Lincoln Precision TIG 185

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Does a Lincoln Precision TIG 185 have the power to handle most basic fabrication and repair welding, within reason?I wouldn't expect it to weld 1/2" steel plate, but for all around use and as a machine to learn TIG welding on, how do these machines rate? Attached Images
Reply:I wouldnt go over 1/4" steel with it..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Originally Posted by SteevoDoes a Lincoln Precision TIG 185 have the power to handle most basic fabrication and repair welding, within reason?I wouldn't expect it to weld 1/2" steel plate, but for all around use and as a machine to learn TIG welding on, how do these machines rate?
Reply:I have never understood why people who are buying a machine for general fab get so worked up about the max amperage of a machine.  If you are worried about the duty cycle, running air arc, or will be welding thick aluminum, I understand.  Otherwise, it shouldn't be an issue.  Not a dig on you Steevo, its just that I read this all the time.You can make multiple passes guys.  What I mean by that is you could fill a groove weld on 4" thick plate with a machine that puts out 90 amps if you really needed to.That 185 will be an excellent machine.
Reply:so you guys think you need a 1000 amp machine to weld 1" thick steel ?
Reply:My machine rarely goes over 125 amps with 1/8 8018 for heavy 1/2in and above welds. Full pen welds are achieved by proper joint preparation.ESAB MigMaster 275Miller Econotwin HFMiller Syncrowave 250
Reply:I've built and repaired a lot with this machine. There have only been a handful of times where I lost track of weld time on some thick stainless and tripped the overload. I've since learned that patience and multiple passes are much cheaper than a 1000 amp machine. My only gripe is that the pulser doesn't have a good indicator. I digital readout would have been great to speed up setup. I'm just not too great at remembering exactly how fast that little light was blinking. Pulse with the pedal? Often I'm contorted in a place where I have to use a hand amptrol. Other than that, I've been happy with it.
Reply:Originally Posted by JoshDYou can make multiple passes guys.  What I mean by that is you could fill a groove weld on 4" thick plate with a machine that puts out 90 amps if you really needed to..
Reply:I have this machine and have very happy with it. If I want to do thick material or I am in a hurry I use the mig machine anyway. I use the tig for all of the thin stuff and anytime I want it to look better as you do have more control than the mig. I also got a smaller air cooled torch for tubing/roll cage work. I don't have the need to weld aluminum thicker than 10 gage so this has worked ok for me. I was a toss up between the Lincoln and the Miller at the time but the Lincoln included the pulse feature at the same price.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadso you guys think you need a 1000 amp machine to weld 1" thick steel ?
Reply:Thanks for the feedback on your experiences with the Lincoln PT 185 welder, guys.
Reply:Originally Posted by FabCrazyGuyI had to laugh at that one too....For the fact I've ran countless 1" coupon tests in all positions with 3/32" only at around 85-90 amps and have yet(knock on wood) to fail one on an Xray or side bend..and if i decide to use the 1/8" rod,max will be about 130 amps..........I've also ran fluxcore and dual shield on 1" and thicker base metals and never even come close to that amperage "needed" rule of thumb theory....Gotta love some of those engineering theories they come up with sitting in the office in there kaki's and suite and ties..........