Lincoln or Hobart

[fiatslug87]

Which welder do you prefer in general? Mind you, this is for general novice/advanced-novice MIG applications.

[CWLONGSHOT]

Both are fine, both do the same job, work just the same and nothing appreciable differences between them... accept cost. Lincoln is more costly so I voted Hobart.

 

Now for the other questions. Buy a 220v unit if you will only have one welder. If you have a buzz box or the ability to use a big MiG a smaller 115V unit is OK. Even then buy the biggest 115V available.

 

I have a Hobart 140, very nice machine. I haven't found a limitation in using it, but I don't even try to use it on steel thicker then 1/4". I use a Buzz box for that stuff.

 

Good luck,

CW

[Lenard]

I voted for the Lincoln, only because that is what ive run the most, i have run a couple Hobart's,

nothing wrong with them, i just like the Lincoln look better :chillin:

but CW is right, hobarts are cheaper, so unless you have deep pockets, hobart would be the way to go.

Mig welders are so nice to have.

the other day i built a muffler for John Deere Dozer using the mig, it came out beautiful.

Including the torch gas used and wire and gas used in the welder I built the muffler for $30 with scrap metal,

new muffler from John Deere-$260 :hmm: And mine looked better than the one from JD. Lying, cheating bastards. :rant:

[Yesterday's Danish]

We use Lincoln's and Miller's at school. Both are great machines. I'm sure the Hobart's are nice, too. CW is right, make sure you get a machine with enough power. I stick welded on 3/8 inch carbon steel without any problem on a 220V welder.

[jimoshel]

Couldn't make up my mind whether to vote twice or not at all. I am currently running a Lincoln Ranger , a Hobart buzz box and a Century wire feed. All great. Really couldn't pick one over the other.

[mnkyboy]

a harborfrieght welder is gonna stick metal together so you should be fine with any decent brand name welder

 

 

Ive had good luck with lincoln,miller,and century. never used a hobart but i can't see any reason it would have problems.

 

theres really not much to a welder,just make sure you buy one that can be serviced if you do have a problem or need to buy parts.

[Darren]

I'm voting for Lincoln because they look better. That shiny red case is just so sexy, especially compared to the cream colored Hobart.

 

I just bought a 220v Lincoln SP-180 and I love it. Definitely get a 220v model. A welder is a big purchase, so you might as well get one that will last you a long time. If you get a 115v you'll eventually wish you went with 220v.