190 and 210MVP questions

[caltom]

A few years ago I bit the hook and bought a Fabricator 211i 3n1 gimmick machine that really does nothing well. It has cool features... that I found I don't need or use. Even after upgrading the ground clamp MIG starts are terrible, stick is so-so, I sold the huge crappy TIG torch, and I've never used the variable input. I'm not a fan of the controls. 200+ amps is nice... occasionally, but I really regret selling my older machines and buying this invertor thing. My old Lincoln AC/DC stick and HH180 were simple, reliable, and both welded great. Loved the arc on the HH180.

So I'm thinking of buying another Hobart MIG and the 190 being transformer powered, and the evolution of the HH180, it appeals to me. But is the 210MVP invertor or transformer? Anyone that has used them how does the arc compare?

Thanks, Clif

[Northweldor]

A few years ago I bit the hook and bought a Fabricator 211i 3n1 gimmick machine that really does nothing well. It has cool features... that I found I don't need or use. Even after upgrading the ground clamp MIG starts are terrible, stick is so-so, I sold the huge crappy TIG torch, and I've never used the variable input. I'm not a fan of the controls. 200+ amps is nice... occasionally, but I really regret selling my older machines and buying this invertor thing. My old Lincoln AC/DC stick and HH180 were simple, reliable, and both welded great. Loved the arc on the HH180.

So I'm thinking of buying another Hobart MIG and the 190 being transformer powered, and the evolution of the HH180, it appeals to me. But is the 210MVP invertor or transformer? Anyone that has used them how does the arc compare?

Thanks, Clif

It's a transformer and the Miller 211 is the equivalent inverter. Use the search, and you will find plenty of comment. I totally agree that with the all-in-ones, you end up with with inferior performance on at least one process

[Dale M.]

The 210MVP is transformer..... How they compare, I have no Idea as I have the HH 140 and **IF** I knew then what I know now I would have gotten the 210MVP.... Dual voltage input makes very portable for me...

Beside a few extra AMPS never hurt anybody....

Dale

[Dan]

The arc quality of the HH190 or HH 210 MVP is superior to the HH 180, especially in the upper range of the output.

Arc quality between the HH 190 and HH 210 MVP is similar. I've always felt the HH 190 arc quality is a little better though.

[Dan]

The 210MVP is transformer..... How they compare, I have no Idea as I have the HH 140 and **IF** I knew then what I know now I would have gotten the 210MVP.... Dual voltage input makes very portable for me...

Beside a few extra AMPS never hurt anybody....

Dale

Dale, the HH 210 mvp also has a much nicer C25 solid wire arc then the HH 140.

[odis]

I researched for about 6 mos. the differences between inverter and transformer machines before buying. It appeared that the potential for that puff of black smoke that can happen with an inverter far outweighed the weight advantage. I bought my 210 MVP and have been very happy with my choice ever since. Just a hobbiest here and can't justify buying a new replacement every five to ten years. At the time I bought mine the price was great and if I wanted to also stick weld the cost of another stick welder would be less total cost than the cost of the Lincoln 210 MP. I have no interest in the investment in Tig and learning it.

[usmcpop]

The HH 190 is the successor to the HH 187. Not much change except spool gun ready, I believe. The HH 187 was an improvement over the HH 180, as Dan noted.

[Dan]

The HH 190 is the successor to the HH 187. Not much change except spool gun ready, I believe. The HH 187 was an improvement over the HH 180, as Dan noted.

You are correct. The Handler 187/ 190 is a superior unit to the Handler 180 in the area of arc quality and adjustability. The arc quality improvement is due to a different choke design that reduced the spatter level and improved weld puddle wet out, especially in the upper taps. Improvement in the area of adjustability is simply due to the additional 3 tap selections.

The Handler 187/190 is a proven design. If I am remembering my time line correctly, Hobart has been manufacturing the unit for at least 10 yrs.

[cope]

You are correct. The Handler 187/ 190 is a superior unit to the Handler 180 in the area of arc quality and adjustability. The arc quality improvement is due to a different choke design that reduced the spatter level and improved weld puddle wet out, especially in the upper taps. Improvement in the area of adjustability is simply due to the additional 3 tap selections.

The Handler 187/190 is a proven design. If I am remembering my time line correctly, Hobart has been manufacturing the unit for at least 10 yrs.

Dan, we tested the HH187 in 2006.

[usmcpop]

Dan, we tested the HH187 in 2006.

Oh, go ahead and remind everyone how old they are. You two old-timers joined the forum on 2002. I'm from the modern era - 2005.

[Rangerhgm]

I researched for about 6 mos. the differences between inverter and transformer machines before buying. It appeared that the potential for that puff of black smoke that can happen with an inverter far outweighed the weight advantage. I bought my 210 MVP and have been very happy with my choice ever since. Just a hobbiest here and can't justify buying a new replacement every five to ten years. At the time I bought mine the price was great and if I wanted to also stick weld the cost of another stick welder would be less total cost than the cost of the Lincoln 210 MP. I have no interest in the investment in Tig and learning it.

I'm kinda like you....no interest in Tig and if I want to do stick I would probably buy a Hobart 160i or 210i and have less money invested than a multi process machine.

I also like having a machine dedicated to the function it was designed for rather than a jack of all trades.

I remember a post where you talked about using straight Co2, and liking it.....that's what I ended up using and have been very pleased with the results.

[cope]

Oh, go ahead and remind everyone how old they are. You two old-timers joined the forum on 2002. I'm from the modern era - 2005.

So it's newer than you!

[gatemaker]

The 190 has a very nice arc. It runs .035" self shielded Hobart or Lincoln flux core wire like pouring hot butter.