Lincoln 180 vs Miller 172

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I got myself a used Miller Challenger 172 in mint condition, my brother in law got the Lincoln 180 from Home Depot.My manual says I can weld up ti 1/4" in one pass, using gas or flux core, the Lincoln says only 3/16" in one pass, gas or flux core.How can mine, which has 10 amps less output, weld heavier that the 180?
Reply:If everything else exactly the same. Then steel even if mild - not exactly the same. If you're really after this - go on web sites and look for specs... What is their samples...With new Lincoln - there is telphone number - call them and ask the question...The way I see it - steel does not know about Miller or Lincoln - current - all that counts... Higher current - thicker steel...
Reply:Hey bigb,I also have a Miller Challenger 172 & it will do 1/4" easily. I have used it, at times, relentlessly and it has never failed me. It is the predecessor to the Millermatic180. Likewise, I got mine 6-7 yrs ago in mint condition that still had almost a full 2# roll on it that came with it. If you look at all the specs of each machine, I believe they are quite similar in output & duty cycle. You will like it & it will serve you well.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Yes Denny the specs are the same, duty cycle @130A, OCV etc. Up until today I have only used it with 75/25, bought a roll of flux core today to try it out. Had a little trouble burning through on the thinner stuff with the flux core, and couldn't seem to get a heavy enough bead on the 1/4" plate. Probably need more practice.
Reply:Hey bigb,I am going to presume you did reverse the polarity for the flux-core. You will find different results with some of the brands of flux-core wires. I find Hobart & Lincoln NR211MP to be the best IMO, & I stay with .030. For thinner welds on sheetmetal lighter than 14ga., stay with the .030, drop your heat dial to 2 & wf to 30 for starters. Keep your gun at a 45* angle & definitely use a copper or aluminum backing that will absorb some of the heat. Practice will improve your techniques with heat, wf, & travel speed..... it will come.... be patient. Keep us posted with your progress & results..... good luck.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Thanks for the tips Denny, I am using Lincoln .35". I'll try some .30", buying the little rolls till I figure it out.Yes, I did reverse the polarity.
Reply:With fluxcore, drag the torch like a stick electrode, rather than pushing it.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:what type machine would i need for 5" schedule 40 pipe (low budget)?
Reply:Originally Posted by suzannawhat type machine would i need for 5" schedule 40 pipe (low budget)?