Lincoln vs Miller - maximum thickness on mig machines with the same power

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Why are there such a big differences in maximum thickness between two machines that looks to be the same power?Miller says Millermatic 180 can weld up to 5/16" using C25 and 0.030 or 0.035 wire.http://image.hotrod.com/f/incoming/9...ld%2bchart.jpgLincoln says Power Mig 180 dual can weld up to 3/16" using C25 and 0.030 or 0.035 wire.http://image.jpmagazine.com/f/347973...sage_chart.jpgShouldn't these two machines be about equal in maximum thickness?Is this just marketing lies? Or do these compaines have a different view on what good penetration is?Last edited by Pete.S.; 04-29-2013 at 08:18 PM.
Reply:It looks like the Lincoln is a dual voltage machine. Perhaps that feature hobbles it's performance.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:The Miller unit out puts a higher voltage at 180 amps. The Miller unit will output 180+ amps with solid wire. To get 180 amps out of Lincoln you have to switch to a self-shielded fluxcore wire. The self-shielded wire requires less voltage than solid wire. Having ran both, with solid wire, the Miller is best suited for 1/4" and thinner. Lincoln is right on with their 3/16" recommendation. For yard art type projects or a vertical up the Lincoln will handle 1/4' too.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Originally Posted by Pete.S.Why are there such a big differences in maximum thickness between two machines that looks to be the same power?Miller says Millermatic 180 can weld up to 5/16" using C25 and 0.030 or 0.035 wire.http://image.hotrod.com/f/incoming/9...ld%2bchart.jpgLincoln says Power Mig 180 dual can weld up to 3/16" using C25 and 0.030 or 0.035 wire.http://image.jpmagazine.com/f/347973...sage_chart.jpgShouldn't these two machines be about equal in maximum thickness?Is this just marketing lies? Or do these compaines have a different view on what good penetration is?
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloGotta ask; what on earth is a guy based in Europe asking about welders using the US inch rather than the metric system???!!! Don't they fine you like $250 Euros for that kind of sedition???
Reply:Originally Posted by Pete.S.Hehe, maybe they should! But you know, I've spent a lot of time in the US and I know for sure that my friends in the US would be totally lost if I went all metric on them.   Since I guess most people on weldingweb live in the US, I'll stick to old units from the British Empire like inch, feet, psi and so on.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonOuch Pete!
Reply:Thanks for your replies!It seems like the machines are equal or at least close to each other in capacity. And that the difference in maximum thickness is because Lincoln is more conservative in their rating compared to Miller.
Reply:The small machines are extremely limited as you know.This is a relatively non-crucial part, and I didn't feel like rolling out the stick welder.  AND it's 14ga welded to 3/8 to 1/4The weld on the right side is 14ga to 3/8.  To get penetration on the 3/8 I had to crank it up, and then wash the metal into the 14ga very carefully to prevent burnthrough.  It's a bastard weld  But it's not a bad weld for what it is.Now for the 1/4 to 3/8 I was able to churn and burn  Crank it up to the max, and just dump the wire.Both welds are somewhat cold to a degree, the 3/8 to 14ga being the worst.  And both welds show a definite cold start before the puddle got up to temp.  It's the nature of the small 110v machines.  No way around it.And yeah......it's the dreaded self shielding flux core"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:this is a 135amp machine to boot ROFLMAO"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by Pete.S.Hehe, maybe they should! But you know, I've spent a lot of time in the US and I know for sure that my friends in the US would be totally lost if I went all metric on them.   Since I guess most people on weldingweb live in the US, I'll stick to old units from the British Empire like inch, feet, psi and so on.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammthis is a 135amp machine to boot ROFLMAO
Reply:I'll vouch for the miller handling 3/8" steel.  It was either a 175 or 180 that I used to add a few shanks to a ripper.  I extended the 4"x6"x3/8" wall frame out on both sides.  That was a few years back and they are still using the ripper.  From what I've heard, that extra shank will remove a fence line real quick if you aren't paying attention.I figure that if it can survive draging a shank through the dirt, it should survive just about anything you can throw at it.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloGallons not liters, inches not meters........We appreciate it!!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloGallons not liters, inches not meters........We appreciate it!!!!
Reply:For the little bit of price difference I would go up to a 210amp class machine, then you would have no doubt.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/