I don't think one brand is any better/worse than the other, if the specs were identical I'd pick a Miller just because. If you post back with the specs, we'd have a better idea, you can always turn the heat down but the upper end is one of the limitations, as well as duty cycle, warranty, consumables price etc....Mike
Hi Frederic, I couldn't get to the .pdf site for the Lincoln machine so I could only get a few general specs from their site.
I seems as if the Miller is a better machine, at least from the specs I could see.
1: The Miller has a rating of 200A where the Lincoln only 160. Also the Miller has a 60-70% duty cycle which is fine, the Lincoln I couldn't find.
2: The DX model has a few more variables such as pulse and background amperage, which would make it more versatile, couldn't see the specs for the Lincoln
3: As well the input power went from 110v to 460v single or 3 phase on the Miller which would make it adaptable to most locations. Obviously the output amperage dropped down with a lower input but if you're in an shop you would more than likey have 460-550 3 phase anyway, the Lincoln only single phase, I couldn't find the voltage.
4: The final cost would depend on what accessories came with each machine, the Miller doesn't apear to come with a TIG torch, don't know about the Lincoln
5: Another determining factor would be the final use for the machine, these are quite portable, an item that you'll pay for. Is portability a nesessity?
I'll try again tomorrow at work to see if i can get the Lincoln specs...Mike
OK, got to the Lincoln site, the specs are definetly better for the Miller, the duty cycle is higher, the input voltages offer more options and the output is higher. What is the price difference between the two?...MIke
The Miller runs 2k, 2200 or 2900 depending on how it is set up; the Lincoln only comes one way and runs around $550.00. The Miller is an AC/DC tig/stick while the Lincoln is DC only tig/stick. The comparison isn't really valid. Now, the url posted below shows a comparison of the Lincoln squarewave 175 and the Miller Syncrowave 180, which is a comparison of two machines that are pretty close in features. It is from the Lincoln site so it will be biased that way. I don't prefer Lincoln over Miller, I just happened across this comparison. Lincoln does have a welding machine that looks like it is more comparible to the Maxstar 200, but I couldn't find any literature on it. Look at the V205-T on Lincoln's site.
Hi Miller134,
My advice is-get both machines on a demo off your supplier,
work them for a bit,then pick the one that suits you;
I must agree with your previous replies-both makes are good.
TWWeld
2 questions...
i have a millermatic 185 wire feed machine. i say wire feed (not mig) because 95% of my work is with flux core due to being outside. additionally, i run this machine a fair amount of the time with my 5000w generator. weld characteristics don't seem to suffer too bad, my prolbem is a heck of a lot of splatter. i have tried reversing the gun polarity. any suggestions, or is this just the nature of the beast?
next, i also have a small miller thunderbolt xl ac/dc stick welder, which i will be using under the same conditions as the above mentioned machine (outside, generator powered, lots of overhead work). can someone explain the pros & cons of ac vs. dc welding.
thank you,
mike
Hi Mike,
Not professing to be a pro by a long shot but there should not be alot of spatter from flux core unless you're using 'gasless' wire which I think should be outlawed :-(. Is it possible that the wind is blowing away some of you gas, if not it's more than likely a matter of settings.
As far as the pro's and cons of dc vs ac, with dc you're going to find it a lot easier to control the arc as opposed to ac. As well, you're going to find it easier to maintain the arc.
The one advantage that comes to mind with ac is there is not going to be much 'arc blow'.
Just a few things that come to mind.
my 2 cents worth...Mike
The first thing I would look at is your cleaning methods. Are you sanding/grinding away scale and rust prior to welding? Then are you degreasing with acetone or another cleaner? Proper cleaning is probably the most overlooked component of good welding, IMHO.
While flux core welding is the dirtiest of TIG/MIG/STICK/FLUX CORE series, but by no means does it mean your welds can't be clean and good looking.
The second thing I would look at would be your wire feed rate and travel speed combination. If your feed rate doesn't match the travel you are comfortable with, you will constantly vary between long arcing and short arcing, and that will definitely lead to poor looking welds.
miller134, I have a Lincon Square Wave TIG 175.
It can be purchased for 208/230 or 460/575 volts
60htz single phase (3 wire). It welds tig & stick,
ac,dc,&dc reverse. Duty cycle is 100% @ 90A,
60% @ 110A, 40% @ 125A, & 25% @ 150A for all
processes. It has VARIABLE CURRENT CONTROL which
is the reason I bought the Lincon over the Miller.
If you need more power there are bigger models
with the same features. The package I bought included
all leads, gas cooled torch, regulator, foot type
amperage control, 10 tungstens, 1 bottle of argon,
2lb. 1/8 7018, 1lb. 5356 alu, a nice pair of tig
gloves, & a cheap shield. All for under $1500 us.
I did do some dickering, I'm a Yankee in CT, nuff said?
If you're going to weld for long periods you will
want a liquid cooled torch reguardless of the brand
of welder. I have had this machine for 3+ years
with zero problems/suprises. I hope that whatever
you buy, you are as happy with it as I am with
this one.
Subject:
Re: Miller 175 vs. Hobart 175
Date:
Thu, 03 Jan 2002 23:01:53 GMT
From:
rondi <rdiehl@sandpoint.nt>
Organization:
Giganews.Com - Premium News Outsourcing
Newsgroups:
sci.engr.joining.welding
References:
1
Finally i get a chance to answer a question to the group---
I asked this question about 2 months ago, and got lots of
answers.
The most complete one came from a Product Manager at Miller.
All folks who responded to my post, were pretty emphatic to get
at
least a 175amp unit. While this requires 220v, the increased
versatility and capability are worth it. The one advantage the
HH has
is the purge feature. It lets the shielding gas to the tip,
without
wasting 20ft <g> of wire out the tip.
This may not be the case now, nor do their prices include an
"economy" cart.
hth,
ron
here it is:
Both units have a similar rating and can weld with the same
sizes and
types of wires.
The Handlers have a tapped transformer. The different voltage
output
at the different setting is close enough together so that you can
adjust the wire feed speed and your torch travel speed to give
you
good welds for different thicknesses of material.
The purge setting allows you to set your gas flow without feeding
wire. To do the same with the Millermatic, you can just release
the
tension arm on the idler roll, adjust your gas flow and then
reset the
tension arm.
With a tapped unit, you should not have anyone adjust the voltage
while you are welding.
The Millermatic has infinite voltage control so that you can more
finely adjust your voltage. It allows you to set a lower
voltage
which helps on very thin (like 24 gauge material). The voltage
knob
can also be adjusted while you are welding.
Both units have wire feed speed tracking to make it easier to
tune in
the wirefeed speed when you adjust the voltage. If you increase
the
voltage, the wire feed speed also increases automatically. No
other
manufactures have this feature.
The Millermatic has a more rugged cast Aluminum feedhead with a
dual
groove quick change feedroll. The Handler also has a dual
groove
drive roll but a screw needs to be removed and replaced when
changing
the feedroll around.
Both units have short circuit protection in case the tip is
shorted to
the work.
The Handler will shut down and you will then have to correct the
situation and go back to the unit and reset a circuit breaker.
The
Millermatic shuts down quicker and thus the tip is not usually
damaged. The Millermatic also resets just by resetting the
trigger
on the torch. That makes it easier to reset the unit in case
you are
under a car or up on a ladder.
The Handler is supplied with a sample of selfshielding flux cored
wire
and the Millermatic is supplied with a sample of solid wire which
will
require gas shielding.
Both units perform well and would give you years of fine
performance.
>On Mon, 31 Dec 2001 23:12:36 GMT, "David Seidel"
<d-seidel@mn.mediaone.net> wrote for all to read:
>Hi,
>What is the difference in these two machines, quality wise?
>Looks like the Hobart is $100 cheaper.
>Thanks, David
>
rentapen
I'm in Australia and have bought an old 400AS lincoln welder with the intention of using the 3.152 perkins motor to repower a burnt MF135 tractor. The welder still works but I could use some intructions (especially safety). Can I drive the generator via a triple B section belt via a PTO shaft from a tractor. Is there anything I need to know to disconnect the generator from the motor?
