180C vs 180T

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I've been looking at the Lincoln 180T (tapped voltage control) or 180C (continuous voltage control). My question is, if I am not doing x-ray inspected welds, just my projects, is the 180C worth the extra $75 or $100?ThanksDRL
Reply:YESI can work with a tapped machine.  A continuous machine works with you.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by DRLI've been looking at the Lincoln 180T (tapped voltage control) or 180C (continuous voltage control). My question is, if I am not doing x-ray inspected welds, just my projects, is the 180C worth the extra $75 or $100?ThanksDRL
Reply:I agree with the veggie. Continuous without a digital readout just means more hunting for the right setting. Tapped will do just as well if not better since you aren't hunting all the time and trying to adjust both knobs. I have both types and the tapped are by far easier to adjust.
Reply:Thanks guys, I think I am correct in that everything else on the 2 machines are the same. Correct?DRL
Reply:Originally Posted by DRLThanks guys, I think I am correct in that everything else on the 2 machines are the same. Correct?DRL
Reply:minor point.  The machines are the same, except for the tapped-versus-continous voltage control.One important difference between those tapped versus continuous machines is that you CAN change/tweak/fiddle with the voltage control -while- welding with the continous (180C) voltage control machine.  That can be a plus -or- a minus for you.  To change voltage on the tapped machine, you MUST stop welding and then change the voltage and then go back to welding.  The super cautious will shut the machine down (just flip the OFF switch) before changing the voltage, to really make sure they don't blow out the control board if their finger taps the trigger or the torch rolls on the bench/floor/whatever while they are turning the voltage knob.A well thought out tapped machine is usually fine.  Sometimes though, that little bit of extra tweaking that the C-model gives you can make a difference for an experienced welder and/or a tricky situation.  Like maybe a rusty sheet-metal muffler and GMAW and you can ever so slightly turn down the voltage to stop blowing through the thinner spots on the muffler.Your call.Oh, and welcome Broccoli-man.  How's La-La land?
Reply:Originally Posted by MoonRise Like maybe a rusty sheet-metal muffler and GMAW and you can ever so slightly turn down the voltage to stop blowing through the thinner spots on the muffler.Your call.Oh, and welcome Broccoli-man.  How's La-La land?
Reply:Thanks again for the help guys. I just reread the Lincoln website about these machines and noticed something I had missed before. The 180C talks about featuring the "Lincoln® Diamond Core Technology™", but the 180T doesn't say anything about it. Does that feature really do anything or is it just a sales gimic.ThanksDoug
Reply:Originally Posted by DRLThanks again for the help guys. I just reread the Lincoln website about these machines and noticed something I had missed before. The 180C talks about featuring the "Lincoln® Diamond Core Technology™", but the 180T doesn't say anything about it. Does that feature really do anything or is it just a sales gimic.ThanksDoug
Reply:Originally Posted by DRLThanks again for the help guys. I just reread the Lincoln website about these machines and noticed something I had missed before. The 180C talks about featuring the "Lincoln® Diamond Core Technology™", but the 180T doesn't say anything about it. Does that feature really do anything or is it just a sales gimic.ThanksDoug
Reply:For the recreational welder  I see a definite advantage to going with a well designed tapped voltage unit over a unit with a variable voltage dial.  Like Don (DDA52) already pointed out, the ease of operation factor that the tapped design provides will allow you to spend more time welding and less time messing with the machine dials trying to find the right settings.I realize you're asking about the Lincoln units; however, I wanted to point out a very well designed tapped voltage unit to you. This unit would be a Hobart Handler 187. Hobart did are real good job on the design of this unit. The arc quality and weld puddle wet out are very good. The seven voltage tap selections the unit offers, does a very good job of covering the units 25 - 185 amp output range. To date I haven't encountered a situation were I wasn't able to dial this unit into a very acceptable out put for the joint design or position I was welding in.  BTW, I own a PM 180C. When dialed in properly the arc quality and weld puddle wet out on mild steel, with C-25 shielding gas, are very good.   I'll point out too, for solid wire applications, the HH 187 I mentioned above offers more top end power then the PM 180C.  I've had a volt and amp meter hooked up to both units. The PM 180C topped out around 20.5 volts @ around 170 -175 amps; whereas, the HH 187 topped out around 21.5 V to 22V @ around 180 -188 amps. In actual use, this difference in top end power is noticable too.Due to my old computer dying on me a while back, I lost my sample weld pics that I'd ran with the PM 180C; however, I have a few pics on this new computer that I 've ran ran with the 187. So, i'll attach them for you to take a look at. Attached Images
Reply:I just bought a Pro Mig 180 although it's only 5 taps I love it. I choose it over the Hobart 187 because of the spool gun and spot timer options.  If you need a spool gun for aluminum , lincoln makes one for $200. It can be had on ebay for under $200.
Reply:I have had 3 infinitely adjustable mig including a 180c.  I purchased a promig 135 a couple of week ago for a specific job. I can't say would miss the infinitely adjustable voltage.  It is probably easier to adjust than the continuous.
Reply:Thanks everyone for the input. Broccoli1, thanks for checking. Yes, I see those NIB $500 deals come through ebay all the time but by the time you pay shipping it is getting close to what a new one is off ebay because they are drop shipped from Lincoln for free.  I keep watching Craiglist here, no luck yet.DRL
Reply:Try this linkhttp://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZtjtmisshe has 1 or 2 every week for $425
Reply:http://cgi.ebay.com/lincoln-pro-mig-...QQcmdZViewItem$475 including shipping.
Reply:Originally Posted by DRLThanks everyone for the input. Broccoli1, thanks for checking. Yes, I see those NIB $500 deals come through ebay all the time but by the time you pay shipping it is getting close to what a new one is off ebay because they are drop shipped from Lincoln for free.  I keep watching Craiglist here, no luck yet.DRL
Reply:Can I run a 180 C off of a generator?  I have a Lincoln G8000 that puts out 220V.  I build stair rails and am looking for a way to mig weld a rail form in a house.
Reply:I run my 180c off a honda 4500.  I have used the 100sg spool gun with it also.  No problems.
Reply:If you can get the 180C for only $100 more, do so by all means. I have the SP175 plus with variable power control and IMHO it's much nicer than the equivalent tapped machine. Get the 180C....you'll be glad you did.