Lincoln 140C Mig

[Part Time Pete]

One of my sons friends has a little used Lincoln 140c mig welder, that he wants $300 for. Is this a good rig, and is that a decent price?
Thanks
Pete

 

[Stan in Oly, WA]

That's around half the price of a new one. Could be a fair price or not, depending on its condition. The best way to think about 115V wire feed welders is that they're like 1/2 ton 2400cc pickups; they're great for what they can do, and there's no way to get them to do more than that. If you never need to pull a trailer or carry a large load, a small pickup can be very handy. If all your welding is going to be light gauge, a 115V welder can be just the thing.

Stan

 

[da.bees]

A Lincoln 140 is better than one from Horriable Freight but a limited machine non the less. Keep in mind that used near max capability,duty cycle is very short. A 240 volt Lincoln 180 is a better investment.

 

[rossow (mn)]

It depends on the work you want to perform. I think the Lincoln 140 retails for around $500, so $300 seems like an OK price if it's a clean unit, especially if it has a gas regulator and hose. If not, the gas hookups will add to your cost; a tank by itself will cost maybe an extra $150 or so if you want to use mig instead of flux-coated. The 110 units obviously can't do as heavy a job as 220. I have a Lincoln P-100 that I bought specifically for its 110-volt power. I wanted portability for light-duty work (e.g., sheet metal) on and off my property. If I need to do heavier work, I have three 220-volt welders available in my garage and shop, plus oxy-acetylene. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Part Time Pete]

Thanks guys,
I've used a stick welder for everything up until now, but it would be nice to have something for light gauge stuff. It would also be nice to have a 110v rig that I could use in the field with a generator.
It seems like he might be a little high, but I'll go check it out
Pete

 

[Stan in Oly, WA]

I think the best solution, except for cost, is to buy a dual voltage welder. Miller, Lincoln, ESAB, and others all sell them. I know several people who have Millermatic 211's and love them. It's a best of both worlds solution, but it's not $300.

Stan

 

[RobCons]

They are fine machines for what they are. I use one all the time for field work on ornamental iron fences and gates. Most of the material is light gage and the little machine with flux core wire does just fine. Easy to toss in the cart, plug into the houses 110v outlets, and go to work. I also run it off a 8200w generator. If using gas they don't penetrate very much. Not enough power.

 

[Dusty MI]

I have one, not sure of the model # but it's a 120v Lincoln.
I built a new shop 5 years ago and used #10 wire for the 20 amp receptacles. Welding one day at a rather high amp setting. And the 20 amp circuit breaker tripped, Squared D. I checked the welder manual and it said that it would pull more than 20 amps at a high setting. So I changed the 20 amp breaker for a 25 amp one. That's pushing the receptacle and the cord/cord cap a little, but works well.
I don't think that I've exceeded it's duty ratting.

Dusty

 

[Dusty MI]

I have one, not sure of the model # but it's a 120v Lincoln.
I built a new shop 5 years ago and used #10 wire for the 20 amp receptacles. Welding one day at a rather high amp setting. And the 20 amp circuit breaker tripped, Squared D. I checked the welder manual and it said that it would pull more than 20 amps at a high setting. So I changed the 20 amp breaker for a 25 amp one. That's pushing the receptacle and the cord/cord cap a little, but works well.
I don't think that I've exceeded it's duty ratting.

Dusty

 

[MarkB_MI]

Does that include the tank & regulator? Get it.

It's a good rig for sheet metal on up to 1/8 inch steel. If you're going to weld 1/4 inch or thicker you'll want a 240V welder.

 

[Goose]

I assume the "140" means 140 amps.

I have a 140 amp, 110 volt Hobart that I bought for mainly auto body and light metal work. It's super great for that, but for anything over 1/8" to 3/16" I use my stick welder. But, for anything that heavy, I'm more confident in the job I do with a stick welder anyway.

 

[Part Time Pete]

Thanks again guys. I talked to him again last night, and he came down to $275, so I'll go ahead and do it. I'll let you know how it works
Pete