Had to choose between a Miller and a Lincoln welder for my home shop 10 years ago

Back in 2014 I was setting up my garage and had about $1,200 to spend on a mig welder. I went with a Miller 211 after a buddy swore by his, even though the Lincoln 180 was $150 cheaper. First year I burned through a dozen spools of wire without a single hiccup. Replaced the liner once and that was it. Anyone else ever pick a brand and stick with it through thick and thin?

2 comments

2 Comments

charles_wilson24d ago

I read a forum thread years ago where a guy claimed his Lincoln 180 had burned through three circuit boards in five years, and I always remembered that when I was shopping. That story actually steered me toward Miller, even though I know plenty of people who swear by Lincoln for heavy industrial work. My 211 has been a real workhorse for sheet metal and light frame stuff around the house. I did have to replace the drive roll after about six years, but that was probably my fault for running it dirty. Funny how one bad experience someone else had can stick with you and influence a decision you make a decade later.

charlie26924d ago

That one story about the Lincoln boards wouldnt have swayed me much. Board failures happen across all brands, especially with power fluctuations or dirty power at home. Miller has had its share of board issues too, just look around at repair forums. People tend to remember the bad stories that confirm what they already want to believe. A single guy's bad luck with one machine is just that - bad luck, not a pattern. Ive seen Lincolns run for decades in shops with zero electrical issues.