moving up in the welding world (Lincoln Powermig 180C)

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Hello all I ran across a PowerMig while window shopping in Homedepot.  Their PowerMig unit is a 180HD.  Both 180C and 180HD seem to have the same specs.  Are they both the same machine?At the moment I'm only welding metals up to 1/2in.  I rather not dish out the money to find out later down the road I'll need to weld 1in.  I'm stuck deciding if I should bump up the model or just stick with the 180 series and buy a better one when I need it.  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.-Thanks,     RichLast edited by dottedquad; 06-12-2009 at 12:13 AM.
Reply:dottedquad   the 180C has continuous voltage control and I believe that the 180HD has steps   I have heard that you can only get parts for the HD series machines from Home Depot, that the repair places may not be able to order them. I don't know if this is true, but I would be cautious . . . .-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:Nevermind about the 1in thickness.  The likely hood of me running across that in ranch work is close to zero.  A better question should be, should I spend my money on a different welder?-Rich
Reply:Originally Posted by fredfdottedquad   the 180C has continuous voltage control and I believe that the 180HD has steps   I have heard that you can only get parts for the HD series machines from Home Depot, that the repair places may not be able to order them. I don't know if this is true, but I would be cautious . . . .
Reply:yes taps or discreet steps in voltage vs a continuously variable voltage-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:Parts is Parts!  The retail units use the exact same parts as the 'professional versions' sold at a LWS-the ONLY difference is the 'commercial' versions use an aluminum drive setup whereas the units sold at a big box store do not.   If you download the parts manual for this unit and the PowerMig 180 you will see the same boards used in both machines. The lower cost to produce drive setup in the big box store welders is why they have a lower price. Lincoln isn't going to ruin their reputation with a cheap knock off box that looks like their commercial box and put junk hard to get parts in it.
Reply:Originally Posted by dottedquadNevermind about the 1in thickness.  The likely hood of me running across that in ranch work is close to zero.  A better question should be, should I spend my money on a different welder?-Rich
Reply:The HH187 would be a god choice alsohttp://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...8799_200328799Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I'm leaning towards Miller or Lincoln. I need to read up on both to make a better decision.  It's not one is manufactured better then the other.  They both are made extremely well, it's about price and what applications I'll be welding.
Reply:Consider the 210 series welders, Miller or Hobart.I have the 180c.  It has been a nice welder.  I have had it for 3yrs.   The 180c also has dual drive wire feed.
Reply:I own a Lincoln PM 180C and a Hobart Handler 187. I've also ran the Miller 180. All three are good units. Performance wise my favorite out of these three is the Handler 187. If Lincoln had given the 180C the ability to produce the same top end output power level that the Handler 187  or MM 180 are capable of producing, it would have been tough choose, of which unit I liked better between the 187 and the 180C, Probably still would have been the 187 by a very slight margin, based on the fact that weld puddle wet out of the 187 is a little better.I haven't ran Miller's new 211. I have logged quite a bit of arc time in on Hobart's Handler 210, and it is definitely a real good unit.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:I look at a better MIG all the time.  My priority is portability and when you go larger than a 180 it becomes a two man lift so I don't want to go there.Gordie -- "I believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
Reply:Originally Posted by NiteskyI look at a better MIG all the time.  My priority is portability and when you go larger than a 180 it becomes a two man lift so I don't want to go there.
Reply:Yeah but I am kinda anal about buying Lincoln.Gordie -- "I believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."