Welding update: used welder opportunity - opinions welcome!

andrewro · 02-17-2006, 03:11 PM

Guys, here's the latest info on my welding plans. I had looked at the Lincoln 135-series and the Millermatic 135 welders, and also talked to an uncle of mine who used to own a welding supply shop. I had decided on buying the Miller - they're available on eBay for around $580, and probably other places if I look around.

However, this weekend I am looking at a Lincoln Weld-Pak 320. The seller says it's a Home Depot specific version of the Lincoln 135 - this seems to be true, though the HD website lists it as a 3200 rather than a 320. Perhaps they upgraded it a little and changed the number? It has been used for maybe three spools. The seller has upgraded to a Lincoln 175. He is keeping the attachments for the 320 (or 3200 or whatever it is), which he is already using, and including the unused attachments that came with the 175 in this sale. The price is $299. I have tried to link to the Home Depot site for this welder but apparently they are redirecting my link to their home page - I couldn't get the link to work this time.

Here's an image:

Description and some specs:

Got some serious welding chores? Then you're going to want a serious welder. Lincoln Electric's Weld-Pak 3200HD handles a huge spectrum of flux-cored or MIG welding jobs -- from auto-body repairs to farm fixes to around the home chores. You just can't buy a 120V welder with a more versatile range! The Weld-Pak 3200HD comes ready to weld mild steel with self-shielded flux-cored wire right out of the box. Also included is virtually everything you need to MIG weld mild steel. Just add a cylinder of shielding gas. Rounding out the package is a welding handshield, instructional video and undercarriage. The convenient mild steel procedure chart inside the wire access door guides you to all the appropriate welder settings for the job at hand. The Weld-Pak 3200HD has a 25-135 amp output and welds up to 5/16 In. steel using flux-cored wire. The unit plugs into a 120V (20 amp) outlet. It comes with a 3 year warranty on parts and labor (90 days warranty on gun and cable).

• Welds up to 5/16 In. steel
• Output range 25-135 Amps DC
• 3-year warranty parts and labor (90 days gun and cable assembly)
• Input voltage: 115 Volts

Store SKU # 599867
Internet # 166038
Catalog # 100093231

Internet ID 166038
Brand Lincoln Electric
Model # K2190-1
EnergyStar Compliant N
Flux-cored Gas Shielded .025 to .035"
Flux-cored Self Shielded Wire Utilized .035 In.
Output Polarity 25-135A DC
Power Requirement 115/1/60
Rated Output 90/19/20%
UPC CODE 015082777320
Welding Capacities Welds up 5/16 in. steel using flux-cored wire.

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I've already had great responses from you guys on which welders to look at, and that thread was very helpful for me. I am committed to a 110v for now as I do not yet know where I will be able to actually work on the car. I have met a guy in town who is a professional fabricator who can show me the basics. This welder seems like a good deal to me. I am going to HD tonight to see what they have in stock. Does anyone have experience with the Home Depot versions of the Lincoln welders? Any opinions or words of wisdom before I go see the actual welder that's for sale?

Thanks!
Andrew

andrewro · 02-17-2006, 04:10 PM

Why was this moved to the off-topic forum? I'm referencing a discussion to repair panels in my '72 911T. Anyway, no big deal. I checked out the welder at Home Depot a few minutes ago. Looks like a 135, though I have not seen both in person.

billyboy · 04:19 PM

Lincoln is one of the best. Make sure that replacement parts such as tips etc. are standard Lincoln that would be available at any regular welding store. Bottom line, parts may be hard to get from Home Depot if the model doesn't use regular lincoln stuff.Oh and whats the stuff in the lit. about "flux-cored gas shielded", never heard of that, it's either one or the other, the gas is in place of the flux cored. Gas shield is the only way to go for working on light gauge car stuff, you just can't do it out in the wind very well.

andrewro · 02-17-2006, 04:27 PM

Yeah, that "Flux-core gas shielded" thing in the specs is weird. Lincoln has both the owner's manual and the replacement parts list on their website. I've downloaded them and will look through them this evening.

billyboy · 02-17-2006, 04:37 PM

I thot of a couple of other things that are indespencible: an automatic darkening hood, and MIG pliers for cutting off wire ends and removing/cleaning nozzles and tips. I have welded for 30 years with the old type of hood and being resistant to change, put off buying a new auto type. When i did get the new one, what a difference, just the constant flipping up and down of the hood or lack of it has been a major improvement. It is especially nice when working on things that need to be held in place by hand while they are tacked. Anti-spatter grease/gel is helpful for keeping your nozzles clean too.

andrewro · 02-17-2006, 04:44 PM

Thanks, Bill. I am planning to get one of the less expensive autodarkening helmets. The other things - the gel and pliers are great suggestions. I also plan on some gloves, a protective blanket, since I'll be doing some work over the motor, and whatever else I learn about before I actually get to work on either of my cars. My uncle who once owned a welding supply shop has agreed to help me price some things, and to look for used items wherever it is acceptable, including a tank. I'm not going to have everything at once but having the welder here will light a fire under me to spend my money on the task at hand, rather than expensive beer, sushi, concerts and dvds!

Tim Hancock · 02-17-2006, 04:46 PM

I also held off on an auto-darkening helmet for a long time, but now that I have one I love it.

The welder in the fab dept of the company I work at won't use one though, as he claims that long term exposure to the split second flash which he claims is happening, is not a risk he wants to take. I never cared enough to research it, as I do not weld anywhere close to... all day long, every day.

billyboy · 02-17-2006, 04:53 PM

Quote:

The welder in the fab dept of the company I work at won't use one though, as he claims that long term exposure to the split second flash which he claims is happening, is not a risk he wants to take

I wonder why I can't see very well any more! J.K. although now I wil have something else to worry about!

turbo6bar · 02-17-2006, 07:24 PM

If the Lincoln is not upgraded to use gas shielding, you will need to add that cost. If this is something you plan to use and own for a long time, I would buy the Miller 135 or comparable Lincoln. The additional cost is insignificant over the long term. The Miller has variable speed and voltage, while the Lincoln only has 5 or 6 settings (can't remember how many).

If you need to buy gas, you should check with you local welding supply. When I bought a new welder, the internet was cheaper, but the local supply offered tank of gas for free (no bottle rental charge). That made it a no brainer.
good luck,
jurgen

andrewro · 10:27 PM

Turbo6bar: The Lincoln has four settings, and it has the proper solenoid installed for gas sheilding, as well as the required regulator. I was planning to buy the Millermatic 135 if I was buying new, but a half-price savings is hard to turn away.

The Lincoln 135 and the Millermatic 135 are roughly comparable from what I have read, though the Miller is the better welder overall. I have read some complaints about some plastic components in the Lincoln prematurely wearing out. The only thing I need to buy to do GMAW, or true MIG welding, is a tank. The regulating gear and its associated attachments are provided.

I also will buy some gloves and a blanket, and a number of other, smaller items. For the short term I am committed to 110v so as long asl all the promised attachments are included in this deal, it seems pretty nice.

We'll see about the gas, and about local offers. You never know what you may find when you ask. I'm going to do a lot of calling around tomorrow!

Thanks,
Andrew