MM 210 or Fabricator 251

[Code&Weld]

I haven't been on this board for a while. Since I've been gone the MM 175 became a 180, and the HH180 became a 187. I've read the threads and I think I still lean toward the MM 210 even though this will be only a hobby, home garage unit. I went to ebay to see what IOC is charging for a MM 210 these days and I ran across this:

Fabricator 251

That was probably a mistake. One of you guys will probably buy it. Anyway I found a few threads regarding the "Fabricators" here, but was wondering what you guys would do. I am close enough to Modesto to pick up the machine linked above so no shipping, but I would have to pay the governator about $100.

So what would you guys buy? and more important why?

Thanks for your input,

Brian

[Hobart Expert Darrell]

The Fabricator product had its origin here in Troy, Ohio as a Hobart Brothers product. It was one of the product lines that ITW sold to the company that became Thermal Arc. The manufacturing plant was first set-up here in Troy, Ohio. A couple years ago, Thermal Arc pulled up stakes, closed their plant here in Troy, and moved their manufacturing operations to Malaysia.

The Millermatic 210 is made in Appleton, WI, U.S.A. The comparable Hobart products (IronMan 210 and 250) are made in Troy, Ohio, U.S.A.

The location of manufacture may be important when considering customer service (located in U.S.A. for Miller and Hobart).

[Code&Weld]

Thanks Darrell,

That is probably the reason I will go with a Miller. I would like to thank you guys for allowing us to post about competing products. I was just shocked by the specs of the machine for the $1300 it was listed at. Support and service is becoming an even bigger concern for me. I can't find many people selling the machine at all, and just about everyone sells Miller and/or Lincoln. I will probably still go with the MM 210, the HH 187 is interesting, but I like the extra power and the spoolgun support of the 210.

Brian

[Dan]

I'd have to stay with the MM 210. Which translates into meaning, that mine has given me 5 trouble free years of solid performance. By now, I know for certain that the MM 210 is a quality performing unit. I 've never ran the Fab 251.

The info Darrell supplied would definitely be a determining factor in my decision too. My 250 amp unit may be an ESAB , but I had no issues purchasing it, since it was built in Florence, SC.

[Brand X]

Originally Posted by Dan

I'd have to stay with the MM 210. Which translates into meaning, that mine has given me 5 trouble free years of solid performance. By now, I know for certain that the MM 210 is a quality performing unit. I 've never ran the Fab 251.

The info Darrell supplied would definitely be a determining factor in my decision too. My 250 amp unit may be an ESAB , but I had no issues purchasing it, since it was built in Florence, SC.

I would probably buy one over the Miller 251 but not the 210.
It's got lots of power for a 250 amp machine, plus tapped output
controls. Hard to beat the current 210 in the short-arc and only
if I was using dual-shield/spray, would I consider the Thermal.

I kind of wish Sanrex made that model and then it would be
no brainer.

[Sparkeee24]

Howdy Howdy! Not to knock the awe inspiring MM210, or the HH187, or anything else, BUT the Thermal arc machines have been performing wonderfully well for most. I would put the Thermal Arc TSW185 in the same 5 star rating as the MM210 and HH187. I would also add the Lincoln Invertec V-350 Pro advanced process, and the MK products Cobra-matic push-pull cabinet and gun. These all get 5 star ratings in my book. I would Not discount the Thermal arc unit just yet... wait to see what others say who HAVE this machine. I would seriously consider the Thermal arc. Twin bottle rack, spoolgun ready, a 300 amp gun (which is quite an upgrade), included timer kit for stitch, spot, 2step, 4 step, Digital displays, two driving rolls, and both .035 and .045. ALSO... this is what I actually liked the most, is 31.7 volts, 300 amps at 40% duty cyle. That's killer for the price, and Airgas sells thermal arc also, and it is one of the largest dealers in the US. Thank you Hobart for allowing the wonderful use of your site, without limiting the public from speaking on other products. If it's any consolation Hobart guys, I always buy your fluxcore products Good luck in your decision! Brian Lee Sparkeee27

[Collector]

My Fabricator 251 has worked great , besides, ther are 10 Thermal Arc Dealers near me and only 3 miller dealers... that made the choice easier.