Millermatic 211 vs Hobart 210MVP

[BigBlue1]

I'm considering a MIG welder in this general class/offering range. I'm wondering whether the features the Miller has over the Hobart would justify the significant price difference? What I'm seeing is that the Miller is around $1300 and the Hobart around $800. If someone knows of better pricing somewhere let me know.

Here are some factors that pertain to my situation:

- 220V isn't a problem. Likely don't need to take it to a place with only 110V service but having that option would be nice.
- I'm a hobby welder. It won't be used daily and I don't have tight timelines on any welding work I might do.
- I'm transitioning from stick welding to MIG mainly for standard steel projects. I can possibly envision a need to use a TIG or spool gun but that's not a major factor.

The Miller has a switch for settings pertaining to flux core, stainless, C25 gas, C100 gas, spool gun. Plus the auto-feed settings. Hobart has none of these (and many lesser welders of many brands don't). How important are these in reality? Does the 211 have those other settings only because of auto-feed?

Otherwise the units seem pretty well matched. Slightly better duty cycle on the Miller, I think. Guns are same length, ground clamps about the same. Both have metal feed roller units. I'd spring for the higher investment if there were real benefits but I'm struggling to see them.

Lastly, I guess I'm also wondering if I should bite the bullet and consider a multi-process machine like the MultiMatic 215 just to be more future-proof in case my needs evolve? As a side note on that front, I see things like the Klutch MP200siDV from Northern Tool, which I know is not in the same class as Hobart and Miller and wouldn't have good support, but for $860 including a spool gun it makes me wonder... Would it really be a 'pretty good' option for a hobby welder? I know, I'm all over the place. But that's how I roll.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[coxhaus]

I would buy the Hobart 210MVP. In fact I did. But I mainly use my Hobart 2510 bigger class welder. If I was going to spend $1300 I would buy the Hobart 230 welder. It is a higher class welder than either of the ones you are looking at.

If you buy it from IOC internet welding you can get 50% off a Lincoln C4 helmet. This is what I did. They also had a rebate on the Hobart welder. So the whole package was a lot cheaper.

 

[BukitCase]

I've had the transformer version (older) mm211, spoke directly to factory techs who said the drive was NOT heavy enough to reliably run a longer than 10' gun - apparently Hobart says the same for the 210MVP
HH 21 MVP Gun Length Question -

WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts
(post#7)

I found a nearly new MM252 with 3 tanks and 30A spool gun (hadn't been used AT ALL) for a few $ less than HALF of new price, sold the transformer mm211 to a friend who didn't care about longer guns, etc; later I wanted more portability, so bought the NEWER version of the mm211 (re-designed drive system, IS rated for 15' guns)

There are several reasons why Hobart is less $$, up to you to decide whether you are picky enough (or demanding enough) to care. things like 7 steps for voltage vs INFINITE adjustment, 10% better duty cycle at 150 amps on the mm211 - voltage setting controls bead height, picky people (like me, sometimes) wanna choose just a LITTLE bit of a change, not steps. Others don't care.

Bottom line is, it's YOUR $$$ - and you're the ONLY one that knows you well enough to say whether you're gonna be happy with fewer options (but more $$$ left over) or not. If you don't research what the differences mean, you may make a choice you're sorry about later... Steve

 

[searcyfarms]

i dont know much about them i have seen some of the hobart vs miller use tapped voltage vs infinite adjustable

for the same $$ you could get a multiprocess system if you go the route of the miller and have stick and dc tig if you ever wanted to learn it or needed the portability in either of those other offerings. like said your $$ i just bought a 210mp red welder havent even fired it up yet

 

[Big Barn]

There are several reasons why Hobart is less $$, up to you to decide whether you are picky enough (or demanding enough) to care. things like 7 steps for voltage vs INFINITE adjustment, 10% better duty cycle at 150 amps on the mm211 - voltage setting controls bead height, picky people (like me, sometimes) wanna choose just a LITTLE bit of a change, not steps. Others don't care.
/QUOTE]

Stepped settings aren’t a big deal to me. On this Thermal Arc Mig the wire speed knob only gets REset when I bump it accidentally reaching for the power switch.

Plus I’m much too lazy to figure out what knob settings do. I just adjust torch angle, stick out and travel speed or weave pattern to compensate.

This Thermal Arc was purchased new 21 years ago BTW. Although I have arguably “better” MIGs this is my go to for light fabrication.



Edit. The above quote was from Steve /BuckitCase. Sorry. I must have screwed something up.

 

[dragoneggs]

Rob, I have the Miller transformer 211. I really like it. I am a hobby welder and it is more than plenty for what I need. I considered multi-process machines before I settled on MIG only. Glad I did... allowed me to focus on that process. I have a spool gun for aluminum but haven't even tried it. Been only dealing with mild steel and 75/25 gas.

It might make best 'cents' for you to buy the Hobart MIG and put the money saved on a TIG machine when you are ready.

I plan to get a TIG someday, but I don't regret not getting a multi-process unit. I am one that likes the convenience of not having to change over setups of my tools if possible. Case in point... multiple grinders with different discs, multiple routers with different bits, multiple drill/drivers, etc. so projects go much smoother and I am more likely to tackle something quick.

 

[coxhaus]

Have you looked at the Hobart 230 welder? It is a serious welder. I was going to buy one until I found my old Hobart 2510 which is basically a Miller 250 under the hood. It was right after Miller took over. I bought my Hobart 2510 for $500 used from a University which I don't think they used it very much. I have had it for maybe 8 years. I bought the Hobart 210 welder to run small .023 wire as I don't want to have to change wire in my big welder. I think the duty cycle for .023 wire is going to be pretty high. Once you get the feed right on a welder it is a pain to change wire and then change back. Also I have a back up in case one of my welders gives trouble.

One other point is I don't have the rollers, gun liner nor the adapter to run small wire rolls in my big welder. My gun liner only does .030 and .035 wire so I would have to buy a second gun to run small wire. By the time I bought all this stuff it costs almost as much as another small welder. And to change it out I would probably end up spending at least a couple of hours. And I would have to switch back. Doesn't sound good to me. Plus I have to test to get it right after the switch and after the switch back.

 

[dragoneggs]

Have you looked at the Hobart 230 welder? It is a serious welder. I was going to buy one until I found my old Hobart 2510 which is basically a Miller 250 under the hood. It was right after Miller took over. I bought my Hobart 2510 for $500 used from a University which I don't think they used it very much. I have had it for maybe 8 years. I bought the Hobart 210 welder to run small .023 wire as I don't want to have to change wire in my big welder. I think the duty cycle for .023 wire is going to be pretty high. Once you get the feed right on a welder it is a pain to change wire and then change back. Also I have a back up in case one of my welders gives trouble.

I don't think the OP will have a duty cycle issue as a hobbyist. But I do agree that changing out wire is a big PITA at least to me. .030 pretty much resides in mine even if I know a smaller wire would be better. Another reason a TIG machine would be nice sitting next to the MIG.

 

[coxhaus]

TIG is not for me. It is very pretty but slow. I think I can MIG anything faster that I would TIG. It is not a class I would want to bother with. I can't think of any reason I would want TIG.

 

[dragoneggs]

TIG is not for me. It is very pretty but slow. I think I can MIG anything that I would TIG. It is not a class I would want to bother with. I can't think of any reason I would want TIG.

Thin artsy fartsy stuff?