Is it true?

[johnny_waz]

I've now heard from two welding shops that the Hobart brand will be no more after these newest series of welders run their course. Is that true that (Edit: ) ITW is going to discontinue the Hobart brand?

[Brand X]

I've now heard from two welding shops that the Hobart brand will be no more after these newest series of welders run their course. Is that true that Miller is going to discontinue the Hobart brand?

Then what will people buy when they need a small machine that works right, a Lincoln?.:D

[aametalmaster]

Don't know about the rumor but Miller does not own Hobart. They are both products of ITW so they are sister companys...Bob

[johnny_waz]

Oops! Sorry, I should of put ITW. Thanks for catching that.

Its funny you talk about the Lincolns. My local shop(lincoln, miller, hobart, hypertherm dealer) said that lincoln is recalling some of their new series welders. Supposedly they can catch fire due to some electrical failure inside the box:eek: .

[GIBBY]

Welcome to the web site operated by Hobart Welders ("Hobart Welders"), manufactured by Miller Electric Mfg Co., a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works (ITW).

I hope this rumor is not true. I like the Hobart products, they add some diversity to welding product choice. If you look at the line up of Hobart and Miller combined there are alot of machines to choose from, all quality products.

[Sundown]

I have a feeling that sometime in the not too far future that Miller & Lincoln is going to wish that Hobart would go away. Not very scientific but then I don't listen to welding shop rumors, esp. when most of them sell Miller & Lincolns ... and try to put down Hobarts, ESAB's, & Thermal Arcs in order to increase their sales. Just my own opinion here, people can believe whatever they want and I am sure they will.

[jamesdart]

i was told a few years ago that when they joined forces, they were going to phase out the hobart unique models, everything was going to basically be rebadged millers, then the hobart product line would go away.

[Brand X]

i was told a few years ago that when they joined forces, they were going to phase out the hobart unique models, everything was going to basically be rebadged millers, then the hobart product line would go away.


The Hobart engineers are making it tough for Miller to do so!!!!:D

[coalsmoke]

I don't think it will happen, it is just much too simple for ITW to run two ships in one race. Lincoln has it tough, they are completely stuck between risking not living up to their namebrand quality that people expect form them, while still trying to compete with the Hobart pricing scale> Now look at ITW, they can run the hobarts cheaper, and people expect less, plus, they are extra happy when they get lincoln quality for Hobart pirce. But, in the same race, they also have their Miller flagship, which when the buck hits the line, is going to cost more but generally be an uncompromised top of the line unit, more on par with Lincoln. ITW dropping the Hobart line up in this market would be like Lance Armstrong entering the Tour de France on a unicycle. :cool: There is only one thing that might force ITW to do this, a bottom-line consolodation of resources, but that would be more the case if there were rumours of ITW having financial difficulties, which I have yet to hear of.

[Brand X]

I don't think it will happen, it is just much too simple for ITW to run two ships in one race. Lincoln has it tough, they are completely stuck between risking not living up to their namebrand quality that people expect form them, while still trying to compete with the Hobart pricing scale> Now look at ITW, they can run the hobarts cheaper, and people expect less, plus, they are extra happy when they get lincoln quality for Hobart pirce. But, in the same race, they also have their Miller flagship, which when the buck hits the line, is going to cost more but generally be an uncompromised top of the line unit, more on par with Lincoln. ITW dropping the Hobart line up in this market would be like Lance Armstrong entering the Tour de France on a unicycle. :cool: There is only one thing that might force ITW to do this, a bottom-line consolodation of resources, but that would be more the case if there were rumours of ITW having financial difficulties, which I have yet to hear of.


Lincoln has the new little migs 140 180 machines being dealer only. The weldpac units are for HD/ Lowes type of stores.

[coalsmoke]

Lincoln has the new little migs 140 180 machines being dealer only. The weldpac units are for HD/ Lowes type of stores.

That's a good point. Two heads are better than one, as I forgot about those little mig pacs, which, in my opinion, works with what I was saying above about ITS having two boats in a race. Still, Lincoln must be carefull, if the two lines merge too much on them, they will lose top end customers due to perceived quality issues and back-yard warriors to potential pricing increases. However, I suspect they have many bright minds keeping a close eye on these things,;)

[HobartGuy]

All,
Hobart welding equipment and accessories are alive and well. Rather than leaving the market, you'll find that there are more great products on the way that will deliver great arc quality, ease of use, and industrial quality.

You can all rest assured that Hobart is thriving, not going away...

[Sundown]

All,
Hobart welding equipment and accessories are alive and well. Rather than leaving the market, you'll find that there are more great products on the way that will deliver great arc quality, ease of use, and industrial quality.

You can all rest assured that Hobart is thriving, not going away...

There was never a doubt in my mind.;)

[johnny_waz]

This is great news, thanks! Competition in the market place is always good. It helps keep prices more in check.
I was NOT trying to cause problems with my question. I was just trying to put a rumor to rest.

[Sberry]

All,
Hobart welding equipment and accessories are alive and well. Rather than leaving the market, you'll find that there are more great products on the way that will deliver great arc quality, ease of use, and industrial quality.

You can all rest assured that Hobart is thriving, not going away... Logic says they wouldnt be kicking out new models if they were having problems. I think the Hobart?Miller is a good combination, Lincoln is pimping out the name at the box stores.It creates confusion, good for Hobarts.

[coalsmoke]

Logic says they wouldnt be kicking out new models if they were having problems. I think the Hobart?Miller is a good combination, Lincoln is pimping out the name at the box stores.It creates confusion, good for Hobarts.

Cary, I agree about the lincoln and their name confusion. I think they should have subnamed it, like Lincoln Homeowner Series or something.

[Sberry]

Yes, just like Sqaure D did with their Homeline series. Those guys knew exactly what they were doing to dominate the market like they did. I see them as OEM in mobile and modular housing. Great move, has a real daisy chain effect.

[J Hall]

Cary, I agree about the lincoln and their name confusion. I think they should have subnamed it, like Lincoln Homeowner Series or something.
I can't agree more. Those cheap entry machines will sure help Miller though.
I do think Lincoln should have stayed out of the entry level hobby market.

[JAFR]

You can all rest assured that Hobart is thriving, not going away...

Glad to here that!!!!!!!!! :)

[Nadogail]

I recently bought a new Hobart AC/DC Stickmate. I was told by the Miller Rep that
the Hobart Stickmate is the same machine as the Miller Thunderbolt with a different
paint job and a lower price point.

I am very pleased with my purchase.