Price is essentially why I went with the Hobart 140 at the time. However, at work we have a Miller 211 and it’s a much nicer machine. If I was upgrading to a new mig that’s what I’d probably go with if it was in the budget.
I need some welder input from you guys.
- Thread starter Roastchestnuts
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Take a look at the spec's for any welder you are considering. One of the spec's should be material thickness. The reason I mention this is larger projects, thicker material, require more power to handle in single pass welding. If all you ever plan to weld is sheet metal then 110 volt machines will be able to handle it. The Miller 142 will handle up to 3/16" material. Anything over this will more than likely require 220 volts to power.
Look at possible future projects and maybe spend a little more money now to buy more machine instead of spending more money later because you have a project that your smaller machine will not handle.
Look at possible future projects and maybe spend a little more money now to buy more machine instead of spending more money later because you have a project that your smaller machine will not handle.
I bought a Hobart Handler 140 EZ in December, it's my first welder so I don't have much perspective, but I've enjoyed using it to learn.
- Thread starter
- #24
Yeah this is why I went for the eastwood when I did. I think I would not be in this situation If I had just gotten a hobart at the time to be honest. I am trying really hard not to just go for the higher end miller.
Good point. The thickest I think would be doing would be frame stuff. But 90% of the time its sheet metal. My eastwood that I am replacing also had a max thickness weld of 3/16ths too and I really didnt run into much that I felt I needed more. There were times though. I wonder if I can find a used miller 211
I keep going back to this Hobart ez just because of my wallet. but I Might like something a little more capable for the future. I gotta chew on it some more I think.
I'd grab the Hobart handler 210 MVP. Simple transformer machine can run 115/230 voltage. Reading the chart and twisting a knob isn't harder than poking a touchscreen IMO.
Welding 3/16 on those 110v welders is...a...stretch...
Yeah, they can stick the metal together, but the difference you get from a 220 machine is night and day
Yeah, they can stick the metal together, but the difference you get from a 220 machine is night and day
Are you currently using gas with your smaller welder? If not, be sure to add a bottle to your budget. I would opt to a larger 220v or combo 110/220 welder. It will allow you to do larger projects, repairs or something out of scrap steel. Make bumpers, benches, tables, art and such. You'll get past your sheet metal projects and something else will pop up.
- Thread starter
- #28
Yep using gas argon co2 mix. Yeah I think thats what its come down to for me as if I want to do more I gotta invest a little more. I just need to save up some more money because its about 500$ out of my budget right now. I can afford an ESAB 190 right now and the hobart handler 210 with some rebates and discounts. But if I want that autoset feature that I kinda want I may have to save up a little more for the miller 211. I am going to keep chewing on it tomorrow.
Not a bad move on this one. Right now Its my cheapest good option unless I wait a little while. Getting my project going again I really dont want to wait all that much.
I have the 220 only Hobart handler 190 and never wish for more features. If you need to stretch the budget and compromise on some things, skip features not amps or build quality. Hobart has factory refurbs with full warranty on their site too if you watch it for a bit.
Have you looked for used units on FB marketplace? That's the way I'd go personally. Buy a US made older Miller. The older 211 dual voltage machines were rad, about the size of a small carryon. The current 211 dual voltage machines are OK, I own one, but I'd rather have an older US made one although it would be twice the size and weight. I bought my new 211 end of last year when miller was running the $800 rebate. I would absolutely not pay retail for one, nor would I buy the 211pro. For a hobbyist, analog is better than screens, buttons & digital controls IMO.
I've been welding for 30 + years in all different aspects, including structural, precision, pipe fitting, and commercial! Tig, Mig, Stick, and Flux core. I own a 211 autoset with an Sp 100 aluminum spool gun, this machine will do any and all a hobbiest needs for home or anything else 
. Only thing I wish is the multi process with tig was available when I bought it. Other than that great machine
. Ya get what ya pay for
. Only thing I wish is the multi process with tig was available when I bought it. Other than that great machine. Ya get what ya pay for
I would go with @EWheeler said
I'm rocking a old Miller matic 250 analog I picked up used about 15 years ago for a song and it's been great.
I picked it like I pick a lot of my tools. What they used when I worked in the movie industry, the tools had to hold up to crews of guys that didn't own them and the industry could afford the best.
I learned to tig weld on one of those machines
I'm rocking a old Miller matic 250 analog I picked up used about 15 years ago for a song and it's been great.
I picked it like I pick a lot of my tools. What they used when I worked in the movie industry, the tools had to hold up to crews of guys that didn't own them and the industry could afford the best.
I learned to tig weld on one of those machines
s ago 
Frame stuff is a breeze with the Miller 211. Just welded up a 4x4 labs rear bumper like a champ.
I run my older Miller 211 for sheet metal and my Miller 252 for most frame and heavy fab work. The 211 will do it as well, but I don't like having to change rolls all the time with the 211. I run an Everlast PowerPro 256D as my Tig machine. It's been a beast and has outwelded an older Synchrowave 250 a few times without blowing breakers.
I will personally admit, I hate the miller autoset. I think it dumps way too much wire most of the time. It will give you an acceptable weld, but they usually aren't super pretty. I always end up running my own settings for pretty stuff, but the autoset can give a good starting point.
I've blown up a smaller Lincoln within a warranty period and never much liked it after that, so I usually stay away from Lincoln on non-generator machines.
I should also state, I got the 211 around 2016? ish used for 600, never had an issue with it. I got my 256D new in 2019, no issues either, besides usually HF adjustment stuff, and I got the second 252 used in 2024 for 600 as well. That one required a new cooling fan, and I stuck a new torch on it as well for good measure, bringing my total for that machine to around $1100. No issues so far with it within the last year.
The Millers seem to last very well under pretty continuous use, at least as far as I have experienced.
I will personally admit, I hate the miller autoset. I think it dumps way too much wire most of the time. It will give you an acceptable weld, but they usually aren't super pretty. I always end up running my own settings for pretty stuff, but the autoset can give a good starting point.
I've blown up a smaller Lincoln within a warranty period and never much liked it after that, so I usually stay away from Lincoln on non-generator machines.
I should also state, I got the 211 around 2016? ish used for 600, never had an issue with it. I got my 256D new in 2019, no issues either, besides usually HF adjustment stuff, and I got the second 252 used in 2024 for 600 as well. That one required a new cooling fan, and I stuck a new torch on it as well for good measure, bringing my total for that machine to around $1100. No issues so far with it within the last year.
The Millers seem to last very well under pretty continuous use, at least as far as I have experienced.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #37
I have because of where I live it makes it tough to drive out to buy a welder from somebody. I am 2.5 hour ferry ride from the main land of NC and 1.5 hour ferry ride to hatteras NC. It just makes driving out to pick up something tough. Its easier to buy new for sure. I have been looking though.
I try and only get tools that I feel will last for sure. and am always looking for good deals thats for sure. not to bad talk eastwood too much but I do feel it was a mistake not to get the hobart 140 at the time. The hobart would still be working.
This is what welder I keep getting told to buy. It seems to be a good welder for sure. I am kinda between it, the ESAB 210 and 190 and the hobart 210 at this point.
Thanks for the input on the autoset. I think It will be a feature to get a good starting point for sure. I can see myself using it for getting stitch welding on body panels dialed in. I like how ESAB does this feature a little better I think. I think its called synergetic weld mode? And its good to know they last. I really just want a welding machine that I can keep using as I get to more projects in the coming years. Basically somthing that will last, that is good enough to do most automotive welding jobs.
Agree with this 100%. Most the newer & smaller non-industrial Miller machines come with it, so you don't have a choice if buying new, but I wouldn't put it on my list of "needs" if I was shopping. I'd buy a used machine without auto-set without question if it was the right deal.
I have two old Hobart machines that I bought new, used a ton, and have never given a minute of trouble...the Handler 140 and the Handler 187 (no longer produced - 190 is the updated spool gun-ready version). I use my 140 more often than the 187, but the 230v 187 is nice for thicker stuff. Neither of mine have auto settings. No screens. Just knobs. I like them for their simplicity and durability, kinda' like my Land Cruisers.