Lincoln 180c review

[WeldingMachine]

I bought this machine in may for around $700.00 after rebate.
I already have a Lincoln Wirematic 255 but it's a little too heavy for the portable stuff.
I originally got the 180c with the intention of making it into a portable wire feeder for 1/2 the price if the LN25.
(I have an electronics guru type friend that was going to hook it up for me).
I've just been using it as is so far.

First the bad:
1. The first thing that I noticed was the "Made in Mexico" sticker on the back...
That pissed me off, but at least it's not Chinese...
2. The gun is a puny little toy, & the machine will not take a bigger Lincoln gun.
(I have a L250 gun, the damn gas channel is about .180" too deep on the shaft for the L250 to work).
WTF was Lincoln thinkin' ??

Now the good:
It's a Lincoln, & it works.
It's rated for 3/16" steel & it will actually weld it.
The feeder system is all metal & it works pretty well, I'm on my 5th 12# spool with no feed issues so far.
It runs off of my 250 GXT pretty good but I don't think it's got quite as much power as the wall plug gives it.
This machine is rated at 20% duty cycle @ 180 amps.
It weighs around 80 lbs so it's not too bad to lug around.

I'm used to larger machines so I honestly never gave the duty cycle a 2nd thought...
I had this machine maxed out on a sunny 90+ degree day for about 3 hours straight. (a whole 12 lb spool) , & didn't even realize how hot it was until I was standing in front of it & the wind coming out of it was almost burning my leg!
It didn't stop welding, or even complain. (And still even works!)
I gave it a little brake for a while after that.
I'm pretty impressed with the machine in general, it's done everything (within reason) that I've tried to do with it.
It's a good little money maker, I'm happy so far!
Pics to follow:

[WeldingMachine]

A pic of the machine & buggy it's on.
I made the buggy with the 180c also.


a trailer tongue that I rebuilt after the rancher crunched it..

a close up

The cluck wagon #1.

3"X3"X3/16" square tubing.

Good little machine, I'll continue to beat it up at the farm.
I'll keep you all posted how it goes!

[dstevens]

They've been making those in Mexico for a while, maybe 5 years or so.

[brucer]

ive had mine for a few yrs now. its been a good machine..

i wish it had a little softer arc and just a little more top end power...a 210 amp model would be nice..

i'm going to experiment with some different wire this time, i had been using forney, i think thats part of it, a friend give me some harris and L56 to try.....

i cant complain the 180c is near perfect for automotive and a home shop...

my 180c w/cart was like $825 from Indiana Oxygen around 5 yrs ago..

like you say, i think the gun is a little on the, i'll say cheesy side, but i also like its small size for tighter spots, but when i use it i dont weld for an hour straight, so it does fine..

i think mine was hencho en mexico also..

i would probably give it an 8 out of 10. if it were 210 amp and had a better gun on it i would give it a 10 maybe an 11..

[Sandy]

I like that buggy. Real boonie bouncing rig.

[Tomhintz]

I have the Lowe's version of the 180, been using it hard for a couple years and it just keeps on keeping on. Very stable and welds well, both of which are good things for a relatively new welder.