I am doing some research for buying a TIG welder in the future. I have narrowed the search down to 3 models.

1. Miller Syncrowave 180 SD
2. Lincoln Squarewave 175
3. Hobart Tigmate

The Miller and Lincoln are pretty equal with the Miller having a slightly higher duty cycle.

I just recently heard about the Hobart which is the cheapest of the group and slightly less amps.

Is anyone here familiar with Hobart welders as far as quality, performance, and customer service?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

BTW, I am seriously leaning toward the Miller, but want to give all units a fair chance http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks

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Todd Geisler
79 Malibu
11.16@125.8mph
Malibu Muscle
http://www.MalibuMuscle.cjb.net

[This message has been edited by Todd Geisler (edited 08-21-2000).]

It has been a long time since I bought a new TIG welder (1978) and I bought a Lincoln because the people selling Miller were way too proud ($$$$$) of their stuff. I was very happy with the Lincoln once I got it to my shop.Probably happier with it than I would have been with the Miller because it had more heat ranges and features. I believe that Hobart is now owned by Lincoln, so maybe it shares some stuff with the Lincoln. You will probably do well with any of those as they are all good companies with good products. Maybe one parameter to consider is how many dealers each welder has in your area. If you need parts or help, more dealers is better than fewer. As for duty cycle and amps, consider how/what you will be welding. If you are fabricating chassis parts and doing some casting repairs it may be a non-issue. If you are planning on major casting modifications where you will be adding lots of metal (like lots of combustion chamber re-shaping) then a higher duty cycle would be an advantage. For most welding, you will be making arcs for only a minute or two at a time. Keep in mind that the duty cycle is based on a 10 minute period which is a LOT of welding.

[This message has been edited by JWagner (edited 08-21-2000).]

I just found a little more data. The Hobart Tigmate appears to be a re-badged Miller Econotig. Both companies are owned by ITW which is Illinois Tool Works. This would make sence since the Syncrowave 180SD was braught in to replace the Econotig which Miller no longer really recommends. The specs for the Hobart are ecact the same as the Econotigs as well as all the switches, controls, case shape & size, and also the optional parts share Miller part #'s.

The major thing I just saw with the Hobart I don't really like is the amps won't go below 20. We have used a TIG to weld in delicate sheetmetal where a mig wasn't practical. According to the chart, you need less than 20 amps to weld 20 gauge and thinner metals without burning though.

Hmmm...more to think about.

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Todd Geisler
79 Malibu
11.16@125.8mph
Malibu Muscle
http://www.MalibuMuscle.cjb.net

make sure you check with B&R Welders in White Plains Maryland. See Bob. He is a great guy.



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Adam Buckingham 13 yrs old
Jim Buckingham
72 Chevelle in Pieces

I sell welders for a living. You are right on about the Hobart and Miller.
I personally have the Lincoln and my brother has the Miller Econotig. My machine will weld circles around his. The Syncrowave 180 is a lot better than the Econotig. Lincoln has an pulse option for the Squarewave 175.
What is your primary use gonna be. Also take into consideration the primary amperage draw on a tig welder.
Good luck
Jeff Palazzolo

I am leaning very strongly toward the new Lincoln Squarewave 175 Pro. The new unit has a lightly lower amperage for thin sheet metal, a new updated torch, and also the ability to upgrade to a pulse adapter. I think the features vs price makes the Lincoln my choice.

I will be welding sheet metal to 3/16" thick mild steel and chrome moly. I don't plan to do any aluminum welding other than maybe playing with it to see what it is like. I do all my own fabrication on my race car, and may start doing some side work once I get some of the larger tools I need. I guess I just enjoy building cars better than I do tuning them. I am also tired of taking advantage of my best friend asking for welding favors. It's time to learn this myself and see how I do. I am very talanted with my hands, so I know it will just take some practice (well, maybe allot of practice). I have a mig, but prefer the look and quality of a TIG bead.

I was very impressed with Lincolns web site and the information it contained. I was supprised that Paul LeSage (team torch) uses the 175 Pro to do all his track side repair work.


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Todd Geisler
79 Malibu
11.16@125.8mph
Malibu Muscle
http://www.MalibuMuscle.cjb.net

Well, I went ahead and did it. I ordered a welder that I have been wanting for years now. After quite a bit of investigating, I settled on the Lincoln Squarewave 175 Pro. I have a Mig currently, but the helmet I have is a fixed shade (for mig) and is a very cheap helmet. I also ordered a Speedglas 9000x auto darkening helmet. This helmet is about their top of the line piece. It has variable shades (9 to 13) and features a larger sight window.

I decided not to buy Lincoln's roling chassis. The plan is to build my own using 1 1/2" angle iron and cover it with sheetmetal. It will have a storage compartment in the bottom for the helmet gloves and extension cord. Should make a nice project to get familiar with how to TIG. Once that cart is done, I plan to make another for my Mig welder. It's just a matter of practice, practice, practice now.


Thanks for the responses guys.

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Todd Geisler
79 Malibu
11.16@125.8mph
Malibu Muscle
http://www.MalibuMuscle.cjb.net