requirements somewhat. That's like saying you want a ford ranger sized truck because you're only going to haul a bag or two of cement, maybe some potting soil, a few cinder blocks, and "oh by the way" tow a camp trailer every now and then. A larger rig will haul small loads a heck of a lot easier than a small one will haul a large load. For sheet metal you look at the bottom end. Most 230 volt machines (mig) have around (note "around") a 30 amp bottom end. That includes everything from the 175 amp output class up into the 250 amp output class machines. Some a little more some a little less. You'd have to research each before purchase just to make sure. I'm not sure about 265's and up. If you really are interested in sheet metal then one of the 120 volt might be more appropriate but then you're very limited on the larger projects. In my humble inexperienced opinion, any of the 175 to 180 migs are just about at their upper limits with most small trailer projects. Experienced weldors out there excluded of course. A lot can be done with the 175/180 machines but it takes a ton of thought, preparation and carefull effort for us hobby types to do it right. Since you've at least thought about the 210 amp output machines, I'd stay along those lines if you can swing it at all.  Unless you're going to do a lot of auto body. A lot of it has to do with your surroundings. If home repair includes Ag applications then bigger is better.