lincoln vs. miller

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chicago

chicago

Joined
Jan 18, 2006
Threads
434
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Location
Reno, Nevada
OK,
Another welder post...IM SORRY!
Ive gotten my 2 choices narrowed down between the Lincoln and the Miller 175 models. They 175's are what I can comfortably afford. They both are 220 units, and can comfotably weld 1/4 in plate in a single pass.
The question is, what is the difference between these two units. brands?
There seems to be a LOT of MM guyz on here, and I want to know why? What makes one or the other superior if anything?
Im leaning towards the Lincoln because its cheaper, and I can do 6 months no interest financing and have it paid off before that time.
If someone can sway me the other way with a good reason its a better unit, then Ill get the MM.

Thanks in advance!

Sorry about the beaten topic!

Chicago
 
I have machines form both manufactures and have been completely satisfied with them. I bought a Lincoln SP185 (discontinued) 16 years ago and have used it very hard at times and have never had any problems. I recently updated to a MillerMatic 251, it’s amazing. These two machines really can’t be compared considering the cost difference. I have never heard an objective argument why one is better than the other. That said, the Miller seems to have a better…um…well...I don’t know it just seems better. Maybe it’s the color? If money is a concern I would go with the Lincoln without hesitation. Good luck
 
LincolnElectric, has come out with new models in that class- PM180 & PM140 in tapped and infinite WFS control models.

Miller bros., is coming out with different models of the 175 as well, and I think they have been released back east but not on West coast yet and Hobart has released the 187 also.
 
In compring the two brands/ models, they have virtually the same output! Apparently the Miller has aluminum roller housings, where the Lincoln has plastic roller housing for the wire feed...Ive never seen the Miller, physically, but that is what Ive been told. Aside from that, that is the only difference Ive heard, except here on this board where people have demonstrated a preference for the Millers...
One other person said that the miller is a bit "crisper" machine, which I can appreciate, but wether or not its true and not just a personal experience has yet to be proven.
As everyone agrees, welders are not cheap, and one doesnt want to make a hasty decision...With that said, I personally have to be reasonable with the amount I spend on one... 6 or 7 hundred on a decent unit can be justified, but 12 or 1500.00 on the unit alone is another strory! This is why I decided on the 175 unit. A compromise...yes...practical and realistic...DEFINATELY!

Thanks for the input gents!

Chicago
 
To add another option. I have a Hobart Handler 150 which I really like. It runs on 120V so it's very versatile around my property. I've run it on an extension cord with no problems or drop in performance. Some welding supply places like Airgas will allow you to try them out before buying.

Good luck on your choice.
 
I prefer Miller but if you can better afford the Lincoln then get that. Your prep is and technique is so much more important than the brand.
 
BTW, check out the hobartwelds forum. Yeah, it's run by the miller folks but it's got some pretty objective threads about differences etc.
 
chicago said:
In compring the two brands/ models, they have virtually the same output! Apparently the Miller has aluminum roller housings, where the Lincoln has plastic roller housing for the wire feed...Ive never seen the Miller, physically, but that is what Ive been told. Aside from that, that is the only difference Ive heard, except here on this board where people have demonstrated a preference for the Millers...
One other person said that the miller is a bit "crisper" machine, which I can appreciate, but wether or not its true and not just a personal experience has yet to be proven.
As everyone agrees, welders are not cheap, and one doesnt want to make a hasty decision...With that said, I personally have to be reasonable with the amount I spend on one... 6 or 7 hundred on a decent unit can be justified, but 12 or 1500.00 on the unit alone is another strory! This is why I decided on the 175 unit. A compromise...yes...practical and realistic...DEFINATELY!

Thanks for the input gents!

Chicago
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Keith...if you want to see my MM 175 just let me know. I have been 100% happy with it and Sierra Welding on Glendale where I purchased it 3 years ago.
 
spressomon said:
Keith...if you want to see my MM 175 just let me know. I have been 100% happy with it and Sierra Welding on Glendale where I purchased it 3 years ago.
Click to expand...

Ummm...YEAH, Id like to check it out!
Thanks for the offer Dan!
How much was it when you bought it?

Ill shoot you a PM with my number and stuff and we can arrange something one evening, or this weekend!

Thanks again,

Chicago
 
Junk said:
BTW, check out the hobartwelds forum. Yeah, it's run by the miller folks but it's got some pretty objective threads about differences etc.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip on the forum...
Ill check that out!

Thanks,

Chicago
 
chicago said:
Ummm...YEAH, Id like to check it out!
Thanks for the offer Dan!
How much was it when you bought it?

Ill shoot you a PM with my number and stuff and we can arrange something one evening, or this weekend!

Thanks again,

Chicago
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I paid $675 with the cart and helmet plus the gas plus tax. I waited for the deal...have no clue what they sell for today.
 
Ill have to give them a look see and see what they have. I went on a couple of the forums last night, but there wasnt much in the way of comparisons.
The Miller 175 (according to their site) says the machine will weld up to 1/4 in and the Lincoln will weld up to 1/2 in.

Thanks,

Chicago
 
chicago said:
Ill have to give them a look see and see what they have. I went on a couple of the forums last night, but there wasnt much in the way of comparisons.
The Miller 175 (according to their site) says the machine will weld up to 1/4 in and the Lincoln will weld up to 1/2 in.

Thanks,

Chicago
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The MM will weld thicker than 1/4"...just two/multiple passes. How does the small Lincoln weld up to 1/2"? I would say if you plan to weld alot of 3/8"-1/2" it will pay to get more capable welder now...regardless if you go with Miller or Lincoln.
 
I agree. If you want to weld anything over 1/4 inch, bite the bullet now and get the Millermatic 210 or the Lincoln 215 (which is a very nice machine too). Then you'll have all the capability you'll need.
 
Cruiserdrew said:
I agree. If you want to weld anything over 1/4 inch, bite the bullet now and get the Millermatic 210 or the Lincoln 215 (which is a very nice machine too). Then you'll have all the capability you'll need.
Click to expand...

Hey Andy,
I appreciate what youre saying, but there is a limit I can justifiably spend on a welder. Realistically, thinking long term, once I get the SOA done, then maybe bumpers, sliders etc, Ill probably use it for odds and ends and stuff, but thats about it. Will it be worth the extra 7- 800.00 at that point...I dont think so. I can use that cash elsewhere on my rig, like diff gears, tires etc.
Trust me, Ive looked into that route (the 210+units), and I just can not justify spending that money for my garage welder. If I were deriving income from it, then yes...I could see doing that, but it is a hobby, and I dont have that kind of cash to burn.

Thanks for the input though,

Chicago
 
WOW!
Espressomon was nice enough to let me burn a couple of welds with his MM 175...Im very impressed.
I brought along some 1/4 in steel, one set beveled, the other not.
More than anything, I was really curious how it would handle the un-beveled steel. The frist couple passes, the gas wasnt set up right, and the bead was porous, and it didnt penetrate too well. He turned the gas up, and that lil sucker penetrated about 98% of the thickness! I see what you all are saying about MM's being a bit better made, and produces sharper, cleaner welds.
More so, Im very impressed with the ease of the penetration it has.

Thanks for everyones input
and thanks again Dan for your time letting me try your machine!

Chicago
 
chicago said:
WOW!
Espressomon was nice enough to let me burn a couple of welds with his MM 175...Im very impressed.
I brought along some 1/4 in steel, one set beveled, the other not.
More than anything, I was really curious how it would handle the un-beveled steel. The frist couple passes, the gas wasnt set up right, and the bead was porous, and it didnt penetrate too well. He turned the gas up, and that lil sucker penetrated about 98% of the thickness! I see what you all are saying about MM's being a bit better made, and produces sharper, cleaner welds.
More so, Im very impressed with the ease of the penetration it has.

Thanks for everyones input
and thanks again Dan for your time letting me try your machine!

Chicago
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You're welcome Keith...glad I could assist in some small way. FYI: If you are going to be welding outside in less than calm conditions you might want to pick up a roll of flux wire...I think that is the only condition where the flux wire might be better than the gas. Good luck.
 
I know this doesn't help too much as far as objective quantifiable reasons for one or the other, but we have the MM 251 and the comparable Lincoln unit (forgot the designation) at work and I agree whole heartedly that the Miller just works better and easier. There were a ton of bells and whistles on the Lincoln and that had us all pretty excited, but in the end we're just laying bead. Worst problem with the Lincoln is the wire feed - kinks and jams (just about) every time we stop and start a bead. The one that does it easiest, best and with the least amount of downtime is the Miller - IMHO.
 
goin' deaf said:
I know this doesn't help too much as far as objective quantifiable reasons for one or the other, but we have the MM 251 and the comparable Lincoln unit (forgot the designation) at work and I agree whole heartedly that the Miller just works better and easier. There were a ton of bells and whistles on the Lincoln and that had us all pretty excited, but in the end we're just laying bead. Worst problem with the Lincoln is the wire feed - kinks and jams (just about) every time we stop and start a bead. The one that does it easiest, best and with the least amount of downtime is the Miller - IMHO.
Click to expand...

Yeah,
Im thinkin Im gonna go with the Miller. I was so impressed with the performance of Espressomon's unit, that it pretty much sold me. It was so smooth and effortless of a bead...
I was rappin with my old man about it, who was a TIG welder in the tool and die industry...He said, if you like that machine, then go with that machine, especially since the Millers come highly recommended here (on MUD that is).

Thanks everyone for the input and advice on this matter, and again, big thanks to Espressomon for letting me sample! Turned me right around.:cheers:

Chicago
 
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