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10-30-2007, 06:07 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
1972 Argosy 20
Middletown
, New Jersey
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 589
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Shopping for Welding gear
I've been shopping for a welder and am considering the Lincoln Pro-Core 125. Does anyone here have any experience with this unit? I'm looking for something simple (my reason for flux core rather than MIG) to use for frame repairs and other similar projects.
__________________
Bob Fowler
Some people are like Slinkies. They're really good for nothing, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
TAC - NJ-007
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10-30-2007, 07:06 AM
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#2
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418
2007 25' Safari FB SE
1958 22' Flying Cloud
1974 29' Ambassador
Yucca Valley
, California
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: 1963 26' Overlander
Posts: 4,804
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobfowler
I've been shopping for a welder and am considering the Lincoln Pro-Core 125. Does anyone here have any experience with this unit? I'm looking for something simple (my reason for flux core rather than MIG) to use for frame repairs and other similar projects.
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Bob, that one is a very light duty welder, good for hobby and very occasional use on light materials. It has a 20% duty cycle. Weld for 12sec out of every minute, if I undersand this correctly. I am sure it is a nice little welder, just make sure you understand it's limitations before plunking down the cash for it. Talk to a professional about it.
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10-30-2007, 07:58 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
1963 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Central
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,919
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I bought a SP-175T just because I have 220v available. I can tell you is has a lot more grit than my neighbors 110v version ( I have used both extensively). The 110 is really marginal on 3/16 and above but the 220 fried right through the task. I have used Miller commercial units and I've been very happy with this unit in a home fab/ Farm setting.
Home Depot had a sale on it when I purchased if I remember correctly.
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10-30-2007, 08:10 AM
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#4
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Liberator
1972 Argosy 24
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Heart of Dixie
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,659
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No
A waist of your time, money and energy.
At least get a stick welder.
If you want to wire weld, get a gas type, MIG.
Buy a small cylinder if renting is not for you.
Get one from same place your going to get supplies from.
The flux cores are junk, and your welds will be same.
Skip the mistake many of us have made.
Each welding type has benifits...
TIG
Super slow
Super precise
Super beautiful
No sparks
If your torch is water cooled you may weld non-stop.
Most below 200 amps are air cooled = cycle time on and off.
I use it every day at work...a Lincoln 275..excellent and expensive
At home I have a small 120 amp cheap generic combination TIG/Plasma cutter.
Main problem with a TIG is access to weld area, and controls.
A thumb control would solve the foot pedal problem while welding on your back.
You have your hands full and reach is limited.
MIG dumps metal and is fast, be carful with penitration.
Shoots out great balls of fire too.
Stick is the standard to base judgement.
Cheap
Messy
Easy
Long reach, with new sick
Penitration is great and controlable.
Lots of sparks and slag.
Having a TIG in your shop is one of those really special 'toys' that makes a big differance in your projects success and quality.
A link to welding frames, and recomended welders...
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ame-29140.html
__________________
Your opinion is valued, please not your opinion of someones else's opinion.
Click To See Me Wet
1989 Airstream 345 Liberator...
1972 Argosy 24'...
1954 Feathercraft Vagabond
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10-30-2007, 08:14 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1967 28' Ambassador
1963 19' Globetrotter
1970 29' Ambassador
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,180
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I work for a structural steel fabricator and talked to our field guys about a good welder for frame modifictions/repairs on my A/S. The Lincoln 140C is the unit they suggested. It can use either flux-core wire or gas shielding. It has 120V input and DC output which are both important for versatility and ease of use. It can be purchased for between $500 and $600.
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10-30-2007, 09:15 AM
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#6
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More than one rivet loose
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
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I can already tell this wil do no thicker than 1/8 inch metal. What did you have in mind for welding?
I have a Lincoln SP 175 TIG setp. I like it. If I had to do it again I would move up to something in the low 200s That way I can weld 1/4 inch steel.
I also have a Miller 375 Plasma Cutter.
I have also used a Miller MIG 252. I like it as well. Each has its benifits.
Once again what do you have in mind for welding?
For us TIG is for aircraft repairs and construction. MIG for general shop repairs.
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball
Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud
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10-30-2007, 11:09 AM
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#7
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Moderator Emeritus
1972 31' Sovereign
High Springs
, Florida
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 2,311
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I've got a Lincoln SP-100 and have done extensive welding on 1/4" plate using flux core wire. (Multi pass) Yes, the duty cycle is low, but fine for doing repairs. If you are going to work on a fabrication project, then the low duty cycle is not good. The welder will start to smell funny when the duty cycle is exceeded.
For aluminum, you need a spool gun. In these types of welders the wire has to travel too far from the welder to gun, and causes problems with the aluminum wire breaking and jamming.
__________________
ARS WA8ZYT
2003 GMC 2500HD 4X4 D/A Ext. Cab
Propane Powered Honda EU2000i
Lots of Hot Sauce!
Air # 283
WBCCI 1350
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10-30-2007, 11:54 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1967 28' Ambassador
1963 19' Globetrotter
1970 29' Ambassador
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,180
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pick
For aluminum, you need a spool gun. In these types of welders the wire has to travel too far from the welder to gun, and causes problems with the aluminum wire breaking and jamming.
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You can buy the Magnum 100SG spool gun for the Lincoln 140C for welding aluminum. It sells for about $175.
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10-30-2007, 02:29 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1972 Argosy 20
Middletown
, New Jersey
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 589
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Thanks guys, looks like the 140C would be a much better choice for all around lightish duty.
__________________
Bob Fowler
Some people are like Slinkies. They're really good for nothing, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
TAC - NJ-007
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10-30-2007, 04:05 PM
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#10
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Streamline Imperial
Currently Looking...
Bellflower
, California
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 110
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Definately bite the bullet and get a MIG or TIG welder.
I am very happy with my millermatic 135! I paid about a grand for a turnkey setup brand new, boy have I done a lot of welding with it! This is one of the better 110 volt jobs around IMO. They tell me for about another 800 it can be adapted to aluminum, but results are poor with the wire binding in the cable on the way to the torch.
Also invest in a pair of leggings and leather apron! Sparks always burning through folds in the clothes... a minor annoyance. Nothing like a large molten BLOB falling into your shoe... amazing how fast you can descend a ladder and unlace a steel-toe boot when a quarter-size hole is being burned into the top of your foot!!
Also get an auto-darkening helmet.
-SilvrSausage
__________________
It seems I love the mountains and deserts more than my friends do. I sure miss them!
1971 Streamline Imperial project "Silver Snausage", 1985 Coleman tent trailer, 1964 Little Dipper, 1975 Northwest "Proto Toyhauler", 2004 Harbor Freight folding, still seeking my Airstream.
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10-30-2007, 04:19 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1967 28' Ambassador
1963 19' Globetrotter
1970 29' Ambassador
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,180
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SilvrSausage
I am very happy with my millermatic 135! I paid about a grand for a turnkey setup brand new
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I'm glad you happy with your Miller, I've heard they can be troublesome.
Here is a Lincoln to Miller Comparison ...Admittedly published by the Lincoln folks.
I agree, an Auto-Darkening helmet is the only way to go.
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10-30-2007, 04:26 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
1986 32' Excella
vledder
, drenthe
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 411
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also think about a used pro welder.
you can spend about 1000 usd on a not that good new setup.
but for the same $$$ you could get a good used pro setup.
I just bought a used Esab aristo 500 MIG pulsMIG TIG AC/DC combo
adjustable form 15 till 500 amp with remote controll and all
sold new for a little over 15000 euro ( 21000usd) for 200 euro it needs a 500 euro repair but still not a bad deal
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10-30-2007, 09:04 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,116
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I'm with remcolent. I'd take a little time to look around for a good used professional welder. Over the last couple of years I've managed to pickup a couple of heavy duty AC/DC Stick/Tig welders for next to nothing. Of course they weight around 900 lbs each but thats besides the point These welders were built to last with no electronics inside to get zapped. I also managed to find a real nice Hobart BetaMig 200 that is the smoothest welder I've ever used. Price for it was less than the new light duty mig welders on the market now.
Bottom line is don't ignore older heavy duty used welders. There are some real bargains out there now because everyone seems to think they need the latest and greatest to be able to weld. NOT true
Just my $0.02
Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
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10-31-2007, 03:25 AM
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#14
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Retired Moderator
1992 29' Excella
madison
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,644
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i have to go with the last 2 posts.
i had a 16 horse lincoln dc 225 basicly given to me by a friend who ran out of space for it.
other than a pair of batteries and a tune up it works perfect!
if you get something like this you can get smaller electrodes (stick) and throttle it back. the other added benefit is the 3KW generator that is built in!
the thing is a tank and weighs in at around 700 lbs, i got 50 foot 2/0 cables with it. so i don't neet to move it often.
john
__________________
you call them ferrets, i call them weasels.
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11-26-2007, 04:23 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Hernando
, Mississippi
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 759
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just my 2 cents...I have a Lincoln pro 175 MIG and love it. Also have a Hobart plasma cutter. Real nice! Whatever you get...get a 220V. IMHO.
__________________
Rgds,
Scott
Air 16426
Fully retired now!
Remember:
Never start anything before noon and always plan on being finished by 5.
I will never HAVE to be anywhere ever again!
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12-28-2007, 04:35 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,116
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Quote:
Originally Posted by toastie
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Toastie,
The write-up says it will do 5/16" metal however it maxes out at 135 amps. My guess is the welder will work just fine although you'll likely need to make multiple passes on the thicker welds.
If money isn't an issue I'd look for a welder that runs on 220vac. I've had both a 120vac mig and now have a 220vac mig and there is no comparison as far as capabilities. However with the 120vac unit I welded some 1/4" angle with multiple passes (105 amp max) and the welds were just fine.
It will probably depend more on your welding skills than the welder itself .
Not much help am I
Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
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12-28-2007, 06:45 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1965 17' Caravel
1983 27' Excella
Walnut Grove/Laguna Woods
, California
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,635
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No flux core
I was a Snap-On dealer for 17 years. Just before I retired in 1993, I got their 110v wire feed with a gas bottle, to build a Street Rod, thinking I would sell the unit upon completion of the car. I still have and use that welder. I think it was made by Lincoln. It welds up to 1/4 inch thick with a single pass. Both the temp and speed controls are infinate. That is, they don't click 1,2,3,4, they have a reostate type adjustment.
Don't know if that unit is still available. The new units are probably much better, but I would suggest getting such a unit. You will not be sorry.
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12-28-2007, 06:58 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,116
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Jim brings up a very valid point, infinitely adjustable on both heat and feed are the only way to go. My 120vac unit had those features and I love it.
Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
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12-28-2007, 08:36 PM
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#20
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Ham KI4HJX
1982 27' Excella
1970 23' Safari
Franklin
, 28734
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 126
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You haven't said how much experience you have or if you are just learning. Stick welding takes a lot of practice and time to learn. Mig is a lot faster to master and is used mostly for speed. Tig is used for stainless and thin metal. This is not written in stone but is a general guide. If you ask a pro welder he will almost always say he likes stick the best. And you don't need any gas which is very costly.
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