Thoughts on Hobart welders???

[hanson1999]

i bought the hobart 210 after having the millermatic 135. get the 220 volt and don't look back. the weld quality is greater with the hobart( probably because i don't have to have it cranked up all the time).

Northern tool has them on sale and can get with a spoolgun for around $50 more. that is a lot of welder for under $900.

 

[Sockwell]

Hozen, are you still looking at the machines or have you already decided or bought one? When this thread started, I was going to build something using the 140 to show you what it could do. I've got the pieces cut to build a trailer hitch adapter for the 3PH. It'll be built from 2" x 1/4" square tubing. If it'll help, I'll try to finish it this weekend and send pictures.

 

[warhammer]

I have had a Hobart Handler 135 for a few years now and it has worked great.

I'm looking to get a wire welder here in hopefully the near future. I've only used Lincoln wire welders, but noticed the Hobart brand is noticably cheaper. I ran electric out to my shed this summer and it has 240, but with the long run, it's only 40amp service. So, I was looking at either the Hobart 140 or Hobart 187. The 140 runs on 120 and they claim it can weld 1/4 inch steel. The 187 runs on 240 and does 5/16 inch.

So, is it worth paying the extra for a Lincoln or is the Hobart brand "as good"?