Welder indecision 180/190/211

[risc]

Looking at picking up a MIG welder, the intent is to build a Steevo-style bench and a few other tool stands. I've decided that I'll add a 230V outlet. I doubt I'll do much thicker than 1/4".

Miller 211 ~ $980 after rebate. A little more power than the 180/190 welders and the option to take it to 115v if needed.

Hobart 210 - With the Miller rebate it doesn't really make sense to save a couple bucks.

Hobart 190 - $700 (or $800 with spool gun). The spool gun package seems like a great deal but I'm not sure I'll ever do Aluminum.

Used Miller 180 - I think I'd need to be around $600 or I might as well get the Hobart 190.

Used Lincoln 180 - Seems a little odd that these are only rated for 3/16. At ~$500, it seems like it might be a OK choice.

Local AirGas wants $310 for a 80cf tank full of C25. Seems outrageous but they are right across the street from work and I can't see driving across town town to save a few buck when shops are picky about swaps and fills.

 

[zmotorsports]

Personally I don't think you can go wrong with any of the ones you listed. Keep in mind also that the Hobart is basically a rebadged Miller.

Personally, I would opt for the Miller 211 or the Hobart 210 just to give you the ability to weld thicker material when you need it. Not saying the 180 series won't do it but you can get up against the duty cycles quite easily on some of the smaller machines when running more at their max. capacities.

Mike.

 

[dalejrfan88]

I bought the 211 last year when they had the rebates and I love it. It is my first welder and I use it mostly just to play around with, but its very user friendly and will weld anything I need it to. Being able to switch back from 110 to 220 is also a nice feature. A friend of mine was building something in his house that needed to be welded inside the house first and there was no 220 outlets around. After getting everything tacked into place we were able to take it out to the garage to finished it up.

 

[Ign]

$800 for 210MVP at Blain's right now. Plus shipping. Still you'll be ~$150 less than the $980 you quoted for the M211. Both good machines but VERY similar. I probably wouldn't pay the premium for the Miller. My 210MVP has been flawless & has done several small production runs for me.

After handling and using the Eastwood 135 I'll never touch another Eastwood machine.

Presently building a batch of fence panels for local non-profit where the 210 MVP is used heavily. We weld every 4 to 8", attaching horse panel to sq tube. Ironically the girl welding (with the 210MVP here) is the one who bought the Eastwood 135 based upon my reco based upon so many positive reviews on their site - what a POS

Welders are like tractors: buy bigger than you think you'll need.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Get the biggest you can afford. 2 things I think are important.

• The ability to use gas shielding (even if not all the pieces are included)
• 120/240 volt operation. Some day you will want that extra power.

 

[risc]

$800 for 210MVP at Blain's right now. Plus shipping. Still you'll be ~$150 less than the $980 you quoted for the M211. Both good machines but VERY similar. I probably wouldn't pay the premium for the Miller. My 210MVP has been flawless & has done several small production runs for me.

After handling and using the Eastwood 135 I'll never touch another Eastwood machine.

Presently building a batch of fence panels for local non-profit where the 210 MVP is used heavily. We weld every 4 to 8", attaching horse panel to sq tube. Ironically the girl welding (with the 210MVP here) is the one who bought the Eastwood 135 based upon my reco based upon so many positive reviews on their site - what a POS

Welders are like tractors: buy bigger than you think you'll need.

That's a good price on the 210MVP.

I'm also very wary of Eastwood products.

 

[cagullett1]

Hobart 210 or Miller 211. I planned on buying a 140 machine for the longest time until I was able to capitalize like crazy on rebates a year ago for the Miller 211. VERY glad I went ahead and made the jump. Having both voltages is handy in my opinion.

 

[bobcatdan]

Just buy the 211 and be done with it. I have the old style and love it.