Buying a mig welder....which one for me?

[blackhawkgtr]

I know its killing me too, i've even gone through the trouble of drawing a comparisson chart of the:
Millermatic 180 with autoset>>721.87 shipped
135a>>30%
30-180amp range
24ga-5/16

Millermatic 212>>1403.00 shipped
160a>>60%
30-210amp range
22g-3/8

Millermatic dvi2>>1169.77 shipped
150a>>40%
30-175amp range
22g-3/8
and............
The winner(i think, depending on what you guys thing too)
Hobart 210>>725 SHIPPED!!
150a-30%
25-210a!!!
24g-3/8!!
easily seems to compare to the Miller 212, but 30% lower duty cycle, which i think i can live with, most of my welding will be automotive and I'd like to get creative with just building anything i can think of.
What do you guys think? is this a good welder all around? Isn't Hobart and Miller pretty much the same? Thanks again! Hope i can make my purchase soon!!

[Danny]

Just because they are both 210 amp units don't be fooled into thinking that the top end on the MM 212 and HH 210 are similar. At around 200 amps, the Mm 212 gives you about 2 -3 more volts on the top end over the HH 210.

I haven 't ran the MM 212 or HH 210.

I've had my MM 210 for 5+ years , and been running a HH 187 for a good two years. Both are real nice performing units. Knowing what I do about the design of the HH 210, as a minimum, it should be at least as good performance wise as the 187, which actually I feel is just a touch better then the MM 210.

[Sberry]

For myself the dvi wouldnt be worth the effort when there are better circuits to weld from, I personally like separate machines for small shops and a 180 or 212 class feeder is the workhorse on auto/home/maintenance stuff, get that first then worry about another machine later. The cost is low, reliability and usefulness high, well suited for this type of work. Our feeders see 99% of the work here, now with a spool gun it has took even more away from the TIG, really wouldn't need one and for the most part what little stick work I do could be done with a feeder if need be or Stickmate class machine. I can get by in life without a lot of things but a wire feeder isn't one of them.

[Broccoli1]

Where did you find the HH210 for 725.00 ?

[fun4now]

keep in mind the DVI is a specialty welder, so you are paying extra for its lil tricks. its really a MM140 & a MM180 in one unit for the most part. if you don't need due voltage don't spend the $$ for it. if you think the 180 will cover your bill but think you might need a little more from time to time and size and $$ are a big factor, go with the HH210. if your looking for a good solid heavy duty unit go MM212.
the hobart and the miller are not the same but both are reliable units. side by side comparison will reveal some small upgrades in the Miller over the hobart.(IME)
IMO the MM212 will be a more robust unit, but the HH210 will give you more portability and a much essayer $$ on the wallet. both have gotten excellent feedback. i suspect a trip over to the hobart board (i don't go there any more) would get you a great deal of feedback on the HH210. for a home shop kind of guy its hard to beat the $ to amp & options value of the HH210.

[blackhawkgtr]

Found the price on ebay, new in box. Thanks alot guys.

[uhohjim]

Ok its been 11 days since the big decision...is the welder there yet?? How does it work??And what did you make so far?? lol

Jim uhohjim1@aol.com

[blackhawkgtr]

well....that perticular hh210 sold before i could get to it. But, like I always say, everything happens for a reason because I ended up finding one for the same price that came with a free welder cover($42 bucks worth) premium welding gloves, mig pliers, and a coupon certificate. However, I purchased it on the 17th and it will be here on the 22nd, tuesday. I have school that day so my fiance will have to receive it, im going to go nuts all day waiting for it.
Also, I did get the Miller Inferno Elite hood i bought for $200 bucks. It looked and felt great, however, I did find that the flame graphics were peeling off on the left side. It looks like it was maybe dropped or scraped because it looks like the graphic is under some sort of clear coat. I've emailed the seller several times with pictures of the damage requesting a refund, but no replies yet. Ebay says that I should wait 10 days after the auction ended to give him time to respond, then I can go through the formal dispute. I'm going to try and post a pic of the damage....
Jimmy

[uhohjim]

Alrighty..time to revive this post......Ok Jim which welder did you get ???Did you make another deal for a miller or decide to go a different color?Did yuh make anything yet?And what happened with your ebay dispute on your welding helmet? I just gotta know.
Jim

[uhohjim]

Hey Jim did you ever get your mig?? Which one? I personally just sold my MM250x and bought the new MM252.........the old one was a bit faded lol.I love the new welder.and its cover.......gotta keep it lookin new.
Jim