Lincoln 140T vs. 140C

[JayDubBlazer]

After shopping around I've found three different options when looking for a new welder. I have taken the Miller off the list due to the higher cost. All three have 20% duty cycle at 90 amps, and similar warranties.

Hobart 140 - I know is a economical version of the miller. It has variable wire feed and five position tapped voltage control. It is the cheapest at $500.

Lincoln 140T - Same options as the Hobart 140. It has variable wire feed and five position tapped voltage control. Little bit more expensive, seen it listed for around $540. Paying for the Lincoln name?

Lincoln 140C - It has variable wire feed and variable voltage control. I swung by the local welding store and there is a $75 rebate on this model and is currently listed for $659 after rebate.

My question. The Lincoln 140C costs $159 more than the Hobart, and $119 more than the 140T. Is the variable voltage control paying the extra cost, or should I just go with the Hobart.

Thanks,

Wes

[tinydb84]

I have welded with Lincoln and Hobart. None of those models though. The difference between the two Lincolns is that one has a metal feed vs a plastic feed I believe.

I have a Hobart 190. I love it. Not as many settings as the 256(254?) that I learned on but I haven't had the need to be that precise.

I would strongly suggest getting a 220v welder though. I bought a smaller welder then ended up having to buy another larger one to do the work on my frame and suspension.

[_Ogre]

they're all basically the same name brand welders, while i like lincoln, i'd go with the hobart based on price
any 120 volt welder will weld 1/4'' steel with a single pass, thicker with multiple passes
there is nothing on any vehicle that is over 10 gauge steel, all of these will weld twice that thickness
in a single pass

[truckster]

I have the Hobart 140. I love it. It's a great little welder and I like the fact that I can take it anywhere and weld with it because it's 120 volts. It has steel feed rollers and I've never had a problem with it feeding (I use .024 most of the time) and I have never maxed it out, even welding 1/4 plate. I would definitely recommend it, although I haven't used the other machines.

As far as tapped vs variable, I don't think it's that big of a deal. Set your voltage for the material, then adjust wire feed to get a good weld.

[JayDubBlazer]

Thanks guys. I was just wondering if anyone had any positives remarks to the variable voltage setting? There was another thread that had a guy that returned his 140T for a 140C. Like truckster said, you have enough ability to adjust with five settings, and then fine tune with the feed speed.

[tinydb84]

Originally Posted by truckster

I have the Hobart 140. I love it. It's a great little welder and I like the fact that I can take it anywhere and weld with it because it's 120 volts. It has steel feed rollers and I've never had a problem with it feeding (I use .024 most of the time) and I have never maxed it out, even welding 1/4 plate. I would definitely recommend it, although I haven't used the other machines.

As far as tapped vs variable, I don't think it's that big of a deal. Set your voltage for the material, then adjust wire feed to get a good weld.

I agree in theory you could weld 1/4'' with a 110 but many (most?) aren't skilled/knowledgeable enough to do it. That being said there is a giant thread on welding web where they weld a 3/8'' plate with a 110 (multi pass with preheat).

Originally Posted by JayDubBlazer

Thanks guys. I was just wondering if anyone had any positives remarks to the variable voltage setting? There was another thread that had a guy that returned his 140T for a 140C. Like truckster said, you have enough ability to adjust with five settings, and then fine tune with the feed speed.

I have welded with both variable and tap settings and honestly it wasn't much different. If you go with the Lincoln then make sure you get the metal drive rollers and not the plastic set up.

[BR3W CITY]

I have the Hobart 211MVP and love it. Any voltage, runs well even through extension cords (big NO NO). Its a tad more (around $800) but its worth having something that can do thicker stuff and run a spool gun. TP Tools and Toolfetch had great prices with rebates and free shipping earlier in the season.

[JayDubBlazer]

My dad called me last night and said that he had gotten a $50 off any purchase over $250 at norhtern tool. Going to try and run down to Des Moines today and pick me up a new welder.

[dragginmetal]

I have the 140c. Bought it in 08. Paid 600 with a auto darking helmet. No real complaints. It takes a little practice to weld on a frame good. Wish I would have went with a 210 amp for that, but it has welded everything I have needed it to. From exhaust pipe, to the frame, to general farm use.

[83 Silverado]

I'm running a miller 211 know a home but I had a Lincoln 140T for around 4 years and my biggest complaint about it was the drive roll setup with how the drive wheel attached with a plastic part to the drive motor, it made it difficult to swap drives for different size wire. The Miller/Hobart is a better drive setup if you plan on going from mig wire to flex core for different jobs.

[OhioChevy]

I have the Lincoln 140C welder and I like it real well. I use mostly 023 wire but have used 035 on thicker metal. If I need anything welded on a frame or heavier metal I just go to my son-in-law and he has a large Lincoln welder that does the job.

[Spartan]

Go with the best you can afford. To much adjustability is less of a problem than maybe needing it later. Jmho.