HH 187 vs MM 180 vs LPM 180C/T

[Jacksonrh64]

New welder needing my first Mig for hotrod construction mainly. 1st choice is the HH 187 $649.99 w/cart and free shipping, 2nd choice MM 180 $812.00 w/cart free shipping, 3rd choice LPM 180C $789.87 or LPM180T $733.87 w/cart and free shipping. Oppinion of "continuous voltage control" versus manual control? After reading all the post I still am confused as to if the other welders are worth the extra money over the HH 187. Your advise would be greatly appreciated pro or con.

Thanks,
jacksonrh64

[Robo48]

I don't have experience with any of these machines but don't think you can go wrong with the Hobart 187 and cart for $649. In fact I am seriously thinking about ordering one myself and I just got a new welder

[Robo48]

Also IMO if you are going to spend anymore money that what the 187 costs just jump right into a mm210 and fhaghettaboutit

[Jacksonrh64]

Thanks for the responce. That is how I feel about the Hobart 187. I just was wanting some expert opinions on the purchase. I can't justify in my mind paying the difference to get the MM180 my 2nd choice (not much info on the MM180) or the Lincoln180C. I was wondering about the infinite voltage versus the manual voltage. I feel the the manual would probably be better for a beginner like me than the continues (less chance fo me to mess up on choice and probably less chance of equipment failure and less cost to repair in the long run if there is a failure).

Thanks,
jacksonrh64

[Robo48]

I kind of feel if the taps on the machine are engineered properly its just easier to tune in the arc with a tapped machine vs a continuous voltage machine. This is almost a direct quote from Dan, but I have found it to be true myself as I gain more experience with mig welders. For the money I don't think there is a better deal in a mig welder than the 187. If Dan likes it as well as he does its got to be good enough for you and me.

[rawen2]

The HH 187 sounds great. But I'm waiting to hear someone compare the new Lincoln 180T to the HH 187.
Ralph Wenzl

[Dan]

The HH 187 sounds great. But I'm waiting to hear someone compare the new Lincoln 180T to the HH 187.
Ralph Wenzl

Ralph, the HH 187 offers 7 voltage taps to choose from, and the Lincoln PM 180T offers 5. With the HH 187 being solid, this already handicaps the Lincoln unit some.

[Dan]

The HH 187 is a solidly designed unit, that offers plenty of adjustment with its 7 voltage tap design, so I doubt you would be disappointed with it. You are correct in assuming that its tapped voltage design makes it very user friendly, especially for a low skill level operator. It helps too, that the unit is high quality, in the areas of arc characteristic and weld puddle wet out.

[Jacksonrh64]

Thanks for all the replies. I orderd my HH 187 today.

Any recommendations on a good welding helmet with auto darkening lens? I don't need
the $250.00 fancy ones just one that will do the job and be comfortable, I wear bifocals if that makes a difference.

Thanks,
jacksonrh64

[fyoung]

Thanks for all the replies. I orderd my HH 187 today.

Any recommendations on a good welding helmet with auto darkening lens? I don't need
the $250.00 fancy ones just one that will do the job and be comfortable, I wear bifocals if that makes a difference.

Thanks,
jacksonrh64

If you just want something cheap that works..auto darkening..try HF
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91214
I'm sure others will also have suggestions.
farris

[BigEd_36]

Thanks for all the replies. I orderd my HH 187 today.

Any recommendations on a good welding helmet with auto darkening lens? I don't need
the $250.00 fancy ones just one that will do the job and be comfortable, I wear bifocals if that makes a difference.

Thanks,
jacksonrh64

Sense you wear bifocals, make sure that whatever helmet you buy has provisions to hold a "cheater lens" (magnifying lense). I myself wear trifocals, the magnifying lenses help my ability to see my weld a LOT. Trying to see thru your "close" lens in the bottom of your glasses is a real pain, but with the magnifier for your presciption installed, you can just look thru the distance (main) lens of your glasses. Makes it much easier.

Ed