HH175 - vs - MM175

[Hamr]

Hi all, New here and need some info......

Just bought a HH175 from TSC (the kit for 698).
I have not taken it out of the box yet because I
also looked at a MM175, I can see a couple of
major things that differ in the two:

1. The voltage control has 4 taps on the HH
and is infinite on the MM.
Is it possible for one setting to be to hot and
one to be to cold ?

2. The wire feed assembly is plastic on the HH
and is metal on the MM.
How well will this stand up over time ?

One of the local welding supply shops told me the TSC
HH is not the same as the HH he would sell and that
he has to fix alot more Hobarts and hardly ever a Miller.
Sounds like a bunch of BS to me, got a whole different
story from one of the better shops in town.

The welder will be for my personal garage/shop,
If I welded anything thicker than 1/4" it would be a
piece of 1/4" to a piece of 3/8" (T) or 3/8" to 1/4".

So, any info that can be thrown my way would
be greatly appreciated. The MM would cost me another
100-150 to equip the way the HH came. Is it worth it ?
Or can I do what I need with the HH175 ?

Thank You

[Aaron]

Many, many questions here. Let's try to take them one at a time.

1) taps vs. infinite adjustment: this was a keen observation. The Miller does give you finer control, but in reality all this does is make it a pain in the rear to set up. This adjustment is the primary reason that most users familiar with both machines will recommend the HH175 for a new weldor. This has been discussed repeatedly on the board, and can be easily researched using the "search" function.

2) plastic drive mount vs. cast alum: again, a keen observation. It is starting to seem as though you've had a little knowledgable help here. The cast aluminum might make a difference in the long haul, but I doubt it. The idea is to not pull the unit around by the welding gun. It is not a leash, and the machine is not a dog. Given proper care, both units should last a lifetime.

3) welding supply BS: propably your keenest observation so far. Hobart has been very forthcoming about the fact that all the Hobart machines are the same regardless of where they are sold. As far as the quantity of Hobarts in for repair, I suggest this "salesperson" had already demonstrated his level of trustworthyness.

4) capability of welding 1/4" to 3/8": while it is "capable", it certainly isn't recommended, especially if it is a critical weld, such as reinforcing your trailer hitch. I will say that I have done this, but not on anything crucial. If you are seriously in need to weld this size material, consider the MM210, which is a large step above the HH210, and therefore worth the extra cost.

In my opinion, the HH175 is a capable machine, and is a great unit most home hobbiests. Dollar for dollar, it is certainly a better deal than the MM175. I like it enough that I plan to keep mine, even though I now have a MM251 for the heavy stuff.

[Sundown]

First question would be, have you welded before and have you welded with a wirefeed welder? If you have never welded, or have little experience with a Mig then I think the Hobart is for you. It is easier to learn on because of the tapped settings. You will be able to do anything with the Hobart that you would be able to do with the Miller I think. I had a Hobart 135 for over a year and never had, or heard of, any problems with the feed (plastic vs. Alu) system. As far as quality goes I don't think there is much difference, the only difference would be features. Service on either machine would be excellent, if the service in your area is not good , one mention on this board should take care of that. I don't think that TSC sells a different HH175 then anybody else. I am sure that others will comment on this, just give them some time. Try a search's on HH175, MM175 and such, this subject has been covered many times.

[Sundown]

Aaron,

If I would have known you were going to give such a great answer, I would have stayed in my recliner

[Scott V]

Aaron,no matter what anybody says a SP 175 plus is very easy to dial in.I think wire feed tracking on infinite controls are the real problem with the MM175.I just as soon let that die a natural death,or maybe just put it on the MM 251 if it is so great!

[Aaron]

Scott,

I have never used a SP175+ so I cannot and will not comment as to it's capabilities. I have run the MM175 and the HH175, and in my experience the HH175 is a better machine. I agree the issue with the MM175 is the wirespeed tracking. For this reason you can please stop suggesting they add it to the MM251, which is just fine the way it is!

If you noticed, other than suggesting a larger machine for 3/8" stock, I kept my review to the machines he specified. I personally have no problems with Lincoln products. I just have never used one. But, as I have mentioned before, when it came time to buy my big machine, the local Lincoln dealer recommended the Miller. Nuff said.

[Bugman]

All I can say is I love my HH175! The wife says I now spend more time in the shop than with her! I don't know how she could say such a thing I spend atleast 7 hours a day in the house sleeping! The rest of the time I spend searching for things to put the HH175 to the test. I'm definatly happy with mine!

[bv217]

you too bugman: my wife says that about everything I do "you don't spend enough time with me!" Oh well!

[Hobart Expert Dave]

Hamr, Listen to all the replys these people use them and Know what is good. I am proud to have all of you on this site. I sell them and have worked with Hobart for 25 years and I never had a person regetting the purchase of one unless they wanted to go larger. As for the difference between the Plastic and the cast aluminum which Miller uses. We Hobart have used this feed head in the Handler since day one which is over 20 years now I believe which was the Handler 90 and never have we had a problem with the feed head. Also these Handler's are the same no matter where they are sold. All Industrial products. Enough said you have made a wise purchase. Thanks buying Hobart.
Dave Evans

[morpheus]

Hey Dave,

I've been borrowing an old Hobart Handler 90 from a friend of mine. What is the rated output of the machine ?

- jack

[Hobart Expert Dave]

The rated output is 80 amps at 20% duty cycle. Actual amps is 100. I never could get much more than that. We have come a long way with the 115 volt input welders.
Dave Evans

[morpheus]

ok. Thanks a bunch Dave

- jack

[Hamr]

Thanks everyone for all your input,
I'm keeping the HH175 and looking
forward to using it (when I get time).
This is a great site, have been getting
a lot of good info here.