Stupid Question from newbie

[olcurt]

I'm looking for my first welder. I have read a lot of reviews and such about Miller versus Hobart, etc. It seems the one difference some like with the Miller is the infinite adjustment. Couldn't one just take the multi position switch off a Hobart, solder an appropriate rheostat on and have that function?

[Broccoli1]

I'm looking for my first welder. I have read a lot of reviews and such about Miller versus Hobart, etc. It seems the one difference some like with the Miller is the infinite adjustment. Couldn't one just take the multi position switch off a Hobart, solder an appropriate rheostat on and have that function?

Nope.

[olcurt]

OK, that answers that. Is there anybody out there who has used both and can tell me if it would make a significant difference for a novice?

[Sberry]

I have machines with both,,, much prefer the taps. The infinite is nothing to write home about.

[cope]

I like taps on Mig and infinite on stick (or a combination of taps and rheostat).

[B_C]

Like buying a SUPER DOG and taking all the super off.....Why not just buy a plain hot-dog?


OK I'm weird........

[LNGXDRM]

I have to agree... The infinite isn't much to get excited over on a MIG.

[MAC702]

Besides, in reality they are all infinite, in the wire speed anyway, and that's the only one you should be messing with once you are in the correct voltage range (tap.)

[Hotfoot]

I almost never use anything but #2 tap, 50 speed on my HH180, and #1, again at 50. I tried different speed settings when doing a bunch of auto body welding, but found '50' worked best for that, even with the .023 wire I was using...so Infinite Speeds would have little use for me. I do change gun angle/distance some when I get in difficult situations with thin sheet.

...but I pretty much just stick "stuff" together, so my welds are not critical.