Looking at buying a new MIG, currently running an old CIG 135 twin (16 years old). Looking at a CIG Transmig 175i, CIG Weldskill 200, Lincoln 180c or a Unimig Razor 165. Will mainly be used for car panels. Any suggestions? I realise this has been asked in the past but looking for up to date info.
Buying a MIG Welder
Started by
jaselx
, Jun 04 2015 10:06 PM
11 replies to this topic
#1
jaselx
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Posted 04 June 2015 - 10:06 PM
#2
N/A-PWR
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CABIN ENGINE CONTROLS GALORE
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Posted 04 June 2015 - 10:20 PM
Hi J,
I Just got an old transformer sheet metal 180c Mig, and yet to use it. 
Has a lot of settings to weld Aluminium, Steel and others. 
#3
caterham2
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Posted 05 June 2015 - 08:14 PM
About 2 years ago I bought a BOC Smootharc 175 ,which is a MIG/ TIG/ ARC combo using inverter technology. Nice to use but have had problems with jamming gas solenoids TWICE now. Initial was a warranty fix about 3 weeks into ownership, most recent about 3 weeks ago. BOC are fixing under warranty this time even though it is 6 months out of warranty, but frankly I have lost confidence in it.
#4
wot179
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Posted 05 June 2015 - 08:18 PM
Those Lincoln 180s are a great little machine.
#5
tuxedoss
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Posted 05 June 2015 - 09:07 PM
Lincoln 180 for me. I like the infinite adjustment as opposed to the ones with the switches that give you just 4 power settings
#6
jaselx
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Posted 06 June 2015 - 12:46 AM
I am favouring the Lincoln 180c, old technology (transformer not invertor) heavy but I intend to keep on a trolley 90% of the time. Is $1100 a good price.
#7
Posted 06 June 2015 - 07:08 AM
If you've ever had issues with popping breakers at higher settings then the inverter option may be worth reconsidering. Not generally an issue for panel work though.
#8
_mello92_
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Posted 06 June 2015 - 11:23 AM
Another vote for the Lincoln 180C. Beautiful to weld with, infinite adjustment as mentioned, had mine for at least 4 or 5 years now and it's never missed a beat. Anything from panel steel to flat out multi-pass applications, even bought the spool gun this year to build aluminum ute canopies and that worked a treat too. Interesting to note they've gone up $100 since they first came out.
#9
LJ RB30
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Posted 06 June 2015 - 04:09 PM
+1 for 180c :-)
#10
jaselx
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Posted 09 June 2015 - 08:40 PM
Got the Lincoln 180c today $977, yet to fire it up.
#11
Heath
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Posted 09 June 2015 - 09:56 PM
Interesting to note they've gone up $100 since they first came out.
Carmelo, I think you'll find that's just exchange rate.
#12
_mello92_
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Posted 10 June 2015 - 06:08 PM
Yeah good point.
Ya not just a pretty face are ya??
Ya not just a pretty face are ya??
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