tool

So I've been thinking about a new welder for a while, something ina Handy Size Mig to do somre repair and light fabrication. (Farm Stuff, feeders and what not)

I saw a Lincoln 180 on sale the other day, sounded like a good price, anybody know about this welder?

Came with gas kit as well as solid wire.

Is this a good one to get?

1-2-3

I have a cheap Harbor Freight version. It does what I want to do but won't do gas and can be very frustration when it won't feed wire. Sometimes I do wish I had better, but my brother has a very nice Miller, so I just tack up and go to his house to finish out.

t-boe

Lincoln 180 is a decent welder. Which model are you looking at? 180T or 180C? The 180T is cheaper, but it's got "tap" voltage control. Meaning it's got click type dial control versus the 180C which is "continuous" with no click to it. It's not a big deal, just allows a finer adjustment depending on the metal your welding. Both models only have a 30% duty cycle at 130 amps. If you don't plan on welding a lot at one time that shouldn't be a problem. The 180 is more popular model since it can do quite a bit and doesn't cost much. I knew a guy that used his 180 to build an off road flatbed and roll cages for several vehicles. It's kind of the little welder that could.

tool

Hmmm, not sure as to the C or T thing, saw it onsale for $150 off regular price and thought it seemed like a decent deal for a Lincoln Wire Feed Welder with reasonable amperage. If it is the click type I don't think it would be a big deal for me as I would mostly just be welling Drill Stem and stuff for feeders and penels, that sort of thing.

30% duty cycle is likely ok for me as well. ust an occasional use thing. Anybody know if they are thermal protected? Or if you keep welding beyond the 30% duty cycle will you burn the transformer up?


Said it will weld up to 1/2" on the box which is more than I need.

Probably would do most work around 100-120 amps.

t-boe

I'm pretty sure they are protected. It doesn't give any info on the Lincoln website. It will weld up to 1/2" using flux cored wire and 3/16" on gas. That's really not a big deal either. That's welding that thick in a single pass. If you need to weld something thicker than 1/2", bevel your edges and make multiple passes. Lincoln is the way to go as far as small light duty welders, but if you ever want something bigger in a MIG welder I'd go with Miller.