Which Welder?

[otlski]

I am in the market for a new welder. I have MIG welded on and off for 25 years, always with wonky over-worn machines. The latest is a 1970's MIG my FIL gave me before he passed. The feed controls, amperage setting, and gun are all problematic and any welding I do now has about a 20% chance of being problem free. I will give this one away to a hardworking smart young man who works for me. He will get it running well enough.

I want to get a wire feed welder MIG/flux-core. Because of tank-certification dance I am inclined to stick with flux-core at this point in time. Portability is not a priority. Dual 120/240 V is not a priority; 240 V will be fine. I required 3/8" mild steel in a single pass but like the idea of 1/2" in a single pass. My usage is as a landowner, maintaining tractors, implements, trailers, and fabrication. I am hardly ever in a hurry when welding so throughput is not a concern. I am not likely to want to weld aluminum, convert to TIG, or add a spool gun.

I was considering the Lincoln Power MIG 210 - looked the the right price, right machine.
Lincoln Electric Powermig 21 Mp #K3963-1 - - Amazon.com

Until I read a review suggesting the Hobart IronMan 230 as an option.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_47864_47864

I would likely purchase either from a local vendor, not Amazon or other on-line vendors.

The Hobart capability of 1/2" single pass and the superior duty cycle sounded attractive. Reading reviews seems to be biased against Hobart products - generally unhappy with the build quality. However, the Hobart IronMan 230 gets generally good reviews except for the lack of infinite adjustability.

So the Lincoln can't do 1/2" in a single pass but obviously can do it in several passes (three?). Is there any compromise in weld strength by doing it in several passes. Keep in mind I am not a pro.

What overall thoughts do you guys have on these two choices? Which one would you get and why? What other welders are in the same class and price range that might be a better choice?

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

If you need portability, the small Lincoln.

If you don't, then the big Hobart gets my vote easily.
Hobart Welder - IronMan 23 Mig welding Tips - YouTube

I have a similar machine since early 2000's in the Miller millermatic 210. Full size machine, tap voltage. My brother has been trying to get it from me ever since

I am partial to big heavy machines in the shop. They have an excellent track record as my oldest one is from 1963.

I have Inverters too, they are nice, but I know one day they'll quit and be thrown away.

 

[newbury]

Just think long and hard - Will you ever need to run on 120V? 240V is best, but if you HAVE to run on 120 for some reason the Lincoln will work.

 

[pgk]

You mentioned that portability or being able to run 120v isn't a issue I would probably go with the Hobart. Don't get me wrong the 210 gets rave reviews from most everyone that has one, my brother just picked one up so could have on the job site and he loves it. Like Dave mentioned good ole transformer power supplies are tried and proven to go the long haul. Inverters are great for their features and portability but when they break they are usually more expensive to repair. I have a old Dynasty 300DX that I should probably knocking on wood, but everytime I power it up she keeps on chugging.. Knock, Knock..

Pete

 

[yomax4]

Also remember to look at the "Actual" output on the sticker or plate on the welder. You can't go by the number that is with the Model. The Miller 211 is actually 150 amp output for all practical purposes. No way it will do 1/2" plate single pass. Good Luck in your search.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Also remember to look at the "Actual" output on the sticker or plate on the welder. You can't go by the number that is with the Model. The Miller 211 is actually 150 amp output for all practical purposes. No way it will do 1/2" plate single pass. Good Luck in your search.

This. Exactly. The number games some of the companies play is on purpose and designed to confuse and bewilder the buyer. Duty cycle ratings are also rarely mentioned at maximum output...which most people don't even think about with a critical eye when comparing.

 

[cqaigy2]

This. Exactly. The number games some of the companies play is on purpose and designed to confuse and bewilder the buyer. Duty cycle ratings are also rarely mentioned at maximum output...which most people don't even think about with a critical eye when comparing.

Or think will matter until they have to wait for 20 minutes to put in another 5 minutes of welding. Go ahead, ask me how i know. :confused3:

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Also remember to look at the "Actual" output on the sticker or plate on the welder. You can't go by the number that is with the Model. The Miller 211 is actually 150 amp output for all practical purposes. No way it will do 1/2" plate single pass. Good Luck in your search.

That's actually why I like the full size machines like my old millermatic 210 - modern equivalent is the the 212.
160 A, 60% Duty Cycle
185 A, 40%
210 A, 30% Duty Cycle

That's much better than the 211 which is 40% at 150 amps.

Don't get me wrong, if I needed it to be portable and plug in, I'd get an inverter.
But I have my miller bobcat 225 and suitcase so portable is covered if I don't need to plug in.
I do have inverter tig/stick machines though - they are great machines

Or think will matter until they have to wait for 20 minutes to put in another 5 minutes of welding. Go ahead, ask me how i know. :confused3:

Been there...too impatient for that

 

[otlski]

Thank you all for your advice. The Hobart output rating is 175 amps at 25.5 volts at a 60% duty cycle. And, in not an apples to apples comparison, the Lincoln is rated for 200 amps at 24 volts at 25% duty cycle.

Question, over what allowed period of time are the duty cycle ratings? Can I run a bead for two contiguous minutes, let it rest for six minutes, and repeat? Can I run a bead for 15 minutes, let it rest for 45 minutes? Both are 25% duty cycles but are very different demands on the equipment.

 

[otlski]

Okay, so the Hobart data sheet has a chart that shows output at 240 amps at 30% duty cycle. That's apples to apples enough for me. I still have the question in the post above though.