So, I had attempted to learn how to weld a few years ago with an off-brand MIG welder that my dad has. After hours and hours over a week of messing around, no matter what I did I couldn’t get it, and couldn’t run a bead to save my life; I could barely get an arc to be stable.
I needed a welder for the Firebird Resurection, so…
I picked up this bad boy over the weekend:
(not mine but same model)
Lincoln Pro-MIG 180
Holy SHIT what a difference! After setting it up; my first attempt with Flux-Core wire was a solid good looking bead for a first timer. I spent about 15 mins just running a couple beads, and this thing welds like butter; I understand why they say “anyone can learn to MIG” now.
I still have to buy a tank ($300 to buy/fill a 125cf tank out here). But I think it’s time for a trip to the local metal store and get what I need to build a cart.
I don’t even know that my dad’s was/is. All I know is it was a basic black box cheap MIG welder.
This is the first one that I bought; and probably the last MIG I’ll buy; should last my lifetime for what I’m going to use it for. (Hell, I’m already looking at Diversion 180 machines to pick up next! LOL)
I had the same experience. Tried harbor frieght and couldn’t do anything with it. Bought a real welder, actually from Don(Carnut) and it was night and day difference.
If so, definitely a good pick up. I don’t think it’s capable of a spraying some 70S wire though…
If you’re welding without gas, make sure you’re using gasless wire. If you start using gas, make sure you use dual shield wire.
Actually it came with a 2# spool of 0.025 SuperArc L-56 (70S) wire
edit - after some reading - unknown if it’ll do Spray, it’s probably just on the lower end if it can; but still, for what I need it’s more than enough.
nice :tup: i was able to produce some great welds with a gas mig harbor frieght welder my neighbor had before it died… it was the welder i learned on actually. i went with a hobart when i got mine, good price and made by miller, they have miller guts in em. lincolns are great machines though, you do notice a difference when going to a quality machine. the only tig welders ive used were actually lincolns…
I have a lincoln too, I love it. Mine is a little smaller so I really have to prep well and make sure the conditions are optimal but for a small machine it’s really easy to use.
going from flux core to c25 gas makes the welds look 100X better also. If you dont care what they look like just grind them down with an angle grinder. I do highly reccomend using the shielding gas though. the results are night and day. Prep seems to make a big difference in the weld quality too (be free of dirt grease paint rust etc before welding)
Thanks for putting up such an informative post as it will really be elpfull to people who are looking forward to buy one in future as having an idea up hand does help us in choosing the exact thing.
