Need advice on a Lincoln welder

[Dazman]

Guys,

My head hurts from all my research and I just can't decide!

First, I was looking at the retail Lincoln 140HD, then I saw the 140c and it seems like a better welder. However, when I start reading the forums guys are recommending to others to go bigger, i.e., 180c.

I like the idea of Lincoln 180 Dual Mig welder, but do I really need to go to a 180? I plan on welding body panels and building some shelves and audio component stands. I don't see myself welding anything thicker than 1/4".

I have an aluminum trailer that doesn't require any work right now, although I may want to add something to it in the future.

I'd really appreciate some guidance on my first purchase.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jim Davey]

1/4"? Go for the 180

 

[Dazman]

To be honest I can't see welding anything over 3/16" or 5mm.

 

[waddycall]

To be honest I can't see welding anything over 3/16" or 5mm.

Yep, the 180

 

[Dazman]

I have room on the panel to install 240v.

 

[Dazman]

The more I think about it, I may be better off starting with the 140HD. That way once I find out how much welding I'm going to be doing I can always upgrade later if required.

 

[Dazman]

I'm torn on what to do.

Normally I try to buy the best I can depending on my funds and quality is always a factor. However, I'm trying to figure out if I'm going to have enough welding to do to justify buying a more expensive unit. I have some repairs to do on a car and there other projects I have in mind, but after that I don't know.

After reading countless reviews and looking at all options the Lincoln MP210 seems like it would be the most versitle. So I could spend the extra money or buy the HP140 and decide where I'm going after completing some projects and if need be flip the HP140 towards the MP210.

Thoughts?

 

[Dazman]

Normally, the HP140 is priced at $689.00 CDN, but they have some available new for $529.00. The sale price is usually $568.00, but for $529.00 you also get a starter kit with gloves, small hammer, etc. Can't figure out why they've priced it that way.

If the welder doesn't go on sale sometime next month, below $500.00 then I'd buy it for $529.00.

As for the used market they seem to sell for around $400.00 and don't seem to last long. Mig Pak 10 sell for $365-$400.

The MP 210 is $1189.00.