MIG welding is the simplest and most common welding process. Most welders love it because it requires little cleanup, and any beginner can learn it quickly. MIG welders are anyone’s ticket to enter the world of welding. If you are here, it only means you want the best MIG welder with plenty of Perks to offer you.
We know how it can be stressing and time-consuming, selecting the best with the different options on the market. Well, we have done the hard work for you, and we guarantee the MIG welder we are reviewing will make all the difference you have been looking for. The Lincoln 180 MIG welder may not be the best in the world, but it is among the best in its category. Continue reading our Lincoln 180 MIG welder review to find out what makes this machine stand out and how it compares to its competition.
Who should buy this welder?
No welding device can do all the welding jobs. That is why welders need to know which welding machine they should buy. With that said, let’s find out who is suitable for the Lincoln 180 MIG welding machine.
This Lincoln welder is ranked as one of the most suitable welders for beginners. Anyone looking to learn the basics of MIG welding can buy this machine. It comes with a simple interface that has easy-to-use controls. It is generally easy to set up and operate.
Furthermore, if you love working on your DIYer projects or if you are a small scale fabricator buying this machine will help you get the best quality MIG welds. The unit is portable, and you can transport it to different project locations.
Things to consider before buying a MIG welding machine
Spool gun
When you want to weld aluminum, then find a MIG welder with the spool gun. Not all MIG welders come with a spool gun. However, the Lincoln 180 MIG welder comes with one. You need to know the importance of the spool gun so that you get the right MIG welder for your projects to get the best quality welds.
Voltage
Consider a MIG welder that comes with the right voltage rating that will fit your power source voltage. For example, if you are to use the welder at home, then go for one with a voltage rating of either 115 volts or 120 volts. However, it is safe to choose a MIG welder with dual voltage input. This can let you plug it anywhere, whether it’s at home or your job site.
Thermal overload protection
Many MIG welders have a common problem of overheating. When it overheats, you have to wait a couple of minutes for the machine to cool before you begin to work again. Selecting a MIG welder that comes with thermal overload protection will save you from such problems. This feature acts as insurance for you to use the machine for more extended periods.
Applications
You need to know what you want the MIG welder to do for you. Whether it’s going to do Home Repairs or some welding in the garage, you should know so that you get one with enough power. The power of the welder will determine what it can handle.
Multifunctional
Consider a welder that can support other welding processes. A multi-purpose welder will allow you to get the best out of your machine. Also, a MIG with features such as built-in reliable contractor circuits, auto-set systems, and thermal overload protection will allow you to handle various tasks.
Lincoln 180 MIG welder
The Lincoln 180 MIG welder comes with some unique features such as the solid construction of the unit, which has dual voltage input. You can get to use it with either standard household electricity or industrial electricity. It is affordable for beginners, and you will use it on any casual automotive work or at home. The unit comes with enough power, which can allow you to melt thick metal. Also, for full control of your materials, you can easily adjust the Machine. Let’s take a look at the Lincoln 180 specifications.
- Brand name: Lincoln
- Weight: 66lbs
- Dimensions: 20×15×16 inch
- Model number: K2698-1
- Welding mode: MIG and Flux-cored
- Output power: 30% at 130A (130 volts)
- Input voltage single phase: 208 volt and 240 volt
- Output welding current range: 30- 180A
- Wire feed speed control: 50-500 IPM
- Maximum metal sheet thickness: 3/16″ MIG, 1/2″ with glasses flux-cored wire.
Although the Lincoln 180 MIG welder is considered portable, it is massive for most users. It is quite hard to move around as it weighs 66 pounds. When you compare the weight to another MIG welder such as the Miller 211 which only weighs 42 pounds, you’ll find that the Lincoln 180 is heavier. The Miller 211 is also more powerful than the Lincoln; however, when it comes to price, the Lincoln 180 stands out.
Pros
- Versatile and easy to set up
- Comes with an adjustable drive system
- Durable cast aluminum build
- Diamond core technology
- Comes included with a spool gun
Cons
- Heavier for some to carry
- Power switch small for some users
Lincoln 180 MIG welder features
Dual voltage input
This Lincoln welder doesn’t have any voltage limitations. It comes with a dual power input, which lets the user plug it anywhere, whether it is in the house or at an industrial workplace. The dual Voltage input includes 208 volts and 240 volts. The voltage also makes the unit versatile, meaning you can work on several projects, and you can handle thick metal as well.
Application
The Lincoln 180 MIG welder is versatile, and you can use it to weld copper, aluminum, mild and stainless steel materials. The device is ideal for light-duty applications. It can weld materials with a thickness of 3/16,” which is what most materials have. Also, you can work on materials of 24 gauge.
Duty cycle
The duty cycle is a critical aspect of any welding machine. It shows the running time capacity of the welder. In case you have a welder that has a 70% Duty cycle at 150A, it means that you can continue to operate it for 7 minutes at an output of 150A before it overheats and shuts down. Once it overheats its cooling time will be three minutes before it starts to run again.
The Lincoln MIG welder comes with a duty cycle of 30% at 130A. This implies that you’ll be able to handle all of your small-scale welding tasks. Remember, the higher the power output, the lower the duty cycle.
Power output
The power output of this welder is from 30 to 180A. The output is enough to let you handle a wide range of welding jobs. With this range, you can also do domestic repairs as well as some industrial tasks.
Drive system
This machine comes with a unique adjustable Drive system. This will minimize the chances of wire tangling or even crushing as you work.
Flux core and MIG
This unit is capable of handling Flux core welding as well as MIG welding. The two welding options will allow you to handle a wide range of welding applications. You will also be in a position to have the best quality welds with any option you choose to work with.
Warranty
The welder comes backed by a 3-year warranty from the time of purchase. When you find any quality issues with this unit, you will be given either a replacement or repair as per the requirement of the warranty.
Special features
The unit comes with some unique features, which include the cast aluminum drive, brass to brass gun connectivity, and diamond core technology. The brass to brass connectivity allows maximum conductivity for high output. The diamond core technology is to provide you with stability as you hold the arc. It is also to eliminate saturation and control the current flow.
Mid-range price
This Lincoln welder comes at a mid-range cost. This is perfect for the machine as it is versatile, and it will offer you more power on 240 volts. The device can also allow you to handle some heavy-duty tasks. With its price, you’ll get both high performance, quality as well as everything you will need from a MIG welder.
Portability
The Lincoln 180 MIG welder comes weighing 66 pounds. Although it is heavier than others in the same category, it is still portable enough, and you can easily transport it to different work locations. With such convenience, you can handle whether it is home or far from your garage.
Conclusion
The Lincoln 180 is a versatile, high performing MIG welding machine that you should own in your home or garage. You should know that there is not well that which is superior or inferior as they all have their strengths and weaknesses. This Lincoln welder is cost-effective, and we guarantee it will handle all of your small and some heavy tasks you will throw its way.
Also, if you’ll be handling thinner material, then this welder will be the best to help you with such tasks. It will also allow you to work with various materials of some thickness. We hope this Lincoln 180 MIG welder review has every detail you are looking for in a MIG welding machine.
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