Lincoln Electric sp-180t

[deereman75]

I just noticed that the local KMS tools has the lincoln electric sp-180t mig on sale for $650, $150 off. I have a bit of experance with a stick welder, and really want to learn how to mig weld. I was wondering if any of you have one, and what you think of it.

 

[Shield Arc]

I never heard of this machine before, so I went to Lincoln's site and looked it up. I've never run a machine with taps. Well other than my SA-200's, but taps on a Mig machine I don't think I'd like that at all. I want complete control over the puddle, not some pre-set setting.
Just my opinion, take it for what it's worth, nothing! :laughing:

 

[deereman75]

OK thanks. I am 14 and trying to learn how to weld fairly well, and was thinking this would be good. I guess I will save some more money and get a miller 211.

 

[Shield Arc]

Wait a minute, wait a minute, I didn't realize you were so young!
What I have read about these taped machines, is they're great for beginners. A beginner may spend all day looking for the sweet spot with a infinite adjustable machine, where someone like me can dial a machine in, in just a couple minutes. So this just might be the machine for you!

Here's what the face of my Mig machine looks like, I have adjustable voltage, and inductance, plus wire speed.

 

[dstig1]

Start searching CL, or use Searchtempest to search the CLs in your region. Or even evilBay. Much better starting out to find something used. If/when you decide you want to upgrade/change hobbies/try something else, you can probably get out of it what you put into it. That is never the case with new, but new is worth it if you know what you want and want to get exactly what you want - NOW.

 

[deereman75]

ok good idea we dont have cragslist here in canada, but we do have kijiji and used everywhere. I have a lincoln ac225 buzz box right now, and I am wanting to learn mig. I guess I will look for a used one.

 

[Shield Arc]

Have you checked out Everlast's product line. I don't know anything about them, but I'm sure Mark will answer any questions you have.

Mig Welding Welder, Mig Consumables Weldings Welders

 

[toy]

OK thanks. I am 14 and trying to learn how to weld fairly well, and was thinking this would be good. I guess I will save some more money and get a miller 211.

Have you thought about a Hobart mig?

 

[dstig1]

Glad you think it makes sense. Buying used is awesome to start. Most newbies have no clue what they want or need (BTDT) so buying used is a great way to save some money and be able to fix your mistakes for little cost. It's hard to get screwed that badly if you take a couple weeks and watch ads and get a feel for prices, etc. And ask here too, as people who have BTDT have a feel for what is reasonable and what isn't.

Heck my first welder was a classic Lincoln tombstone, but an AC/DC one. I bought it for $150 and that included a 50' 8ga extension cord for it and probably 30 lbs of weld rod, a couple helmets (even one HF auto dark), several gloves, a tote and other misc. When I realized I wanted more capability, I upgraded within a year and sold the welder alone for 2x what I paid for it...and I kept everything else.

Go buy something used and figure out where you want to go from there. My $0.02

 

[rcurrie]

I have a Lincoln 180 t and it works OK. If you have a Canadian Tire nearby it is the same 180 they sell. Usually it comes on sale a couple times a year for $600. I have seen the 180-c which has variable voltage setting and a better liner at some of my local welding supply companies for around $700. If I was going to buy again I think I would go with the 180-c for a little extra $. I always watch my local kijiji for used welders and most people are trying to sell 110 volt machines for $500. Good luck.

 

[deereman75]

I actually talked to my dad about it as well, and he says I should get good with our lincoln tombstone first, then get a mig. I have seen some old migs from the 1980s with spool gun and argon tank, for $400, so that is what I will look for.

 

[MrBobcat230]

I actually talked to my dad about it as well, and he says I should get good with our lincoln tombstone first, then get a mig. I have seen some old migs from the 1980s with spool gun and argon tank, for $400, so that is what I will look for.

If should change you mind about the Miller 211 I have one. I can tell you they have the autoset feature that gets you pretty darn close to the correct settings. It only works for solid wire not for flux core but, the chart on the inside of the cover has the flux core settings on it.
The other thing is that it is spoolgun ready right out of the box. The manual settings are infinite if you don't want to use the autoset. The only gripe I have about it is they cheaped out on the ground clamp. Which ever way you go good luck and I hope you find a machine that suits your needs. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/images/smilies/new/2cents.gif

 

[deereman75]

I would LOVE to have a miller 211, but they are so darn expensive, and I am making all my money with a summer job. I think that an old one would work well for me to start with, because I have a good stick welder, and I dont want to spend $1200 on a welder just to find I am useless at mig, or have no use for one.

 

[MrBobcat230]

I would LOVE to have a miller 211, but they are so darn expensive, and I am making all my money with a summer job. I think that an old one would work well for me to start with, because I have a good stick welder, and I dont want to spend $1200 on a welder just to find I am useless at mig, or have no use for one.

Just thought I would give you something to think about. In the end we get what we can afford. I think you are wise taking the route you are. Maybe further down the road when you can afford it. I'm 52 years old and started out with a Lincoln SP 100 which I had for many years and I finally outgrew it. I bought my Miller 211 last year. Keep going young man you'll get there.

 

[Shield Arc]

I actually talked to my dad about it as well, and he says I should get good with our lincoln tombstone first, then get a mig.

Your dad has a good point, you get good with SMAW / stick, and Mig will come easy. Mig is the easiest process to learn. Tig aluminum is the hardest!

 

[deereman75]

Your dad has a good point, you get good with SMAW / stick, and Mig will come easy. Mig is the easiest process to learn. Tig aluminum is the hardest!

My dad is often right about things, but it is really good to have as good a welder as you say he is right.