Lincoln Electric Pro MIG 140-Amp Welder...good or bad for a total noob??

[k1rodeoboater]

Would this be a good welder to get to do sheet metal repair and general "I'm bored and feeling creative" welding (no frame or structural stuff)?

http://www.lowes.com/pd_256722-1703-...1#BVRRWidgetID

I'm a complete NOOB to welding; I've never held a welding gun in my life. Regardless I want to learn how to weld and I'm using my truck as a giant learning experience. I know she won't be show quality, I don't have the time or money for that, but I bought her as a challenge/project/excuse to learn new things (it seemed like a good idea at the time ). If this welder is complete crap I'll use the gift cards on other tools instead.

I can get that welder for $373.50 before tax brand new from Lowes. And no I'm not working any crazy drug deals. My dad hooked me up with $100 in gift cards to Lowes (thanks to Discover's cash back program) as well as a $10 off $50 or more purchase coupon (to bad he kept the $25 off $250 coupon). I've also got another $65.99 in visa gift cards (gotta love mail in rebates), plus the 10% discount for being active duty military, so really I could walk away with that welder for $307.51 + tax



One thing I do have to mention...this welder is going to be stored in my truck so theft is a possibility. I'd like to say I'd bring it in every night but I know myself and that ain't gonna happen. I may store it at a friends place where I'll be doing a lot of the work on my truck.

[chillware]

I'm looking at the same exact welder, wondering what others have to say as well..

[dwcsr]

Its a good welder for the money but don't expect to weld any heavy metal over 5/16 or do any frame fab. 20% duty cycle @ 140 amps means you can only weld for 2 minutes out of every ten and have the same amps and voltage as when you started. It will still weld but not at the rated amps. After the 2 minutes it needs to rest for 8 minutes to cool down. Anything above hobby (sticking small stuff together) this welder will not do.

[k1rodeoboater]

sounds like this welder would fit my needs then. I really need it for sheetmetal repair more than anything and general messing around with. I doubt I'll be doing any welding using 1/4" steel anytime soon.

[vin63]

Originally Posted by k1rodeoboater

sounds like this welder would fit my needs then. I really need it for sheetmetal repair more than anything and general messing around with. I doubt I'll be doing any welding using 1/4" steel anytime soon.

I've had my 135 Lincoln MIG for 10+ years and it has served me very well. I use it almost exclusively on sheetmetal projects and to tack things in hard-to-reach places. I do transport it around to help people off site, so it is quite portable - transporting my bottle of shielding gas is the more difficult of the two. For what you plan on using it for, it is a very good machine. I would try to bring it in at night just for security and moisture reasons.

[ERASER5]

The Power MIG 140 is a bit better. The voltage control is continuous voltage control. The Pro Mig does not, and the list price is the same. Well, the list price from Lincoln is the same. Dealer prices may vary.

[Indian113]

I would make sure any welder I bought would be able to use a sheilding gas. Check out the Hobart Handler,I think it might be in your price range