which 220v mig to get?

[keebler303]

I am looking for a 220 mig in the near future.

Likely suspects include:
Hobart Handler 180
Lincoln Powermig 180T
Millermatic 175

They all seem pretty similar as far as I can tell. Anyone have any comments, suggestions?

Thanks
Matt

[Tom Slick]

I have used my hobart handler 175 alot and it is a great machine. Hobart and Miller are both owned by ITW / Weldmark so the machines are really similar. in fact the gun on my hobart is a miller gun. the hobart is slightly cheaper and doesn't have infinite voltage adjustment.

[mxtras]

Any of those on your list are excellent candidates.

Personally, I prefer Miller - primarily because of their customer support and because most Miller products use very popular consumables that are available everywhere.

Scott

[keebler303]

How important is infinite voltage adjustment? It is available on the lincoln for a little extra money as well. On my buddy's clarke 130 the 4 settings have been fine for everything I have done. I'm not sure if the infinite range would be any benefit to me.

Thanks for the comments
Matt

[DareBee]

Things may have changed since I bought my last welder, but at the time Lincoln was the only company with a 3 year warranty.

I have 9 Lincoln machines and still recomend them.

[Tom Slick]

How important is infinite voltage adjustment? It is available on the lincoln for a little extra money as well. On my buddy's clarke 130 the 4 settings have been fine for everything I have done. I'm not sure if the infinite range would be any benefit to me.

Thanks for the comments
Matt

It wasn't a factor for me when I bought my welder, I am not that sensitive to subtle changes when mig welding.