About time to replace my Lincoln Power Mig 216, which replaced my Lincoln Power Mig 255 that the mother board took a shit on. I really liked the 255. Looking at the Hobart 240 that includes a spool gun for $2599. My only other experience with a Hobart was a little Hobart Handler flux core machine. Will I hate it? The Lincoln is substantially more W/O the spool gun, and the Miller even more than that. Machine will be used for repairs and some fab work, but no production work.
I just picked up a Miller 255 last Friday, I was considering a used 350p but couldn't make the deal happen so I went the 255 route. I also have a 211 which is a capable machine up to 3/8", light and portable if you need to move the machine around alot. Can't get a replacement board for your Lincoln? I don't think you can go wrong with getting a Lincoln or Miller. I haven't owned a Hobart in years and they seem to have less bells and whistles. The duty cycle on it seems decent though.
I used to have a dual voltage Handler...maybe 210 that worked just fine. My only complaint was the Voltage was steps, not a pot. Not sure if the 240 is like that or not. If you dont need a million settings/computer thingy majigs on the newer Blue or Red machines then the Hobart should be fine
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think all the Hobart stuff now (for the past 15-20 years or so), are just miller machines run through the bean counters aimed more at the home/hobby market. I used to have a hobart autoarc 140, which was identical to the miller autoarc 140, but without the all metal drive train. I have an older lincoln 180c now, and don't see me upgrading anytime in the future, so I can't comment on the current offerings. What's wrong with the powermig 216?
Last I checked the board was $1800. Pretty sure I paid $2700 for the 216, which is still a legit welder on a Cart. I should probably revisit the board for the 255.
