Need help deciding MM175 or MM210

[68mustang]

Hi, I have been reading this forum for a few days now and just wanted to say this place is awesome. So much helpful information its unbelievable. I am not new to MIG welding but I am looking for a new machine. I have narrowed it down to the MM175 or the MM210. I want 220v also. The reason I am asking is because the 210 is double the price of the 175. What I am going to use it for is bodywork (floorpans, patching fenders, etc) on a '68 mustang. I think the MM 175 would do the job but I read you should buy the biggest you can afford, which would be the 210. But do I need to spend twice the amount for what I am going to use it for? Thanks for the input.

[tigman]

Hi and welcome to the forum. The 175 will be fine for what you are going to do, if you can afford the bigger machine and see a use for the added power in the future buy the 210. If you are just doing body work the 175 will do the job just fine. Scott

[DaVinci]

Often on these forums, folks considering the MM175 are steered toward the HH180 instead. A couple features mentioned are the wirespeed tracking and infinite voltage of the MM175 not necessarily being desireable. Do a 'search' and lots of expert posts will show up for you to consider.

BTW, I saw a local package deal for the HH180 including cart, helmet, gloves, etc. for $599. Not sure if it includes gas. Where are you located?

I was steered toward the MM210 when I asked the same question you've asked. The 210 is more than I probably need, but it's good knowing I probably won't need to upgrade anytime soon, if ever.

Anyway, good luck and Welcome

[68mustang]

I'm located in Biloxi, Ms. I think then since the MM175 is wire speed tracking I will go with the MM210. I just have this thing with the big blue box that turns me on. I know the Hobart is made by Miller but I also heard it was the "cheaper" line. I like to live by the old saying "you get what you pay for" so I would like to stick with a Miller.

[DaVinci]

You'll enjoy the 210. Not sure how much it costs online, but locally I saw it for $1199 just two days ago.

Oh, the other thing to consider is portability...the 210 not being very portable and the 175/180 being light and compact enough to lift into your vehicle and go.

[Sberry]

I also like the HH series in the small machines, for one thing, its cheaper and does the same job. I really like the idea of the 210's though for the small shop niche market as they add a lot more versatility without going to a big machine that wont be used up to its capacity anyway and they are easy on the electric service too,, 30A service for a 210, good if you need to use cords.

[klsm54]

I agree wholeheartedly with the "Buy the biggest, and best, that you can afford", philosophy, at least within reason. And in the case of the 210 vs. the 175, I think it is excellent advice. I would spring for the 210.

Here is a little justification of my case for the 210...

The MM210 is a 60% duty cycle machine @ 160amps and 24.5 volts
....MM175 is a 30% duty cycle machine @ 130amps and 20.0 volts

The MM210 takes 12" spools of wire, which means that wire is cheaper and there is a much larger variety of wires available than the 8" spools that the 175 will accept.

The MM210 has a 12 ft M-25 (250 amp rating) versus a 10' M-10( 100 amp rating) mig gun.

The MM210 comes complete with a running gear and cylinder rack, the 175 does not.

The MM210 will accept a "plug in" spoolgun for aluminum welding, where the 175 requires a $239.00 adaptor to put a spoolgun on it.

The MM210 has "Gun on Demand" feature, that makes switching from standard mig gun to spool gun as simple as picking up either gun and pulling the trigger.

The 210 has a heavier wire drive system.

So when you consider the extras that you get with a 210, you really aren't paying much more for the much heavier duty power supply itself.

[68mustang]

Thanks for all the help and advice, I think I will go with the MM210.

[MangleWeld]

You made a good decision. You got a lot of advice and I would go after the mm210 and not look back, best money you will ever spend. Good luck

[Wheat]

68Stang,
The 220volt class will suit you wayyyy more than enough for restoring your pony. For 22 years I owned a 68 also. Honestly when I had my Mustang, all I had was a HH120. If this is ALL you want to do with the welder is restore the Mustang, a HH140 is plenty of a welder for the application. Save the extra cash left over for Mustang parts. (you'll need it) The HH140 will work great on your rusty floorpans, cowl ,doors, hood, trunk lid, many an etc. On a quiet night I could hear my car rusting. Good luck with your decision. Listen to the forum guys here, they won't steer you wrong......

[Sundown]

If it's in your budget then the MM210 is the one to get, I would bet that that mustang won't be the only thing you will every want to weld.

[68mustang]

I figured what the heck, Ill take a look at the HH180 just to see what it has to offer and it also says it has wire speed tracking also, just like the MM175. Am I wrong, maybe I misread it. But anyhow, I am becoming interested in the HH180, so can I have some opinions on that machine.

[davesisk]

The HH180 has tapped voltage selection while the MM175 has an infinite voltage adjustment. I don't know from experience, but everyone says the wirefeed speed is much easier to tweak with the tapped voltage than the infinite, so that's one reason everyone recommends the HH180/HH175 over the MM175. Just FYI...

Dave

[timw]

Here's a car guy comparison, what do you want in your Mustang, a 6 cylinder (175/180) or a V-8 (210)? The car drives and goes OK with a 6cyl, but with a V-8 you have a lot more options/performance. And if you add a blower to the V-8 you would have the MM 250. Just another angle.
I have the MM 210 and it was a great decision for me. When I bought mine I wasn't sure if I could justify the purchase. I made the money back in 3 months with it. (with occasional welding jobs in my business)

[68mustang]

Yeah, I think the MM210 will do the job and then some. I'm going to order one in the next few weeks (I'm moving right now). I keep reading about "IOC" is the best place to order them from online. Does anyone have a link to them I have no idea who they are or how to get a hold of them. Thanks again for all the help everyone.