Best Men Tools

How many times has a welding machine helped you accomplish an important or trivial task? If you’re not a newbie, then you can’t remember the number, can you? Welding machines are constantly being subjected to improvements. So they can fit your every welding requirement. And if I’m going to talk about technological advancements in the field of welding machines, this is what comes to mind first. Hobart 210 vs. Miller 211.

So which one has the ability to meet your welding needs? How about we find out right away!

But before that, let’s get the basics right. That means it’s time to determine how to choose the best welding machine.

Choosing the Most Suitable Welding Machine for Yourself

The thing about buying a welder is that it’s a long-term arrangement. The product makes it possible for you to complete a broad range of tasks. Along with that, it saves your repair costs as well. Isn’t it amazing!

But the options on the current market tend to complicate the buying process. If you agree, then how about you allow me to make the undertaking easier? All I ask of you is to read the useful guide discussed below.

In here, you’ll find all important features and details about the best welding machine.

​Different Types of Welders

Photo credit: weld​ingtypes.net

• MIG Welders

These types of welding machines are very popular. Cause they offer an ideal combination of affordable price, competitive features, and easy usability.

You get the opportunity to use both your hands for holding that torch steady. This welder’s wire feeder speeds up the task of welding. You should also know that MIG welding uses gas for shielding the unit against impurities.

• TIG Welders

TIG welders are considered to be the most visually appealing. They are responsible for creating clean, high-quality welds. That don’t cause any metal distortion. Thanks to the addition of non-consumable tungsten design electrode. Along the same line, there’s no need to concern yourself with spatter either.

But TIG welders are not suitable for beginners or first-time users. You require a certain bit of training. That’s because this machine uses the foot pedal for regulating the process of welding. However, experienced welders swear by the performance of these types of models. As it gives them the opportunity to work with a wide range of metals!

• Stick Welders

For the most effective welding experience, nothing outperforms stick welders. This technique fuses joints and alloy. And it involves the use of the consumable electrode, which works both outside and inside. Instead of shielding gas, the electrode consists of flux coating. For cover and protection!

Since there’s no shielding gas here, stick welders are quite cost-effective. And that is what makes them so popular, even today.

​​Power Options

Higher power means thicker metals, doesn’t it? But here’s the catch. Higher voltage requires a special setup for power supply. This includes a suitable power outlet or generator.

So don’t expect a lower voltage welder to handle large-scale projects. But do expect it to plug into and run on any outlet. Anything above 115 volts doesn’t work on typical power supply units. That means they cost more in terms of operation.

Then there are AC and DC welding machines. The former is alternating current, which reverses at consistent intervals. And the latter is direct current that flows in a single direction. DC delivers steady energy, which results in deeper penetration and hotter temperatures.

So I don’t need to state that AC welders are lower priced than their DC counterparts. Even so, DC units are more popular due to their wider electrodes selection. On top of that, they also provide additional benefits like improved control and better penetration.

You’ll be glad to know that there are AC/DC welding machines as well.

​​Duty Cycle

The span of time that a welding machine runs before you turn it off for cooling is the duty cycle. Inexpensive options offer a shorter cycle. As opposed to the 100 percent duty cycle of more expensive units!

So it all depends on the thickness of the metal. Thicker metals demand more time, which means a longer cycle. As for small-scale home and DIY applications, you can make do with a shorter cycle. (10 tips for better welding skills)

Now that the foundation is in place, it’s time to get to the Hobart 210 vs Miller 211 debate. I have talked about both Hobart welders separately. So you know how one is different from the other.

​Hobart 210 vs Miller 211: Comparison Table

Hobart 210 vs Miller 211: Product Comparison

 1  Hobart Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder

The Hobart Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder is a very useful tool for completing welding tasks. But that goes without saying, doesn’t it? However, the current pick is exceptionally useful. Thanks to its numerous features. That enables the machine to perform your desired function.

When using the Hobart Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder, you require no tools. It provides the much-needed flexibility. And thanks to the multi-volt plug (MVP), it connects to both 115V and 230V.

To make the product seem more appealing, the manufacturer offers their industrial warranty as well.

So to sum it up, here some of the best advantages and worst disadvantages!

 Pros:

• Dual groove to ensure a quick change of the drive roll.
• Flexibility for DIY projects such as metal sculpture, fence, lawn and gardening equipment, etc.
• The optional spool gun makes way for aluminum welding.
• Usability and assembly are easy tasks.
• The setup user guide is included, and very helpful.
• Switching between 230V and 115V power receptacles is fast. And that too without using any special or basic tools.

 Cons:

• The only disappointment comes in the form of restricted duty cycles. So you cannot use the Hobart Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder for longer periods of time.

So this was the Hobart 210 MVP review. Now it’s time to look at the other side of the coin.

 2  Miller Electric MIG Welder

Welcome to the Miller 211 review. Let me begin by stating nothing but the truth. Welding with Miller 211 is an extremely reliable experience. Even this model, much like the Hobart, consists of unique features. You can use it to make repairs and fabrications on a lot of different things.

But most importantly, the Miller Electric MIG Handheld Welder is easy, fast, and smooth to use. In fact, it’s even portable due to the inclusion of the 10 inches MIG gun.

So here are the advantages and disadvantages you need to know about!

 Pros:

• The Miller Electric MIG Welder is the most suitable for beginners.
• Maintaining it is not only easy but inexpensive too.
• Thermal overload feature for protection shuts down the machine. While also activating the temperature light. This happens when the duty cycle exceeds its limit. Or when the airflow gets blocked. Such a safety feature is not a part of the Hobart 210 model.
• Trigger reset for quick reset changes at the torch. And not the unit.
• Due to the absence of a pop gun, you don’t have to deal with spatters.
• Welding aluminum is more reliable and economical.
• There’s voltage control to provide enough flexibility. So you can set customized parameters for mild steel. Or you can choose to set the welder manually at the time of working with aluminum and stainless steel.

 Cons:

• Even this welding machine fails to offer a longer duty cycle. So both Hobart and Miller are a bit lacking in that department.

Hobart 210 vs Miller 211: Final Recommendation

Now that you know all about the unique features of both models, which one would you pick?

Do you like the highly practical design of the Hobart Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder? Or is the beginner-friendly set of features of the Miller Electric MIG Welder more valuable?

The only thing to remember here is to select a machine that serves your welding needs accordingly. Both manufacturers have done an excellent job. So the answer entirely depends on your personal requirements.

Related Tips and Tricks from BestMenTools Lists:

1. DeWALT DW734 vs. DW735 (How To Choose The Best Planer)
2. Fluke 115 vs. 117 (What is The Best Digital Multimeter?)

Sources:

1. Selecting the right Welder

2. Choosing a Welding machine