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I'm looking for an AC machine and a friend has one of these in new condition for sale. He hardly ever uses it. He never really picked up the necessary TIG skills and generally uses one of his two mig welders instead.I used this welder when I started in with TIG earlier this year. Now I'm considering buying it, however I see the duty cycle is only 15% at 185 amps based on a 10 minute cycle. I take it this means it is capable of only 90 seconds of work every ten minutes at full amps, which will be needed with 3/16 al. according to what I've been reading. I'm accustomed to my 400 amp AC P+H and 500 AMP 3 phase DC Miller stick welders. I've never had much concern for duty cycle with those old beasts.Even my little Everlast 200 amp lunchbox DC TIG is 60% at 200 amps.I like everything about this Lincoln except the duty cycle. Has anyone on the board used one of these welders for AL. tig, and if so, did you find the light duty cycle to be a problem?
Reply:I haven't used the 185 worntorn, but have used the older 175 and the new PT225 and they all have the same basic lump inside. The limit with AC is pretty much 1/8" Aluminum if you are going to be welding for a while with this size machine.Matt
Reply:thanks Matt. Sounds like I should spend a bit more to get some more max power and higher duty cycle. |
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