Help me choose MM 135 or Hobart Handler 140

[Fishy Jim]

Gotta love Clinton. Couldn't leave it to screwing aids, he had to take it to industry too.

Granted, there are reasons to avoid a monopoly, but I think china is showing us why strong US competition would be better.

[harcosparky]

Hobart is the hobbyist line of the parent co these days (not like the old workhorses Hobart Brothers machines were).

Thank the Government for this. When ITW bought up Hobart Brothers they were not allowed to buy the rights to Hobart welder rated at 250 Amp and above. The rights to those machines, as well as all the old manuals were sold off to others.

Here is the quote from Hobart's Website followed by the URL ....

In 1996, Illinois Tool Work purchased Hobart Brothers. As part of the acquisition, the government would not allow us to purchase the rights to manufacture welding products rated at 250 amps and above. The documentation support for those products went to various companies that purchased the manufacturing rights. However, we will make a reasonable effort to supply you with the proper owners manual for any older machine that we have been provided the documentation for.

https://www.hobartwelders.com/owners_manual/order_oldmanuals.php

[Fishy Jim]

Hobart is the hobbyist line of the parent co these days (not like the old workhorses Hobart Brothers machines were). They're different beasts for most of the line up, but some machines are the same (plasmas and tigs for example). The MIG machines are not the same, or even close with the IM210 and MM210 or the 251's. Different duty cycles, cases, and components.

[JHCHOPPERS]

Miller and Hobart are wholly owned subsidiaries of Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, Ill, (just look at the plasma cutters, they are 100% the same), so parts and service between the 2 should not matter.

You can buy a Hobart 140 on ebay for $498.77 (free shipping) and the MM 135 for $576.35 (free shipping)

Harbor Freight has the Hopbart 140 for $549.99, but you can get it with a 20% off coupon (thats $439.99)

Just my 2 cents...

[MAC702]

For the 120V units, there's not a lot to improve on. If you need one right away, I'd not hesitate to get the HH140.

I have an ancient MM130, and have recently owned an HH135. I sold it to a friend to buy the only truly portable GMAW unit, a MM Passport. but that's a different budget...

[SkidSteerSteve]

Something else that I would keep in mind is where you plan on buying a machine and what your welding activities are going to be in the future. I may be wronge on this, so someone correct me if so. I think the Hobart are typically sold through farm and home supply stores and Miller is usually through dealerships. If it's a one time purchase and your aren't worry to much about long term relationships, then find the cheap price for the machine that will do what you need it to. On the other hand, if you are new to welding and want to start developing a relationship with a dealer that will help you out in years to come, then I would try to find a good authorized dealer in your market and talk with them about the sell, follow up service, and possible future purchases. customer service doesn't come cheap, but it can really be worth it down the line if you every have trouble. SSS

[Fishy Jim]

I'd hold off on any new welder purchases right now. Hobart and Miller are releasing new units and Lincoln already has just come out with some new stuff. Unless you need a new one to replace a dead one - now is not the time to buy just yet.

[Rufridr069]

I am replacing an old MM 130 and am torn between True Blue 135 and the Hobart Handler 140. The 140 is rated to 1/4 inch where the MM is rated to 5/16 inch. Pluse there is a 100 buck price differance.

Any thoughts?