Esab, Lincoln or Miller

Code54 · Jul 6, 2020

Been looking at a small multiprocess welder for the house. 110/220 Mig, Tig and stick. Mainly going to use the Mig but think I will play with the Tig some. Almost 100% mild steel so I am not concerned with Alum. Can always get a spool gun if needed.
Main question is about the welder itself.

I really like the Lincoln 210MP but am also really thinking hard about the Esab Rebel (EMP - 215). I have looked at the Miller but for some reason I am not really sold on it (I know it is a NICE machine and good quality but....)
Does anyone have any thoughts, feeling, first hand knowledge of any of these machines. Any thoughts on Esab? Their smart Arc system looks and seems great -any thoughts ?

swines · Jul 6, 2020

You really can't go wrong with any of the machines you've mentioned. It comes down to features and price. My ESAB equipment is 25 years old and still works just fine. But, that's "old" technology and really not applicable to what you're looking at today. I would have no hesitation buying Miller, Lincoln, or ESAB. I've owned welders made by each of the manufacturers and have never had a complaint. At some point, you'll need support in the form of parts whether that's a new liner, tips, etc. I'd see what brands the local welding stores carry and go with whatever brand is most popular in your area. While you can order parts over the Internet, if you're in the middle of project it's a lot handier to be able to simply drive to store and get what you need rather than waiting for a delivery.

metalbender · Jul 6, 2020

Have a 210 MP. Very happy with it. Started the mig route with a 135 Plus, next a 180c and now the 210 with spool gun option. Runs wire good, but will stick the wire in the tip an burn off occasionally. Have used the stick function quite a bit building big stuff. Land plane, forks with a vertical lift function and a grapple. Easy set up on basics and a good range of variable adjustments for fine tuning for conditions.

Code54 · Jul 6, 2020

Thanks for the info and thoughts! Please keep it coming.

MinnesotaEric · Jul 6, 2020

The two times when I've called Miller for support, a real person answered on the second ring and within one minute on both calls, I was talking to a tech about my Miller welder.

That's money in the bank insofar as I'm concerned. My Miller will be out making money repairing aluminum docks on location again next week.

yomax4 · Jul 7, 2020

All are fairly good machines. I think ESAB has most of the bugs worked out of the Rebel machines finally. The downside to ESAB is like stated above. Customer Service. They can't find their Azz with both hands.

johncanfield · Jul 7, 2020

Hobart is good, not as expensive as Miller but basically the same features and reliability. I have a Hobart Ironman 230, been a great welder. My little Esab DC inverter stick machine is a great little box. I think it's the 161LTS or something like that.

newbury · Jul 7, 2020

johncanfield said:
Hobart is good, not as expensive as Miller but basically the same features and reliability. I have a Hobart Ironman 230, been a great welder. My little Esab DC inverter stick machine is a great little box. I think it's the 161LTS or something like that.

And check out Reconditioned Welders & Plasma Cutters - Hobart Welding Products

BigNuge · Jul 7, 2020

I own the ESAB 215, fantastic machine. I used to own a Miller 211, great machine too, but not all-process.

I also had an AHP Alpha Tig, did a good job for a budget machine.

The ESAB replaces both of them in a nice small package, love it!

Code54 · Jul 7, 2020

I spoke with Lincoln a bunch and while I think they have a great machine, man was it hard to good information. There was a lot of confusion between people there when I was getting pricing and had some questions on the machine.

Esab seems to be getting a lot better over the years as I looked up "issues". Miller is always good but a bit expensive and man if something breaks the parts must be made of gold - LOL

It really seems all three are excellent machines, about the same on reliability and ability. Right now the ESAB has some discounts and comes with the TIG torch so it is the best value. I seem to have good dealer support for all 3 so that is not an issues.

I am leaning toward the Smart MIG after watching some videos where it really does seem to work... .Oh the decisions.....