All these interwebz stories about TSC, Lowe's, etc. getting a different quality welder than the higher priced small shops... bogus internet BS, or a thread of truth in there?
Millermatic 180 welder. Less than $400... act quickly
- Thread starter fj40charles
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
All these interwebz stories about TSC, Lowe's, etc. getting a different quality welder than the higher priced small shops... bogus internet BS, or a thread of truth in there?
I asked a sales rep at Nordan Smith about this very issue. He said the difference is in the adjustability of the machine. The dials on the lowes/home depot brand were notched, so you had to chose the setting numbers that were listed on the machine. for example you had to set the wire speed say at 5 or 6. no setting in between. I checked a similar welder at nordan smith and the dial allowed adjustment in between the numbers.
supposedly internals are the same.
fj40charles
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #63
The Hobart welder you buy at Tractor supply is the same as the one you buy at Northern Tools or any authorized Miller dealer. Same welder, same parts (internal/external) and same warranty.
Stuff you buy at Lowes of Home depot are Lincoln products and yes, they're different than what you get at a welder store.
Stuff you buy at Lowes of Home depot are Lincoln products and yes, they're different than what you get at a welder store.
Land Speeder
InstaH8R
Yep. But as I understand it, it's because Home Depot and Lowes want exclusivity and not vice-versa.
I bought a Lincoln at Lowes thinking I could get the gas kit. Nope. The model at Lowes was different and ONLY sold at Lowes. Home Depot was the same, only sold their model, but got the one at HD...
The one at the welder store was different from either of the above two. Not better or worse, just different. weird.
Went to TSC, they were out but gave me a rain check on the coupon, since it expires tomorrow. So, plan b is in place. Thanks again, Charles. Looks like that debt is up to 2 cheeseburgers.
cust srvc rep from grainger called and said order was canx but offered it at a 30% discount. new price is 826.70. they will honor it till Friday.
You gonna get one at that price? I'm leaning toward the Hobart at $500 with the coupon...
fj40charles
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #68
I don't think it is worth the price. IMHO, Hobart 187 is a better deal.
I think the MM 180 will be discontinued soon.
MM 180 from grainer is $826.xx + tax = around $900.xx
This would be better if you didn't have to pay tax and/or if you had a Northern tools discount coupon.
Hobart Handler 210 Wire Feed MIG Welder w 10ft Spoolgun | eBay
Last edited:
fj40charles
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #69
New welder from Hobart.
Handler® 210MVP, with Multi-Voltage Plug
Direct Plug-in Spool Gun
SpoolRunner™ 100
Direct Plug-in Spool Gun
Great for MIG aluminum welding 18 gauge to 1/4".
The Handler® 210MVP Multi-Voltage Plug (MVP) provides flexibility to use either 115V or 230V input power. The MVP allows you to connect to 115V or 230V receptacles in a twist, no tools required. Just choose the plug that fits your receptacle, connect to the Handler® 210MVP’s power cord and start welding. The Handler® 210MVP will automatically adjust itself to the correct input power providing superior arc performance regardless of the power source.
The Handler® 210MVP offers seven output voltage settings (taps) and infinite wire feed speed control making the unit easy to adjust for different materials, thicknesses and wires. When plugged into 115V power, the 210MVP utilizes 4 voltage settings (taps) and has 140 amps of weld output. When plugged into 230V power, you will get all 7 taps and 210 amps of weld output.
Hobart Welders - Products - Wire Feed Welders - Handler 210MVP
Handler® 210MVP, with Multi-Voltage Plug
Direct Plug-in Spool Gun
SpoolRunner™ 100
Direct Plug-in Spool Gun
Great for MIG aluminum welding 18 gauge to 1/4".
The Handler® 210MVP Multi-Voltage Plug (MVP) provides flexibility to use either 115V or 230V input power. The MVP allows you to connect to 115V or 230V receptacles in a twist, no tools required. Just choose the plug that fits your receptacle, connect to the Handler® 210MVP’s power cord and start welding. The Handler® 210MVP will automatically adjust itself to the correct input power providing superior arc performance regardless of the power source.
The Handler® 210MVP offers seven output voltage settings (taps) and infinite wire feed speed control making the unit easy to adjust for different materials, thicknesses and wires. When plugged into 115V power, the 210MVP utilizes 4 voltage settings (taps) and has 140 amps of weld output. When plugged into 230V power, you will get all 7 taps and 210 amps of weld output.
Hobart Welders - Products - Wire Feed Welders - Handler 210MVP
In my experience, the HH187 has been more than a match for my needs. If I need to weld something thicker than what it can handle, I can do multiple passes or I'm just doing something dumb.
You can't go wrong with the HH187 at that price. Buy a small bottle of gas and get busy. Once you go gas, you'll never look back to flux on a MIG. Unless you're welding outdoors in wind.
Just my thoughts fo' free ninety-nine
EDIT: Very few differences between the 187 and 210MVP. Biggest sell points are the spool gun if you plan on welding aluminum often and the 110/220 capability if you plan on transporting or need flexibility in your electrical source.
http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/wirefeed/
You can't go wrong with the HH187 at that price. Buy a small bottle of gas and get busy. Once you go gas, you'll never look back to flux on a MIG. Unless you're welding outdoors in wind.
Just my thoughts fo' free ninety-nine
EDIT: Very few differences between the 187 and 210MVP. Biggest sell points are the spool gun if you plan on welding aluminum often and the 110/220 capability if you plan on transporting or need flexibility in your electrical source.
http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/wirefeed/
fj40charles
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #71
In my experience, the HH187 has been more than a match for my needs. If I need to weld something thicker than what it can handle, I can do multiple passes or I'm just doing something dumb.
You can't go wrong with the HH187 at that price. Buy a small bottle of gas and get busy. Once you go gas, you'll never look back to flux on a MIG. Unless you're welding outdoors in wind.
Just my thoughts fo' free ninety-nine
EDIT: Very few differences between the 187 and 210MVP. Biggest sell points are the spool gun if you plan on welding aluminum often and the 110/220 capability if you plan on transporting or need flexibility in your electrical source.
Hobart Welders - Products - Wire Feed Welders
Did you notice Hobart 210 is not part of the lineup? I wonder if the HH210 has been replaced by HH210MVP?
Some people have said the HH 187 is better than the HH 210 when it comes to voltage control. They both have 7 voltage taps. HH187 would have voltage taps that are spaced closer together allowing for more control.
For the type of welding "most" home/hobby guy/gal will be doing, the HH187 will be just fine.
Yeah, I did notice that. Guess they're phasing over to the MVP.
Like you said, I'd rather have smaller voltage increments (180 / 7 versus 210 / 7 ). I've been very pleased with my 187.
Well, talked to the nice folks at Grainger. Apparently they got their story together and opted to just tell the truth. Told me it was a posting error and offered me 30% discount on their regular price of $992.00, would net it to $694 or so IIRC. I told him I'd consider and call back.
BUT... I have that raincheck for the HH187 for just under $500 (with coupon), so that's prolly gonna be my plan.
BUT... I have that raincheck for the HH187 for just under $500 (with coupon), so that's prolly gonna be my plan.
I'm not sure if you heard wrong or they told you a different story.
I was offered the 30% discount as well, but mine was more around $800-$850 (thought, "Screw that..."). I guess they priced me the one with cart?
Either way, I wouldn't do it. You'll be just as happy with the HH187. Take that money and buy a bottle with gas, solid wire, a decent pair of gloves and a candy bar.
I was offered the 30% discount as well, but mine was more around $800-$850 (thought, "Screw that..."). I guess they priced me the one with cart?
Either way, I wouldn't do it. You'll be just as happy with the HH187. Take that money and buy a bottle with gas, solid wire, a decent pair of gloves and a candy bar.
Well, he told me there were two different welders. The one was over 1K, so the discounted price was higher. Then there was a second one, which was a "lesser" model, and it was listed for $992, etc. Either way, as you pointed out, I don't HAVE to have a Miller to weld.
Looks like I have Hobart in my future. If it works as well as southff4's did, I'll be a happy man.
Bomar
SILVER Star
It will....
Finally got the call today and went by TSC. True to their word, they gave me the Hobart 187 at the sale price and let me use the (now expired) 10% off coupon. For $529 after tax, I am now in the welding bidness (except for a pair of gloves, mask, bottle, etc etc). Anyone got a lead on a used gas tank? Mask?
fj40charles
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #78
Nice score on the HH 187.
If you can't find a good deal locally, might want to consider buying an 80CF tank and having it filled at you local welding supply. Call around for prices. You'll want C-25 (75% CO2, 25% Argon) for mig welding.
These are "owner" tanks (not leased) which you should be able to swap out easily.
80 CF WELDING CYLINDER tank bottle nitrogen argon mixes | eBay
Do you have home depot in your area? Some of them will have welding gases. Just take your tank to have it swapped out.
===================================================================================
For welding helmet, I'd spend the extra $$ and get a quality one. You can buy a cheap AD (auto darkening) helmet at horrible freight or northern tools for around$50 to $60 dollars.
The ones below will have weld, grind, and cut (plasma or cutting torch) mode. 4 sensors instead of 2 and better warranty.
Also, very unlikely you'll ever get flashed while welding.
Miller Elite or Digital Elite (Digital Elite is worth the extra $30).
http://cgi.ebay.com/MILLER-ELITE-AU...900?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b6cdbc6c
http://cgi.ebay.com/MILLER-DIGITAL-...325?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e61375dcd
Jackson Nexgen
http://cgi.ebay.com/HTP-Jackson-Nex...478?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b670d586
Personally, I use the Jackson Nexgen helmets. Personal preference.
===========================================
Here is a Miller elite helmet. New for $220 shipped.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Miller-Welding-...559?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27bbe0d137
Last edited:
Charles,
Any downside to running straight CO2?
Any downside to running straight CO2?
fj40charles
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #80
Yes and no.
Pros:
1. Straight CO2 will provide a hotter arc than C-25. Could be a plus if your welder is near its limit output wise.
2. CO2 has about 4x the density of C-25. An 20# tank is equivalent to 160 CF of C-25 which makes for very economical solution. Many shops still use straight CO2 because it is much cheaper than C-25.
Cons:
1. If your welder is not designed to run optimally on straight CO2, you'll most likely not get the best results. How bad it looks is rather subjective. Many people really don't see much difference when doing short arc welding. Most wire feed welders you buy now are designed to run best on C-25.
example: Miller Passport is designed to run on straight CO2. Older welder like Milleramatic 35 and 200 were also designed to run on straight CO2. Even states in the manual. By design I mean the level of slope/inductance that a welder has built in.
inductance, slope question
2. If you need to do thin sheetmetal, straight CO2 may be too hot.
Best option is to try using 100% CO2 and see what kind of results you get. You'll need to buy an adapter for the regulator (CGA 320 to CGA 580) if you want to use the CGA 580 (argon, c-25, helium, nitrogen) regulator.
If you really want to have fun, get yourself a Smith gas mixer. Get a tank of 100% CO2 and 100% argon and vary the mix to see what you like. This is way overkill and expensive for the average home/hobby welder.
Sorry for the long post.
Last edited: