Lincoln Electric Weld Pack HD

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I have the oportunity to pick up this unit VERY VERY cheap and was curious if it is a good deal for a simple portable flux core welder for those odd jobs for friends that are not structural steel etc.  Nothing over 1/8" etc.http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053HD specs:Welds up to 1/8 In. steel Output range: 35-88 Amps Great for home repair and hobby projects Compact, portable, lightweight and easy to use MFG Brand Name : Lincoln Electric MFG Model # : K2188-1 MFG Part # : K2188-1 What are the thoughts on this???Last edited by rustywrangler; 06-11-2010 at 04:36 PM.Come try it out and stay a while.
Reply:Anyone???????Come try it out and stay a while.
Reply:I bought an earlier version of that welder in about 1997.  It was new and from Home Depot as well.  I don't imagine the newer units are much different other than cosmetic differences.The welder is very limited in what it can do for you.  I found it is really only good for sheet metal when used as a MIG machine.  When using the flux core wire it can be used to weld up to about 1/8" steel with proper prep work.Other than the limitations of the machine, due to its size, it has been an excellent welder.  At one point it sat on the shelf for about three years and still worked like a champ as soon as I hooked it up.  I haven't had any parts break or had to do anything other than replace the normal parts that are meant to be regularly replaced.As a basic "around the house" welder where you won't need to tackle something heavier than 1/8" steel it is great.  For lawn mower/grill/light automotive work it is very handy.  I bought a 35' 10awg extension cord to use with it so I can almost always get the work close enough to an outlet to fire up the welder.If the one you are looking at is new or is in good shape and the price is really good then don't hesitate.  I waited about three years before I bought mine just trying to work friends and the newspaper looking for a deal on a used one like it.  People tend to not let them go simply because they are so handy.  Once I bought mine I really regretted not saving up the money to buy one brand new out of the store.Even now as I sit on a larger TIG welder I have zero intentions of letting go of my excellent condition Lincoln MIG/flux wire machine.
Reply:Yea that is my plan.  I want to have it for the odd small jobs that I get called out on so that I don't need to drag the MM180 with me along with a tank etc.    I can just grab this, a lead and my tool box and go.I will leave it set up for flux core and just as you said, for mower parts etc is what I would use it for.Come try it out and stay a while.
Reply:have u considered a ReadyWelder?  if you want portability and have a couple car batteries floating around they work real well...  also they work great for thick aluminum with a tank of argon...Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawhave u considered a ReadyWelder?  if you want portability and have a couple car batteries floating around they work real well...  also they work great for thick aluminum with a tank of argon...
Reply:Found a better link for its description:  http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...et.aspx?p=7104Come try it out and stay a while.