Welder question

admin

Hello… I am a newbie when it comes to welding. I just purchased on the internet a new Lincoln 175 mig welder. Once it was set up I realized that the wire only fed out at one speed despite adjusting the control. I contacted Lincoln about it assuming it was under warranty. They replied that private internet sales weren’t covered and now I am left repairing it. I am wondering if this is a easily fixable item or is it something major. Thanks.
Reply:I'd be after the vendor.If they sold it as new they can send you another one (at their expense) and you can send the dud back. If the vendor won't help you I'd like to know who they are so I can avoid them.One more reason to buy locally, especially if it isn't red or blue.Craftsman 230a Buzz-box,  Lincoln 140T & 180T, Century K2789, PUROX W202 O/A14" cheapo chop saw that cuts straight and square!A toolbox of the cheapest Chinese tools money can buy"Real" tools all old reliable Husky/Craftsman/Proto stuff
Reply:That's one of the hassles with buying online. Unless you verify that the dealer is an authorized dealer for that brand, the warranties are void.I'd contact the seller first looking for a remedy and even then you may lose the shipping fee (from them, return to them and for the replacement) -- you really shouldn't but it depends on the seller. If you bought off ebay and used Paypal and/or a credit card you may have some other options. If the welder was listed as new you first contact the seller for a return, if they aren't helpful in a reasonable amount of time contact ebay saying that the item was not as listed, then contact Paypal as there may be buyer protection in place. If all that fails, contact your credit card company.An alternative is to call Lincoln's tech support and ask for possible solutions. Maybe it's an adjustment, tension, binding up somewhere, etc. Failing that, check with a local welding supplier that does repairs. Hopefully, it's something minor.Good luck!Warning: I have been wrong before!New small workshop, small MIG, oxyacetylene set with a DHC-2000 that I'm learning to use and really like. Life is good!Typos are there for those that look for them. I try to do something for everybody.
Reply:In my experience, Lincoln is pretty good about warranty coverage.  If the serial number on the machine indicates a manufacturing date that is within the warranty period, they normally honor the warranty. In that case, proof of purchase is normally not required.Lincoln serial numbers usually start like this U10511...., U1 = Manufacturing plant, 05 is the year (2005), and 11 would be the month (Nov.).  I think your machine would normally have a 3 year warranty.  Your manual could tell you for sure.  They also often put a sticker on the case of the machine indicating the warranty time.A Lincoln authorized shop should be able to fix it up, unless someone had it laying around for a long time before selling it.Good luck,Bob