How good are the lincoln electric Arc Welders?

[jdonovan]

My dad has an auto shop that he bought and once we get the roof fixed on it then were gonna open it up and do everything automotive. Including ac work. I got my 609 MVAC certification 3 months ago.

I also anticipate doing exhaust work.

Change your plans, or supplement them.

You really don't want to do exhaust work with stick... it _CAN_ be done, but mig really is the go-to process for exhaust work.

It will depend on the specific parts you wind up working on, but you may need all of MIG, TIG, and stick.

If I had just one welding tool to open the doors with on day one. It would be a MIG setup.

 

[Shield Arc]

Chad with what you have planned, you'll need a 220-volt Mig welder as well!

 

[crazyal]

I think you'll find yourself happier if you got a small mig welder, maybe use flux core to save on the cost of a bottle and gas but I would get a wire feed welder with the gas functions already built in. Doing auto work you'll most likely not have to weld anything thicker than 1/4" and most likely thinner metal. With mig you can make multiple passes to weld thicker steel and build up extra heat in the steel.

Even if you have to do a few odd jobs and a little saving I think in the long run you'll be happier. Another option would be like Shield arc was saying about an inexpensive inverter type welder and a tig add on. I'm not very familiar with them so others could help you out.

 

[Tenn_Blue]

When you say "do exhaust work" are you talking about repairing exhaust systems (replacing mufflers, fixing leaks/rust, etc - like a muffler shop) or fabrication of headers and performance exhaust sytems?

For fixing existing, a mig will do fine. You may need a couple different gas bottles to account for carbon and stainless metals though.

If you want to do performance fabrication (headers, collectors, etc) you may want to plan on getting a tig system. Lot harder to learn, but much better control and results. If thats the way you want to go, I would buy a light mig now, then get the tig/stick later as you need it. (most Tig machines will also do stick welding - and will do aluminum welding if you go ac/dc).

And since we are spending YOUR money :thumbsup:, go ahead and spring for a good oxy/acetylene torch setup. You will need it for exhaust system work....

A good way to learn better welding is to take a couple welding classes at your local jr college or trade school. You can learn on your own, but working with someone who knows what to do and can show you how will shorten the process - then its just practice, practice, practice!!!

 

[F250DSLPWR]

I have three Lincoln welders, AC-DC stick, 120v wire feed mig and 220v wire feed mig. They all work great and I have built a lot of stuff with them. I bought all of them over several years at Home Depot as marked down returns. If I didn't have the Lincoln's and were looking for a new machine I would probably look at something like the Everlast, just for the added tig capability, but then I find myself wanting to do more projects with different types of materials now days. I do have to say the Lincoln's have worked out great for me, some of the best tool investments I have made. I welded my entire 24'x36' shop together with 120v mid and the AC-DC stick. My father has a couple Miller migs and they work well also. The 120v mig has been great because I have been able to do welding jobs at the ranch, friends houses, my house and also use it with a generator. For light tubing and steel it works great.

For exhaust work, the 120v mig with sheilding gas will work great. I have done a bunch with my little 120v mig. For rusted and heavier material using it with flux core wire will work good too. If I were going to re wire the building, I would just get a 220v mig welder. I would however take the time to compare Lincoln, Miller, ESAB and Everlast. The Everlast has peaked my interest after reading about it on TBN.

 

[chad22]

When you say "do exhaust work" are you talking about repairing exhaust systems (replacing mufflers, fixing leaks/rust, etc - like a muffler shop) or fabrication of headers and performance exhaust sytems?

For fixing existing, a mig will do fine. You may need a couple different gas bottles to account for carbon and stainless metals though.

Yeah I mean replacing mufflers, fixing leaks/rust, etc. I won't be doing any of that fabrication.

I'll look into getting a mig machine, when money permits.

My dads got a torch so were good in that department. For now I might just get the lincoln arc welder and then later get a mig tig. And then learn on that.

We've been getting business to the place already and were not even open.
( I see that as a good sign) Awhile back I was in the shop sweeping up the floor getting it cleaned up.

when a guy brought in his truck needing clutch work, and a week later a lady needing brake work. lol


We did those Jobs. They already said they were gonna spread the word about it. :thumbsup:

Were waiting till the weather warms up and then were gonna completely redo the entire roof. Hopefully by then we'll be able to get all the paperwork done and get it opened up fully as a business.

Chad

 

[MBDiagMan]

I have one of these AC tombstones that I bought in 1986 or 1987. I've burned tons of rod with it and have never done anything to it beyond adding longer, heavier cable recently.

For a beginner, a DC welder would probably give you a head start, but once you get some practice, it will do anything that any other stationary stick welder within it's size range will do.

If memory serves me correctly, I paid under $200 for mine and this included a helmet, chipping hammer and a small package of rods. It may very well be the best $200 I ever spent in the shop.

 

[Jeff Lary]

I have a Lincoln Tombstone ac/dc cant remember the exact model number but i love it,,,,, ""Lincoln"" nuff said in my opinion cant go wrong.Hours of fun sticking stuff together that was never ment to be.

 

[some zilch]

my first welder was the ac225 tombstone. i welded more stuff with that. i was the only guy in college with a welder, and we ran it off a generator in the back of my pickup truck. it probably has a million hours on it

i just recently upgraded to an idealarc 250, but the old tombstone sits on the shelf awaiting backup duty if need-be. it is an excellent entry-level unit