Lincoln 180c opinions

ProbablyBroke

ProbablyBroke

does not torque to spec
Joined
Nov 7, 2012
Location
Reidsville
i have the chance to get a sweet discount on a Lincoln welder. Pretty sure it applies to all Lincolns. This would be my first machine but I generally like to buy more tool than I plan on needing. I planning on using it for small fab projects on my cab truck. I wont be using it everyday, or on anything 1/2". Needs to be pretty portable.

The only machine I have been quoted on is the 180c at $600. It looked like about what I'm looking for. Go ahead, I'm asking for opinions. But Lincoln is the only brand I can get the discount on.
 
For $70 more you can get a Hobart handler 190 shipped to your door without any discounts. I love mine and haven't had any issues with it at all with the 4-10lb spools of wire I've ran through it. Welds 1/4" plate really well and doesn't max out the Amps to do so. But I can't give you an opinion on Lincoln welders I've only used Hobart and Miller
 
I have a lincoln 175 hd i think. its done everything i have needed.

I will say that i would like to have the infinite amp adjustment like the millers have, but its a nice to have not a must have for my proficiency levels.
 
MIG 175 Amp Welder with Spool Gun | MIG Welders | MIG 175 Welder – Eastwood Welders

$500, no discount necessary. Comes with a spool gun if you ever want to play with aluminum, and it's got infinitely variable voltage control. I've been hammering an Eastwood 135 pretty hard for a couple of years now. I've used the little guy on everything from sheet metal to 1/4", and it's performed beautifully. It's a transformer machine, so "portable" is subjective. None of the options listed so far are going to be light, but moreso than a large-frame welder. Just don't expect to be carrying it from one end of the dragstrip to the other! ;) My welder uses a Tweco-style gun that uses easily available components. I've installed a roll cage, built a couple of motortrike frames, and countless other projects. I've run several tanks and probably 30lbs of .023 wire through it so far.

I'm a Miller guy at heart, but for the average hobbyist looking for a welder for occasional use, I'm advising people towards Eastwood. It sets up easily and has a fantastic arc. Sadly, from what I've seen, the quality of the big three is quickly approaching that of the Chinese offerings. And that discount on the Lincoln doesn't seem all that great. Northern's regular price is close to that.
 
I had a L180T as my 2nd welder and really liked it. I ended up picking up a HH187 for a decent price on CL, and sold the Lincoln. I can't really say one machine is better than the other...the Hobart has a couple of extra power settings and a few extra amps.

Just to clarify, the 180C is a higher end machine than the 180T or 180 Easy Mig. The C stands for continuously variable voltage control vs. the 180T or 180 Easy Mig, where the voltage is tapped (i.e. 5 set power settings). Some people like the ability to fine tune the welding current vs. the 4 or 5 stock settings. The continuously variable machines are usually $100-$200 more than the tapped. Personally, I think $600 is a decent price for the 180C...my question would be do you need the 180C vs. the 180T?

Also, go ahead and plan on getting a bottle and shielding gas. The flux core wire works better on thick metal, you'll definitely want gas and solid wire if you're working on thinner material.
 
My next welder will be a 180C. The local guys try to sell me Millers, but they aren't what I want. I want a simple, infinite control, Lincoln welder.

I have a little 140 Lincoln too and I've always liked it. I've used a few Hobarts, but they feel very cheaply made to me.
 
I'll sell you my Hobart handler 187 for $300. :D

My next purchase will be an Esab TIG/stick machine. Fawk mig :flipoff2:
 
Back
Top