I am looking to buy a welder to replace an old Miller I have. The choice is between these:  Hobart Champion, Lincon Ranger, and the Miller Bobcat.  I know all three are good welders for what I do.

The main questionis, the Miller and the Lincon are AC/DC welders, but the Hobart is only DC. What will I be missing if I go with the straight DC, as opposed to the AC/DC?

What about hardsurfacing? Will these welders handle it?   Thanks... fullclip

Let me tell you what I know about welding.  I have a Lincoln 175 Mig welder that I have used once.

That's all.

I've had Hobarts in the past and now have 3 Millers.  I really like Miller.

As far as the AC/DC, I don't do much stick welding anymore, but as I recall I used AC more for Cast Iron and perhaps hardsurfacing.  I probably only stick 3 or 4 times a year since I switched to mig about 10 years ago.

YMMV

Quoted: What will I be missing if I go with the straight DC, as opposed to the AC/DC?

With AC, you can add a high-frequency box and do Aluminum TIG. As far as brand, depends on what local service is available if needed in the future. Also, Miller and Hobart are for all practical purposes related companies.

I've only used the Bobcat. It's a great machine but the 240 outlet will not power an external MIG setup (such as Miller 185) except at low settings.

whatcha weldin' on?

t

Quoted: Quoted: What will I be missing if I go with the straight DC, as opposed to the AC/DC? With AC, you can add a high-frequency box and do Aluminum TIG. As far as brand, depends on what local service is available if needed in the future. Also, Miller and Hobart are for all practical purposes related companies. I've only used the Bobcat. It's a great machine but the 240 outlet will not power an external MIG setup (such as Miller 185) except at low settings. whatcha weldin' on? t

Most of my welding is on fences, building a couple of small storage buildings, equiptment repair and would like to hard surface some plow parts if possible.  Just general farm stuff... fullclip