Lincoln 180 MIG question

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Hey guysI'm building a smoker/cooker on wheels, this thing is made out of a 30"x84"x3/16", the fire box will be made out of 1/4" hot rolled plate and the trailer is a recycled 42"x84" 4" U channel, I'm contemplating buying the Lincoln 180 Mig but I'm afraid it won’t be powerful enough for the 1/4" metal. Do any of you have input on this machine? Thanks Joe
Reply:I think its big enough for 1/4".DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:The spec. say 3/16" Max. mig and 1/2 flux core.  I own a 180c.  I Just stick heavy stuff.  My mig is dedicated to fence and rail fabrication, so I can't comment on how it welds above the recommended max.
Reply:I have a Lincoln 180 and its a nice machine. I've been useing flux core and it welds up to 1/2" no problem. I just got a bottle of gas and haven't got a chance to us it yet but it should do 1/4", at worst you may have to do more than one pass. Another nice thing is you can add a spool gun for $180
Reply:I have read that some have had issues with the 10lb spool adapter hitting the door.....If you are looking for a little more in a smaller machine TSC has the Hobarts on sale right now....the HH210 will do just fine for that...Mike
Reply:The 180 machine should weld 1/4".   Our Millermatic 175 welds 1/4" with argon/c15 and .030 wire with proper joint prep (a bevel).  When I weld 1/4" with the HTP 200, I don't turn it all the way up and it gets full penetration with argon/c25 and .035 wire.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:A Hobart 187 or Miller 180 offer more top end power (more voltage @ 180 amps), which might be beneficial for t joints and lap joints on 1/4", when running solid wire. I own a PowerMig 180C, and it is capable of handling 1/4". For T joint or lap joint applications, on 1/4", that might be subject to high stress levels, I'd probably go with multiple passes over trying to carry a large weld puddle. Honestly though a lot of your welding that you'd be doing on a smoker/cooker doesn't even really seem like it would need 100 % fusion between the weld metal and base metal to produce a strong enough weld for the application - 80% -90% would probably be adequate enough. For applications on 1/4" (T or lap) were I really don't need a hot weld, I tend to run lower settings and use an elliptical motion, which produces results similar to or better then shown in my attached picture- it just depends on how I am performing that particular day. Attached Images
Reply:Thanks to allI had a chance to try out a Lincoln SP 170 on 1/4 " plate. I did T, L and V joints with it and liked the way this little machine laid out metal. Actually, it is all I need to build light duty stuff like the cooker/smoker. I have access to a pro welding shop in case I need to weld heavier metal, so I might just look at the 170 instead, they came down on price +- 400 bucks VS 700 for the 180.I like the weld bead on the pic, and will try out the oval motion as well.Thanks againJoe
Reply:Prior to the PM 180C ,that I own now, I use to own a SP 175 +. I sold the 175 to purchase the 180C, and I can honestly state that due to how the PM 180C performs, compared to the SP 175+, the money I lost selling the 175+ to get the 180C was worth it. The new choke design that the 180C has in it, produces justs as good or even better arc characteristics, and wets the weld puddle out better. As well, it also produces a lower level of spatter.
Reply:My SP175+ will do 1/4" nicely. I use .030 solid with straight C02 or heavier thicknesses up to 1/4". The 180 shouldn't have any trouble on C02. I don't know about argon or C25.Last edited by gnm109; 01-18-2008 at 11:07 AM.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:Thanks to allAfter reading many posts, I decided to order the HH 187. I had a 300 buck gift card from Sears so it made sense buying from them... the funny thing is they equally price the HH187 and the Lincoln 175T One big plus on ordering the HH 187 is that there's a dealer here in town, 4.5 miles door to door.  I completed wiring the 30 amp outlet in the garage and I'll get a bottle of gas early next week...I cant wait!
Reply:HH187  is a good welderThe Welder Shop has great deals and reviews on Hobart, Miller and Lincoln Welders.
Reply:Have fun with your new machine!  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op