Honest answers requested on Welder Comparison

[260Z]

OK, here goes.

I'm a recent addition to this board and asked some questions here and there. A local welding supply shop is having an open house and is offering very good prices on Miller and Lincoln products.

I'm torn between the MM 175 and the Lincoln 175plus.
Here's the good vs bad as I see it.

Good things towards Miller:
- Voltage/Speed tracking is tied together
- Easier to change drive rolls
- Short ckt protection resettable at gun
- Overheat indicator at power supply

Bad things:
- MM is more expensive at beginning
- Consumbables are less expensive for Lincoln

Am I missing something? From what I gather, both machines would serve me well, (auto body, frame work) I know Miller has a very good rep when it comes to warranty, but unsure of Lincoln's. I'm just not sure if these benefits are worth the extra $$. Any inputs? I know that posting this on Miller's website will obviously get most responses towards Blue, but I'd like some honest input besides just sticking to a particular name brand.

Thanks,
Grant

[cope]

I have never used or owned a Lincoln Mig so my opinioons are somewhat subjective. I have seen good and bad reviews on both Lincoln and Miller, but 99% of the owners of either machine like it. IMHO, the consumables cost difference is irelevant. I have heard more good press on Miller/Hobart customer support than on Lincoln. While you are at it you might also look at the HH 180.

[nnn0rau]

Ditto what Cope stated... Hobart/Miller have great support. I know someone with issues with Red and, they still are unresolved. I'm told the Red is a good unit but, I went with Blue. Everyone I know who has Hobart/Miller have been VERY happy... Miller's WST are issues for some. Learning curves are a reality in life so, just embrace them and move on. Decisions, decisions...
edit: The AWS forum embraces both Red & Blue (& yellow) as well... It is probably more neutral territory however, lots of us folks will agree with one statement - buy quality, buy whatya want and save for it if u haveto ;-)

[260Z]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is Millers WST?

[nnn0rau]

Wst

Wire speed tracking... (Voltage/Speed tracking is tied together)
takes some getting use to but, when you get it - no big deal.

[Scott V]

OK, here goes.

I'm a recent addition to this board and asked some questions here and there. A local welding supply shop is having an open house and is offering very good prices on Miller and Lincoln products.

I'm torn between the MM 175 and the Lincoln 175plus.
Here's the good vs bad as I see it.

Good things towards Miller:
- Voltage/Speed tracking is tied together
- Easier to change drive rolls
- Short ckt protection resettable at gun
- Overheat indicator at power supply

Bad things:
- MM is more expensive at beginning
- Consumbables are less expensive for Lincoln

Am I missing something? From what I gather, both machines would serve me well, (auto body, frame work) I know Miller has a very good rep when it comes to warranty, but unsure of Lincoln's. I'm just not sure if these benefits are worth the extra $$. Any inputs? I know that posting this on Miller's website will obviously get most responses towards Blue, but I'd like some honest input besides just sticking to a particular name brand.

Thanks,
Grant

Just weld with both in the sheetmetal range. I am pretty sure the red one will kick it's butt!!!

The SP175 plus has been about the most reliable welding machine out.It easier to get the arc set and will deal with bad metal. It just buzzes though crap that would have the Miller sputting bad!!.

A side note- with .023 wire the SP 175 plus welds better then the passport 180 by far!!! For body work get the Lincoln 175 plus. I love the Passport and like how it runs on .030 wire, but the Lincoln right there with it. It's been perfected just from being out way longer without major changes. I think Miller has changed their machine about four times in that time span. They need one more to get it right!!!

[DDA52]

Scott....are you slipping???? All that typing and not one remark about the venerable WST????? Someone call 911!!!


Grant
I have never used red...have used hobart and have several Millers. From what I see, any will do the job. One may be better than the other in one task, but it isn't as good at another. No machine is perfect. Get which one you feel comfy with and don't look back. Any of the three big ones will do any job you want adequately. ( Hobart, Miller, Lincoln) The important thing is to get one and get burning.

[aametalmaster]

Heres what i know about the Lincoln 175. My buddy bought one the same time as i bought my MM 185 now the MM 210. He saved a few bucks on the Linc 175 for about 1/2 the welder as my 185 Miller. Everytime he comes over he just drools at my Miller mumbling words i can't understand. Jump up to the 210 Miller if you can you will be glad you did. You can weld thicker steel plus add a spoolgun. It takes the bigger spools of wire which i found are cheaper than the small 10 or so pounders...Bob

[Scott V]

I owned both the Sp 175 plus and the MM185. In arc quality the SP 175 plus will more the match up with a MM 185. In fact the arc is a little better and will dial in closer. That is with .023/ 030 wire. .035 wire is a whole different story.

[Danny]

I own a MM 175, plus a MM 251 and MM 210. Anyway, I ve ran a Lincoln SP 175 + . In comparison to the MM 175, the Lincoln 175+ is by far the easier unit to dial the arc in on. Miller's WST feature on the MM 175 hinders the arc tuning in process, so don t be drawn in by there advertising hype about this feature.

[df5152]

I have a sp170t similar to the 175 except mine has a tap switch where the 175 has a variable knob for voltage control. I have never had a problem with the lincoln in over 10 years since i've owned it. I recently bought a miller product had some problems with the first one and they replaced it with a new one so great customer service from miller. dont know how lincoln would be never had to use them for service. In the long run i dont think you will go wrong with either.

Dan

[Scott V]

All that typing and not one remark about the venerable WST?????


[They need one more to get it right!!!]



Don,
I thought I did mention it???

[DDA52]

All that typing and not one remark about the venerable WST?????


[They need one more to get it right!!!]



Don,
I thought I did mention it???

I was just trying to get something started....just like you taught me!

[rb455ho]

Get a mm251 or 350p and put all this to bed!!!!

[260Z]

Thanks for all of the input, all of you bring up good points/opinions.

rb455ho, care to give me the extra money from a 170 to the 251???
I would be willing to take paypal. lol

Thanks,