My understanding is that the Hobart is Lincoln's lower model -- slightly lower duty cycle, plastic parts where the Lincoln has metal -- that sort of thing. A certain amount has to do with how hard you plan to use it. Occasional use and you may not ever notice the difference. Production use and you probably want to spend the extra money for the Miller or Lincoln and go up a level (210 instead of 175).

I've been partial to Miller, but I guess that sort of thing comes down to personal preference. I'm looking to upgrade. The DVI is a bit less $$$ than the 210, but is a 40% instead of 60% duty cycle at 10 less amps (and the 175 is only 30% at 20 less amps). I would have the option of taking the DVI places I could not use 220V. That would be handy, but not sure how much in reality. There have only been a few times that I have taken my welder someplace else to work on something.

Any money saved on the DVI would end up being applied to a plasma cutter -- looking at the Miller Spectrum 375. So that is another consideration.

First two questions would be how much you had to spend and how hard you want to use it. I'd say you buy as much welder as you can afford without going crazy on the thing. That's a fine line, though... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />