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Lincoln 180HD vs. Lincoln 140HD

25K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  Brand X  
#1 ·
Need some feedback on these two choices. The 180HD is about $140 more than the 140HD model. I guess the 140HD runs on 110 and the 180HD runs on 220.?? Is spending the extra 140.00 worth it? I wanna use it for autobody panels and building different things like BBQ pits and such. Thanks in advance.
 
#2 ·
Absolutely. The 140 tops out at about 1/8" under real world conditions. The 180 IIRC will do 1/4". That's a lot more power for just a tiny bit more money. That extra power also helps when you want to do thinner stuff as well, as you will have a longer duty cycle with the 180 compared to the 140 welding at say 100 amps.

Almost everyone I know who's started out with a small machine quickly finds heavier projects they want to do. You almost always immediately out grow a 140 amp class 110v machine. If you need/want the 110v capability, then look at one of the dual voltage machines out there now from Miller, Hobart and Lincoln. They will still be limited on 110v power, but will allow you that extra umph, when plugged in to 230v power. Best of both worlds, but the prices are usually higher.
 
#3 ·
DSW nailed it here,

the 140 is fine for auto body thickness work, but anything more and youll need a bigger machine. Ive heard good things about the 180, best of luck to you :)
 
#4 ·
thanks guys....that is what I needed to know. 180HD it is! I know this is unit is not as good as the Welding supply stores version, but this is what I can do for now...since I have a Home Depot gift card. I would much rather have the other version, or even a Miller at that rate, but this one will have to do for now! Again, thanks for the information. Now, just have to find a decent cart for the unit.
 
#6 ·
Well, pulled the trigger on the 180HD, and hope to get it up and running this week. I made a homemade welder cart: Took a 2 tray tool cart, and cut a spot out of the back for the bottle. I'm just too cheap to spend $50-100 on a ready made one. This should do the trick. Maybe one day I will build a more slick designed one with the new welder. Thanks again for all the info guys!
 
#7 ·
I say good move. If you plan on doing BBQ builds and things like that the extra oomph that the 180 packs will come in handy. If you have the wiring to run a 220 machine it's the only way to go.

As for the upcycled welding cart, that's what we do. You will probably find yourself modifying lots of things to better suit your needs now that you have a welder.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I just bought a 140C today, couldn't be happier and I have built numerous BBQ pits and spits with my old Hobart Handler 140. Honestlly, I even built motorcycle trailer chocks, etc with the Hobart and it was just fine. Plus, think about the portability of the 140 vs the 180, if you have 110V, you can take it anywhere. Just a few things more to think about if you haven't fired it up and used it yet. I would only buy the C models IMO, they have infinite heat settings where the Pro-migs from HD and Lowes only have 4-5 settings.
 
#12 ·
technically the 140 can do 5/16 BUT :

For Maximum Output
In order to utilize the maximum output capability of the machine, a branch circuit capable of 25 amps at 120 volts, 60 Hertz is required


You would need to run a 30amp circuit to get the full power out of the 140
 
#13 ·
My Esab Rouge 140 is about the most powerful 120 volt mig out, and 5/16 is really not in the cards for it.(not for me anyway..)I ran about 20/ 140c Lincoln migs and and might weld furniture @ 1/4 but no Fat A$$ allowed on it..:jester: