Rookie welder...Rookie questions.

[TimGa]

Cool site. Learning lots from all you guys.
I'm looking at the HH210. It's got pretty much everything I need, to do what I like...fabricate, hobby. Question is...when I price check a Lincoln 180 against a HH187 the difference is about $200...putting the HH higher. Not much, but...are the gears stronger, better options with the HH? The sale price on the HH210 is $899 right now. I like the setting controls on the HH and the overall design and color layout.
Any feed back would be appreicated.
Keep in mind I live in Canada...the pricing I talked about are in CAD funds.

[Hotfoot]

Get the 210. You'll never look back and wish you had...

[gatkeper1]

Well the color layout is of course my first priority when making major purchases. I also like to coordinate my outfits to the task at hand.
First you have to nail down which 180Amp Lincoln machine you are comparing the HH187 to, as there are 6 different 180 models in Lincolns line up.
When you buy a Hobart or Miller you don't have to participate in a shell game like Lincoln make you play. Oh under which cover is the diamond core which has the better wire drive, etc. If funds are not a problem get the HH210 you won't be sorry, otherwise get the HH187.

[bhoward]

Hobart IS Miller as far as warranty goes. They are excellent and go out of their way to keep customers happy. I am just starting out with Lincoln, but my first few warranty claims went thru without a hitch. Any of these are a good choice, depending on your personal requirements.
As a welder tech, I consider warranty service a priority. Most new rigs come with a 3 year warranty. If you are treated well during this, the welder should last a lifetime.

[snoeproe]

IMO, the HH 187 will serve all your needs.

[TimGa]

Rookie figured it out...Marketing anyways.

I believe I have figured out why the Lincoln "Mig Pak" 180 was so much cheaper than the HH 187. I was comparing Canadian Tires Lincoln to Peavy Marts Hobart and found the difference. Not knowing there were so many Lincoln 180's out there, the one I was looking at is exclusive to Canadian Tire (a Canadian hardware store) built just for them. It is a basic homeowner do-it-yourself, use it once in awhile welder...not comparable with the 180C. The 180C is very close in price to the HH187. So I guess the lesson here is, don't go on price alone...read the fine print.
That being said, I'm going with the HH210.

Thanx for all your suggestions.

Weld On!

[mikeb9550]

I just got the HH210 and love it. Havent used it a ton yet but have a bunch of projects lined up. I too asked the same questions before I bought. The price difference was more compared to the 187 but its worth it just in the post mortem envy (or lack of). Truth is that the 187 will probaby do what you want but its nice having the extra power there in case something heavy comes up.

[MuddMachine]

I think the 210 is the right choice. If found that anything under is good for 'most stuff' around the garage but it leaves you wanting that lil bit extra that the 210 gives you. Enjoy !

[unit5alive]

The HH210 is a good solid machine.

[Hotfoot]

I believe I have figured out why the Lincoln "Mig Pak" 180 was so much cheaper than the HH 187. I was comparing Canadian Tires Lincoln to Peavy Marts Hobart and found the difference. Not knowing there were so many Lincoln 180's out there, the one I was looking at is exclusive to Canadian Tire (a Canadian hardware store) built just for them. It is a basic homeowner do-it-yourself, use it once in awhile welder...not comparable with the 180C. The 180C is very close in price to the HH187. So I guess the lesson here is, don't go on price alone...read the fine print.
That being said, I'm going with the HH210.

Thanx for all your suggestions.

Weld On!

I believe that's the situation here in the states with Lincolns purchased from Home Depot...look the same, but have different model #'s...that's both stick and MIG. Others have posted to this effect in the past, anyways.