Lincoln 135 Plus or 175 Plus Welder

[Weld35]

Ok I need to get a welder for the home. I've welded before many times. I will be welding up to 1/4 mild steel plate should I go for the 135 Plus welder ot 175 plus? I like the option of 115v on the 135, But will it weld 1/4 mild steel? I am using solid mig wire with co2/argon mix gas also. Thanks for the help.....

[bhays]

I think you'd be a lot happier with the 175

[RC-Racer]

Based on your 1/4" requirement, you really should consider the 175. If you are using gas and solid wire, then even the 175 will be at about it's 1 pass limit with 1/4".

[gnm109]

I have the 175 plus and I would recommend that over the 135 plus if you are gong to be welding up to 1/4" plate. With properly prepared joints, it will do 1/4" in one pass and anything smaller is a breeze.

The only issue is whether you want greater ease of portability. You need to have a dedicated line to run a 240 VAC machine whereas the 135 plus is easily portable and usable on a 120 VAC line.

Good luck.

[tonycamco]

get the 175 and never look back!!!

[MAC702]

ESPECIALLY with solid wire and an argon mix, the 135-class is for up to 1/8" in GMAW. You can get by with 3/16" non-critical welds with FCAW.

1/4" plate is going to require a 175-class machine at the MINIMUM.

You get better penetration with CO2 v. an argon mix and the most penetration with the FCAW process.

The 175A-class machines aren't that much more expensive than the 135A-class machines and are WAY more machine in output and duty cycle.

If you have 240V available, this is a no-brainer, regardless of the extension cords you may need to build.

What's your budget? Look at the Millermatic Passport. I could never go back again...

[Weld35]

I am going to use a co2/argon mix. That is what I stated in my earlier post. It's funny because Lincoln posts in there ad it will weld up to 5/16 plate on the 135 plus model. I will get the 175 plus but I will need to build an extension cord as my 220 is at the front of my garage no big deal I guess. How big of a bottle co2/argon will fit in there cart? 10lbs or 20lbs?

[Weld35]

I have 10/2 wire to the 220 outlet and 30 amp breaker will that work for the 175 plus welder? Is there anything else I need for the welder other then the gas bottle to use it? Is there any adapter I need to hook up the regualtor? Thanks again

[MAC702]

Lincoln posts in there ad it will weld up to 5/16 plate on the 135 plus model.
I read the fine print on that ad once. It says that that capacity is with multi-pass rated flux-cored wire and expert techniques. I think they do people a disservice using that as an advertisement.

[MAC702]

How big of a bottle co2/argon will fit in there cart? 10lbs or 20lbs?
Don't know which size will fit their cart, but you're better off building your own cart anyway. I've not seen one that comes with those welders that's really all that worth having.

CO2 cylinders are organized by weight. Argon and argon mixes are organized by cubic feet of gas. Get as large a tank as you can afford and transport. The gas is much cheaper per cubic foot that way, and you'll make fewer trips to refill it, too. I recommend at least a 125CF cylinder if you really plan on doing even a moderate amount of welding.

You're pretty much going to have to have your local gas dealer answer all your gas questions. Go to at least two or three, though, to make sure you get the best deal you can for your area. I prefer to own all my tanks and I can take them anywhere for exchange.

[MAC702]

I have 10/2 wire to the 220 outlet and 30 amp breaker will that work for the 175 plus welder? Is there anything else I need for the welder other then the gas bottle to use it? Is there any adapter I need to hook up the regualtor? Thanks again
That wire is PLENTY big for this application, and will even support a 210A machine if you ever get one. That is the correct breaker also. The regulator will not need an adaptor and you should have everything you need. Get some solid wire and a package of extra contact tips.

[Weld35]

If I go to Home depot and get a 10/3 extension cord and put my own ends on will that work ok? I plan on a 50' cord maybe a 75'

[MAC702]

It's overkill, so it'll work very well. You could save a ton of money and use a 100-ft #12 and be even longer.