The Hobart Handler 190 vs Lincoln 180 welders are two of the most popular welding machine on the market. But, with both welders having similar price points and features, how can you know which is best? After all, choosing the right welder is an important decision. And, as any professional welder will tell you, the welding machine affects the quality and efficiency of your work.
If you are starting your welding hobby or career, what are the Lincoln 180 and Hobart 190 welders? Both are portable MIG welding machines with a wire feed flux core and require an input voltage of 230V. The welders are ideal for welding mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Professionals in the welding industry highly rate both welding units. So, which should you choose?
This article compares the features of the Hobart Handler 190 and Lincoln 180 welders. You will learn about each welder’s pros and cons, specifications, and unique features. At the end of the article, you can make an informed decision on which one to purchase.
Lincoln 180 Welder
The Lincoln 180 welder is a high-quality portable wire welding machine for welding various types of metals. You can use the welder to weld thin steel, mild steel, stainless steel, sheet metal, or aluminum. Its simple design, user-friendly interface, and quality make welding easier and more effective.
Lincoln 180 Welder — Overview
The Lincoln 180 welder boasts an infinite wire feed speed control, enabling precision welding for different materials with a thickness of up to 0.19” (3/16 of an inch). It features a two-knob control panel to control voltage and wire speed. In addition, it includes a gas and gasless nozzle and gas shield apparatus.
Features of the Lincoln 180 Welder
The Lincoln 180 has features designed for professional and DIY hobbyists alike. The welder is designed for effortless MIG and flux-cored welding. It has a quiet motor that requires 208 or 220 volts of input power. Additionally, the amperage range of the welder is 30 to 180 amps. Also, the infinite wire feed speed control ensures precision welding.
Here are other features of the Lincoln 180:
- Two-knob control panel to adjust voltage and wire speed
- Gas and gasless nozzles included
- Easy to use, user-friendly interface
- Durable construction
- Compatible with both MIG and flux-cored wire
- Adjustable wire feed speed
- Comes with three 0.25” and three 0.35” contact tips
- Ten-foot work cable and clamp for secure grounding
Here are the specifications of the Lincoln Electric Pro MIG 180:
- Input voltage: 208 – 220V
- Input current: 20A
- Polarity: DC
- Weight: 56 lbs.
- Wire feed amperage: 20 – 180A
- Duty cycle: 30% at 130 amps
- Voltage control: Five positions
- Welding processes: MIG, flux-cored welding
- Wire Feed Speed: 50 – 500 IPM
- Flux-cored wire size range: 0.025” – 0.045”
- Solid wire size range: 0.025″ – 0.035″
- Warranty: Three years
Lincoln 180 Welder — Pros and Cons
One of the best ways to know if the Lincoln 180 welder suits your requirements is to know its pros and cons.
Pros
- Ideal for MIG and flux-cored welding
- Easy to adjust two-knob control panel for voltage and wire speed
- Diamond core technology ensures a stable arc
- Durable construction
- Suitable for thin steel, mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
Cons
- Expensive compared to other welding machines
- Only 30% duty cycle 130 amps
- Shorter warranty duration compared to the Hobart 190
- Fewer voltage options compared to the Hobart welder
Hobart 190 Welder
The Hobart Handler 190 is one of the most popular welding machines for professional welders and DIY hobbyists. Like the Lincoln 180, the Hobart Handler has a no-fuss interface to control voltage and wire speed. Additionally, it’s suitable for handling various thicknesses of 24 gauge mild steel up to 0.31” (5/16 of an inch).
Hobart 190 Welder — Overview
The Hobart Handler 190 is a powerful and reliable welding machine that runs on 230V input power. It features a 7-voltage range selection for precise welding, suitable for mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. It is easy to use and has a duty cycle of 30% at 130 amps.
The unit is also compatible with both MIG and flux-cored wires, making it suitable for experienced professionals and beginners in the field of welding.
Here are some of the features that make the Hobart Handler 190 stand out:
- 7-voltage range selection for precise welding
- Infinite wire feed speed control
- Compatible with both MIG and flux-cored wires
- Easy-to-use control panel
- Arc force control for smooth arc starts
- Ten-foot work cable with clamp and 6ft. power cord
- It comes complete with three 0.30” contact tips
Here are the specifications of the Hobart Handler 190:
- Input voltage: 230V
- Input current: 30V
- Polarity: DC
- Weight: 68 lbs.
- Wire feed amperage: 25 – 190A
- Duty cycle: 30% at 130 amps
- Voltage control: Seven positions
- Welding processes: MIG, flux-cored welding
- Wire Feed Speed: 40 – 700 IPM
- Flux-cored wire size range: 0.030” – 0.045”
- Solid wire size range: 0.023″ – 0.035″
- Warranty: Five years
Hobart Handler 190 Welder — Pros and Cons
Like any welder, the Hobart 190 has its advantages and disadvantages. And the impact of these advantages and disadvantages depends on your welding requirements. Here are some pros and cons of the Hobart 190:
Pros:
- Ideal for MIG and flux-cored welding
- Seven-voltage range selection for precise welding — two more than the Lincoln 180
- Infinite wire feed speed control
- Triple groove, Quick Select drive roller
- Easy-to-use control panel
- Wire is electrically cold until the trigger is pulled for safety
- Built-in automatic thermal and drive overload protection
- Five-year warranty
Cons:
- Heavy compared to the Lincoln 180
- Comparable duty cycle to the Lincoln 180, 30% at 130 amps which is low for its class
- Only supports 230V input
Hobart Handler 190 vs Lincoln 180— Comparison
It is important to compare welders before purchasing to ensure you are getting the best tool for your needs. For example, when comparing the Lincoln 180 vs. Hobart 190, consider factors such as duty cycle, wire size, weight, and input voltage to determine which machine will be the most effective for your welding projects.
Here are how the key features of the Hobart 190 and Lincoln 180 compare
Welding amperage
Amperage is a crucial factor when choosing a welder as it affects penetration. Comparing the two welders, the Hobart 190 has a welding amperage range of 25 to 190A. In contrast, the welding amperage range of the Lincoln 180 is 30 to 180A. The broader range on the Hobart 190 makes it better suited for heavier-duty welding tasks.
Duty cycle
The duty cycle of a welder is the amount of time it can be used continuously before needing to cool down. In this respect, the specifications of both welders are the same — the Hobart Handler 190 and Lincoln 180 both have a duty cycle of 30% at 130 amps.
Weight and portability
The welder’s weight is a vital factor if you must transport the machine. So how do the two welders compare in terms of weight? Of the two, the Lincoln 180 is the lighter model, weighing 57 lbs. On the other hand, the Hobart Handler weighs 68 lbs., making it significantly heavier.
Therefore, the Hobart 190 is still easy to move around a job site, but its heavier weight makes it less ideal for frequent transportation.
Wire size
The size of wire the welding gun can handle greatly affects the efficiency of the welding process. For example, the Hobart Handler 190 supports flux-cored ranging from 0.030” to 0.035” and solid wires ranging from 0.024” to 0.035”. On the other hand, the Lincoln 180 takes flux-cored wire 0.030” to 0.045” and solid wire 0.025” to 0.035”.
Price and value for money
Investing in a top-brand welder like the Lincoln 180 or Hobart 190 isn’t cheap. However, you are guaranteed great value. Both welders are in the same price category and cost between $850 and $1,000. However, the Hobart Handler is the more affordable option of the two welders, with a price tag of approximately $100 cheaper.
However, it’s important to consider all of the features each welder offers before deciding. For example, the Hobart 190 has additional features such as seven voltage options and higher amperage. However, the Lincoln 180 can handle thicker flux-cored wires.
Performance Comparison
To help you decide which welder is best for your needs, compare the performance of the Lincoln 180 and the Hobart 190. Consider factors like material thickness and type, welding power, and wire feed mechanism all affect the quality of the weld. Additionally, it’s good to know how well the welder performs on aluminum.
Welding thickness
The Lincoln 180 and Hobart 190 have similar capabilities when it comes to welding thickness. However, the Hobart 190 has slightly better capabilities compared to its competitor. With the Hobart model, you can weld up to 0.31” in mild steel, whereas the Lincoln 180 can only handle up to 0.19” thick materials.
The Hobart is the best choice if you plan on welding thicker materials. However, if you typically weld thin, mild steel, there is little difference between the two.
Welding power and capability
Because the Hobart 190 has a higher amperage range (25 – 190A), it is generally better for heavy-duty welding tasks. For example, it has five amps lower and ten amps higher than the Lincoln, making it more versatile. The Lincoln 180 offers good penetration and can handle thicker materials, but it is less powerful than the Hobart 190.
Material type
Comparing the Lincoln 180 and Hobart 190, it’s clear that both units are suitable for welding mild steel and aluminum. However, the extra power of the Hobart 190 and seven voltage settings make it better suited for thick steel and aluminum welding.
Wire feed mechanism
The Lincoln 180 and Hobart 190 feature a robust wire feed drive made from cast aluminum. We also found it easy to swap rolls or mount a new spool of welding wire. However, it seems from the two, the Hobart 190 has a slight edge. For example, we found that it doesn’t tangle, which is sometimes an issue with the Lincoln.
What about the wire feed speed? Again, the Hobart 190 comes out on top. It has a wire feed speed range of 40 to 740 IPM, whereas the range of the Lincoln is more limited at 50 to 500 IPM.
Welding Aluminum
The Hobart 190 is better suited for welding aluminum due to its higher amperage range and seven voltage settings. While welding aluminum with a spool gun is easier, the Hobart is better suited to aluminum welding straight out of the box.
Comparison of Accessories and Consumables
Purchasing a top-brand welder typically means getting high-grade accessories, consumables, and extras in the package. So how do the Lincoln 180 and Hobart 190 compare when it comes to out-the-box extras and accessories?
Flow regulator and hose
Both units come with a gas regulator and good-quality hose. You also get a dual gauge, one showing cubic feet per hour and the other displaying remaining gas levels. The Hobart 190 comes with a Miller-branded gas regulator, while Lincoln provides a Harris gas regulator with a hose. The gas hoses are flexible and leak-proof.
Ground clamp cables
Although the Hobart Handler 190 is generally the better welder, the ground clamp is significantly smaller than the Lincoln model. In addition, the cable lacks braided bonding protection, making it tricky to get and maintain a reliable ground connection.
Out-of-the-box consumables and extras
Here is what you get in regard to extras and consumables with both welders:
Hobart Handler 190: Sample spool of gasless wire, three spare contact tips, and a handy gauge to measure metal thickness.
Lincoln 180: Six extra contact tips, a spool of solid wire, a spool of flux-cored MIG wire, and a gasless wire nozzle.
How Users Rate the Lincoln 180 and Hobart 190
Users generally rate the Lincoln 180 and Hobart 190 welders highly. Reviews of both welders point to them being user-friendly, reliable, and offering good value for money. In addition, customers appreciate the quality of the welders and their ability to handle a wide range of materials.
Comparing hundreds of online reviews, it’s clear that the Hobart Handler 190 has the edge over the Lincoln 180. It has 4.8 stars out of 5 from 200 reviews, compared to a 4.5-star rating from 100 for the Lincoln model. Additionally, the Hobart Handler is better rated for its ease of use and suitability for beginners.
Final Verdict — Hobart Handler 190 vs Lincoln 180
In conclusion, the Hobart Handler 190 is the superior welder compared to the Lincoln 180. It offers more power, better wire feed speeds, and seven voltage settings. These factors make it more versatile for welding aluminum and thicker steel. Additionally, it comes with various consumables and extras that make it easier to use straight out of the box. Finally, user reviews also show it’s an excellent choice for experienced welders and beginners.
Also, compared to the Lincoln, it has a cheaper price tag, making it one of the best welders for professionals, serious DIYers, and beginners.
Hobart Handler 190 vs Lincoln 180-In Conclusion
Both the Hobart Handler 190 and Lincoln 180 are great welders for under $1,000. This review has compared the essential factors when choosing a top-brand welder—duty cycle, amperage, weight, portability, wire size, and input voltage.
We found that the Hobart 190 offers more power with a wider amperage range and seven voltage options. These factors make it better suited for heavier-duty projects and thicker metal than the Lincoln 180 can handle.
However, both welders are comparable if you generally work with mild steel under 0.5” thick. In conclusion, the Hobart 190 is a better welder overall, but both offer excellent value for money.
