Lincoln SP 170 big boy - Is this a good price?

[EddyP]

Hi guys,
My existing MIG is on its last legs I think and someone I know has offered me a Lincoln SP170 big boy thats in good condition for £400, does that sound like a good deal to you all or should I spend a bit more and consider something else?

Ideally i'd like something that is of a sensible size that can go into the boot of the car as I often weld at different places.
It's mostly car bits i'm welding, so either bits of box up to 3mm wall, or thin sheet, occasionally thick 6 - 8mm but not very often, so i'm thinking the 170 would have enough power.

Thanks

 

[gordon stephenson]

I have one of the Lincoln big boy machines and they are very good, Paid around £650-00 for it new.It's also been stated on this forum that they will do mig brazing,something to do with having the correct sort of "characteristics " Where in the country are you based? Mine is as new and I could be persuaded to part with it a little cheaper than £400-00 for pick up.

 

[TechnicAl]

Gordon.......its the voltage that makes it suited to MIG Brazing

Its designed to run Innershield Gasless Flux cored which needs low voltages and so does MIG Brazing

But if you want to try it dont get fooled into buying 0.8mm. It will run 1.0mm CuSi3 wire beautifully.

 

[gordon stephenson]

Thanks for the inside information Al, I have not tried gas less wire on the Big boy, but using 0.6mm lincoln wire it will weld the thinnest sheet, It will do lovely flat continuous welds on 0.025" (0.6mm) sheet, mild or stainless.

 

[EddyP]

I'm in the midlands, not too fussed about the brazing part as i've already got oxyacetylene too.

 

[TechnicAl]

They are a good piece of kit Gordon. Too good to be honest. They were withdrawn because of low sales due to their price being undercut.
Lincoln need volume to "feed" their factories.

 

[gordon stephenson]

Thats true Al, I think the "big boy" model was a bit over kill (Weight wise with a full 15 kg of wire) It's a lovely small machine and the standard model that takes the 5kg reel would be quite adequate,and still keep it light to carry about.