Lincolin Power Mig 180 Dual?

[darkarc]

So I'm thinking about buying one of these machines. Does anybody on here have any expierence running one of these? If so what's your opinions? All I'm planning on using this welder for is for sheet metal and maybe 1/4'' plate max! once in a while at work. So If anyone has any knowlage on this machine please chime in. Thanks!

[cornemuse]

I have one of these, my 1st mig machine. One bro of mine has a small miller & a nephew has a small lincoln. After trying the kids lincoln, I went with the 180 dual. With the 220 plug, I have welded 3/4" round bar to 3/4" sq. (a metal stake). I was impressed. I have only used the flux core, (3rd roll), so I cant comment on the mig part. I dont like that the volt (current?) settings are like 'C' & 'E.5' etc, I'd rather have the actual #'s on the dial, but thats just me. The worst thing? The ground clamp is a (*******) joke. My 10 amp battery charger has stronger clamps than this one. Other than this, it is excellent. -corne-

[brucer]

I've had a Lincoln180c (220v only) for several yrs now..

If I were considering purchasing a mig in the 180amp range today I would buy a thermal arc 181i..

[DSW]

Like any of these dual voltage machines, you will only be able to do decent welds on material over 1/8" if you run it on 230v power. On 110v power it's no better than a 140 amp 110v mig.


Honestly between the Miller, Lincoln and Hobart dual voltage machines, I'd rank the Lincoln a distant 3rd. It's got less top end power than both the others, and cost more than the Hobart HH210MVP last time I checked. On a budget, I'd opt for the Hobart hands down. To me I'd spend the extra $100 between the Lincoln and the Miller to get the extra top end output of the MM211.

[gatehead]

I have one and love it. The arc is more stable than miller and I think it welds hotter. I had the 110v for several years and I liked that machine a lot. I needed a little more power to weld aluminum but I did not have the money to get the 220v as well, so I sold the 110v and bought the dual. I have welded all over the board with both machines and I don't think you can go wrong.

I have a shop full of miller wire feeders and when given the chance I will always take the Lincoln.

I think the thermal arc machine is ok, but from what I understand it is just not quite as good as the Miller or Lincoln.