So I'm looking into buying a new welder and am kind of stuck between the lincoln electric 180 and the hobart handler 190. Ive always had lincoln electric and know their a good brand but ive also heard that miller makes hobart, plus it kind of seems like their warranty is better. Mianly im just looking for the widest range of welding ability with one welder. The lincoln electric welder has 5 positions and says it can weld 24 ga up to 3/16 shielded gas and up to 1/2 in flux core, 30-180 amp. The hobart handler has 7 positions and says it can weld 24 ga up to 5/16 inch in a single pass. But I cant find anywhere if that is sheilded gas or flux core. I would assume its with shielded gas and it could weld 1/2 in with flux core since it has a wider range of outputs but cant find anything. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these welders and know which is better or if they are about the same.
lincoln elctirc 180 vs hobart handler 190
- Thread starter boostedjd
- Start date
Whiskeymike
Well-known member
On your question on the Hobart, the answer is both. Check out the settings guide by material thickness - https://www.hobartwelders.com/pdf/spec_sheets/Handler_190.pdf. It shows 5/16 for two types of gases and flux core.
I don't have any experience with the Lincoln, but I bought the 190 in sept. And love it. I never intend to take my Mig setup anywhere, so 110v has no interest. I put the extra money into the Spool gun for aluminum.
So far, I'm very happy with it and would buy it again. If anything different, I would look at the multiprocess machines that are coming out as now I want to do stick and Tig too.
I don't have any experience with the Lincoln, but I bought the 190 in sept. And love it. I never intend to take my Mig setup anywhere, so 110v has no interest. I put the extra money into the Spool gun for aluminum.
So far, I'm very happy with it and would buy it again. If anything different, I would look at the multiprocess machines that are coming out as now I want to do stick and Tig too.
I second the option to step up to the Hobart 210mvp.you have the best of both worlds for not much more money.www.weldingtipsandtricks.com does a test of the Hobart i think jody is a straight shooter
BD1
Well-known member
Run to your local Farm and Fleet and buy it for , $794.00 
http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/678611-hobart-handler-210mvp-mig-welder.html#.VNK0h53F_T8
Hobart Handler 210MVP MIG Welder
Blain # 678611 | Mfr # 500553
★★★★★
★★★★★ 4.9 out of 5 stars. Read reviews.
$894.99
Sale $794.00 through 2/8/2015
http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/678611-hobart-handler-210mvp-mig-welder.html#.VNK0h53F_T8
Hobart Handler 210MVP MIG Welder
Blain # 678611 | Mfr # 500553
★★★★★
★★★★★ 4.9 out of 5 stars. Read reviews.
$894.99
Sale $794.00 through 2/8/2015
well my local tractor supply company has it for 730.00$, seems like everyone agrees the hobart is the best but agian with that thickness chart it still says the thickest metal it can weld is 5/16 in, the lincoln says it can weld 1/2. The thickest i would like to be able to weld is like the frame of a vehicle because i have the lincoln elctric 140 and it cant do it right now, so has anyone tried to weld the frame of a vehicle and done so successfully with the hobart? I guess that would better answer my question.
BD1
Well-known member
For $ 70.00 more you can get the 210 . Money well spent . Maybe try for a price match.
ishiboo
Well-known member
This is where Lincoln and Miller differ in how they rate their machines. Both the machines will have about the same capabilities. The Lincoln is rated for 130 amps @ 20v, the Hobart 130 amps @ 20.5v. 20a input vs 20.5a input.
The Hobart is slightly more powerful. So as Lincoln says the 180 will do 1/2" in "multiple passes", the Hobart will do it as well. (Both are very good welders, so we'll assume they are quite close in actual welding characteristics)
Either will "weld a frame", but realize this requires skill and experience to do properly. If you really think you want to take that on, I would make sure to add a strengthening plate over the joint area and weld that fully.
Since people are suggesting upgrading to the Hobart 210, I'll suggest upgrading to the Lincoln Power MIG 210. $999. Can't go wrong.
http://lincolnelectric.com/en-us/equipment/multi-process-welders/Pages/power-mig-210-mp.aspx
http://lincolnelectric.com/en-us/equipment/multi-process-welders/Pages/power-mig-210-mp.aspx
MatBirch
Well-known member
I just went thru this debate with myself for nearly a month. I decided on the Hobart 190. I just could not squeeze any more out of the nickel that I have. I can't find the link right now, but I did see one review of a guy who has both. He said the H190 had a tiny bit more high end that was noticeable, and the H190 drops down lower as well. Both have excellent arc qualities. My first welder was a 1995 Hobart Handler 120, and it's quality was excellent. Never had one problem with it. I only sold it to get a bigger machine. Went with the miller 185, and while I was very happy with it, I always regretted not getting a Handler 187. If nothing else, I needed a forklift to load the Miller in my truck. I had that life taken away from me, and am now starting over. Once again, upgrading from a 140 class machine.
This time I chose the Hobart. 699$ delivered! Via Northern Tool/ ebay
This time I chose the Hobart. 699$ delivered! Via Northern Tool/ ebay
ishiboo
Well-known member
Well, I'd suggest upgrading to the Millermatic 211MVP then. $1099. Or wait for Zoro's next 20% if that last one ended and pay $1013 shipped.
BD1
Well-known member
ME TOO ! the 211 is great. Money is always a issue and machine amps go right with the money. More amps more money. You gotta be a smart shopper and watch for deals and rebates. A buddy bought the 211 when Miller had the rebate on machine and also had the Digital Elite hood with another rebate. He did real well.
sberry
Banned
As ish said, the 180 and the 190 are about identical for all practical purpose and while the Linc is a 5 speed its one they made for decades and is perfectly tuned for 030 solid wire. Right on the button cant miss. Any of the models mentioned in this thread are good, not a loser in them.
GN4WHLN
Well-known member
I have a Powermig 180 I bought a few years back and love it. The Powermig series is their industrial line and is better than the Promig stuff you can get in the big box stores. It has something they call Diamond Core technology that provides a more forgiving arc and enables even a ham-fisted weldor like myself to do a good job. I have it set up for gas and also have a spool gun and an Argon tank for Aluminum. I've been really happy with my welder. It's given me lots of hours of trouble free service and has been in frequent use since buying it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Lincoln.
sberry
Banned
I am not sure what diamond core is but the box store is the same model they been making forever with a different jacket for that market and they probably cant advertise the special features. They are very good. The arc is super. Maybe better than the Hobart.
sqznby
Well-known member
Recently purchased a Hobart 190 at tractor supply for $660 on sale.
Great welder, wanted a 220 machine over the 110, this one fit the bill.
I'll be grabbing a spool gun soon.
Great welder, wanted a 220 machine over the 110, this one fit the bill.
I'll be grabbing a spool gun soon.
IndyGarage
Well-known member
I've used a Hobart 187 - which was the predecessor to the 190, and it welds great.
I've read elsewhere that the 210 is a different welding circuit and actually does not have the same arc as the 190 - which is generally regarded as better.
Unless you absolutely need the ability to do 110V welding - which is not ideal anyway - I'd just look for the best price on a Hobart 190 and enjoy it.
I've read elsewhere that the 210 is a different welding circuit and actually does not have the same arc as the 190 - which is generally regarded as better.
Unless you absolutely need the ability to do 110V welding - which is not ideal anyway - I'd just look for the best price on a Hobart 190 and enjoy it.