Lincoln MIG 180 HD or miller 225

merc4now

Hey guys pretty new here looking to cut some steel and start messing around with beefing up a golf cart body and big block. I haven't welded in over 13 years, learned with stick and played around with mig (no gas).

I have what seems to be a great deal on both and would really like a vote/advice?

just garage work weekend warroir type repair/fab

First up is a Lincoln MiG 180 HD (home depot not heavy duty) new in box (supposively) for $300 plus 30 in gas for the drive so $330


The other is a Miller Thunderbolt XL 225 AC/DC (supposivly used for a day or so to finish something while big rig was being repaired, looks pretty good from the pics, wanted $400 said he'd take $50 today. so that plus rods $30-50 and I'd be set.


Like I said frame work and occisiaonal mtorycle frame repair, may light trailer fixes.

What do you guys think?

I'd really appreciate the help as I should be buying on or the other today or tomorrow.

BGW

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merc4now

Nevermind thunderbolt sold before I could check it out in person

surfdog

I would look for a mig machine, as they're typically easier to weld lighter gauge steel. You want to look for one with a quality drive roller system. The home depot version of the lincolns, the drivers are barely ok. The version you find at a place like airgas are excellent. Millers are good too. There are some imported welders that are good (not HF) and do multiple processes, mig,tig (not ac) and stick, which would allow you to do pretty much any welding necessary to fabricating a chassis or suspension. One of my welders is a thermal arc that operates that way and is pretty good machine. It plugs into either 110 or 220, is portable and has a respectable duty cycle. Everlast also makes a similar machine for a lot less, around $700 new and works well. I bought one for my son to use for small job in Hawaii (it needed to be light and portable) and he was very happy with its weld quality. Also, I would use gas with mig, as the welds are much cleaner.

pachanga90

Avoid the Home Depot version,They are an offshore-type unit.They are different from the actual Lincoln in many ways and quality.I have a Lincoln 175-Plus,its' awesome.A friend bought a HD version and couldn't even get tips for it,since they are spec'd for Home-Depot(and they didn't stock them).If you are on a limited budget,ask welding-suppliers about trade-ins or lease turn-ins.They are ususally priced great and in good condition(a lot of places do "tune-ups" to them before re-sale.Any of the Harbor-Freight type units aren't worth it in the long run either.If you are only doing light work(1/8")a 130-140 amp 110v will be fine(you can do 3/16",but I would be careful if it was something that could cause injury,damage,etc..).A 175amp 220v machine will cover almost anything you would ever want to do safely.A gas-kit is a must,Flux-Core is expensive,and the results aren't as good,especially on a low-amp machine.I welded with flux-core and gas combined on large machines for years and you can do really nice work,but the bigger amp machine makes a difference.The 225-series(Lincoln,Miller,Hobart)will do anything you could imagine.My personal preference is the Lincoln.I've used all 3 and the Lincoln is much smoother and consistent compared to Miller or Hobart.Miller has fallen off over the years,as has Hobart.Lincoln has taken their lower-level machines to a higher-level than most of the machines in the same class for the same price-range.Esab is a great alternative as well,They bought L-Tec,and they are good machines,I use one daily at work,and my previous job had the same unit in L-Tec since 92'',and it was run hard for hours every day until 07' when it finally threw in the towel.Hope this helps.

racin161

I think as 90 points out if you buy a $50.00-$300.00 machine that's what your getting can it stick metal together YES can it really weld NO sorry for the news but any decent machine will be in the $700.00 range. Now were talking.

dewzer

I purchased a Hobart Handler 140 from Tractor Supply 5 years ago. Next best thing to buttermilk for my home shop.
I also have a Miller 225 stick that is 25 years new. That is for the heavy metals.
The Hobart will do anything I need it to do from light body work to repairing plows in the winter months.
I paid 500 for the machine, it came with the gas Gage, paid 150 for the tank and 50 to fill it with 24mix.
I have yet to have any issues with this machine and would dare say I have well over 1500 hours of welding time on it.
I keep the unit blown out and covered when not in use, new wire cleaners installed religiously and kept oiled at every use.
Stick has it's uses but the wire is the way to go.
I would do a Hobart again, hands down.
Keeping any machine clean is a benefit to the owner and not borrowing it out has it's advantages too.
Just my 2cents

RobCons

I run a Lincoln 180 for most of my work (Ornamental ironworking and light fabrication), the Home Depot/Lowes version, and don't have a problem getting consumables for it. It takes standard Lincoln items. Got it off Ebay about 3 - 4 years ago for $500 or so including shipping. I did burn up the drive system within 2 years and a few hundred pounds of wire, Lincoln repaired under warranty without a question. I have to side with Pachanga and prefer Lincoln over the other brands. All three major players (Lincoln, Miller, Hobart) will do what you want from the sound of it. Stay away from the imports on Ebay.

merc4now

Oh wow I just got my first email saying someone responded. You can close this thread. I bought the lincoln 180 mig HD. I have not investigated wither its a homedepot version or not yet. As that I just assumed due to price its new in box unopened for $300, but hasI no home depot branding) so how I can tale tell the difference? Said it was a gift and he never had any use for it or power to even test so it was still sealed.

dewzer

Here is what I found out on the welder.
The feed mechanism of the home Depot HD is made out of plastic. Sells for 450.00 so you got a deal. Just hope not a steal of a deal unless you know the guy.

According to my informant, they (Home Depot) cant get parts for the HD machine, that you have to get it repaired via Home Depot. They send it out or send out for parts. Both at your expense for shipping and possible repairs if not under warranty.
Also; A Home Depot warranty is only honored with receipt in hand.
Parts or repairs you might call and get a contact if yours is their brand.
I would think Lincoln in general would have anything you need.

RobCons

When mine needed repair Southern Gas and Supply did it. Serial number verified the machines age and the mechanic fixed it right up with out any paperwork. He is an authorized service center. You should be ok if something happens. Mine was new in the box from an Ebay seller. It still had the Home Depot tape sealing it up with the Home Depot part number, K-XXX. Can't remember the exact numbers.