Choosing a mig - WIA or Lincoln

Post by **hj 45** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 4:53 pm

G'day all, I'm chasing a welder for panel work mostly and I've got my eye on two units, the Lincoln 180C and WIA Weldmatic 175 for 1200 and 1400 bucks respectively, the WIA looks the goods but I want to make sure. Also, BOC has a 190 amp unit for $1100, but I don't know anything about them, anyone out there had any experiences with them?

Cheers.

Post by **berad** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 6:00 pm

If mostly for panel work and even other more heavy duty welding, you could buy a welder with less amps, therefore saving some money but not compromising later projects, mine is 165 amps and penetrates well into 3-4mm, even more if you slow the weld down without problem.

I own a cig turbo 165, wia and lincoln are probably better units, the wia and lincoln torchs are better quality, and duty cycle is better, the cig's torch is not as good as the above but the price reflects this also, the cig does everything i want to do.

Post by **AFeral** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 6:23 pm

All are good welders.
Personally I would buy the WIA because I like them with the added bonus of being an Australian welder.

Post by **Braudy** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:03 pm

I've got the BOC 190 and can't really fault it . I have used WIA and Lincoln in the past but ended up buying the BOC and haven't looked back , not a single drama for nearly 5 years now.

Cheers

Braudy

Post by **Rory** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:06 pm

i own the WIA 175. I rate it, never had any problems with it. It also has plenty of power to do the things i do with it with ease, mostly upto 6mm. With the correct weld prep id be confident to weld 8mm n trust it

Post by **hj 45** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:59 pm

Rory wrote:i own the WIA 175. I rate it, never had any problems with it. It also has plenty of power to do the things i do with it with ease, mostly upto 6mm. With the correct weld prep id be confident to weld 8mm n trust it

Cheers for the replies, as well as the panelwork, it'd be used for heavier stuff on occasion - up to 6mm or so, so a bit of grunt wouldn't go astray. The stepless adjustment on the Lincoln might be a goer, but I'm not sure how much benefit it'd be?

Post by **ausyota** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:59 pm

Another option is to go with a CIG Transmig 200 on sale with United tools for $1249 and Im sure most welding shops would match that price.
I have the CIG Transmig 220 and it has been an awesome welder.
I personaly would not go less than a 200amp machine, you will regret it later down the track.

*edit* Just noticed that the United tools sale ends tomorow! 11/7

Post by **redv8lux** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 10:09 pm

I've had the smaller lincon 170 for 15 years ,done heaps of panel work ,built 3 trailers an various other jobs an never had a problem
All parts an accesories have always been easy to get hold of from local welding supplies

Post by **DR Frankenstine** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 11:09 pm

I have the uni mig 190 inverter and it is bloody awsome welds 10mm plate right down to 1mm sheet. can use it as an arc welder as well.
It travels around in the back of my ute full time and is very light at only 18kg can run gas or gasless but I only use it with gas. The best thing about it is you can run it on 200m of extension leads with no effect.

Post by **ash_on_mtb** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 9:32 am

For what its worth, I've just bought a lincoln 180c, and couldn't be more impressed with it!

from a cold email to the details listed below:

The Cigweld Transmig 165 MIG $900 inc GST
The Lincoln Powermig 180 MIG $1,080 inc GST
Unimig 165 inverter MIG and arc $1,150 inc GST

Standard lift front welding helmet: $22 inc GST, Cigweld Weldskill automatic welding helmet $120 inc GST, Miller Elite automatic welding helmet $490 inc GST, Black & Gold welding gloves $5.50.

Let me know if you need any more information etc.

Regards,
Chris Sanders.

Complete Welding Hire & Sales Pty Ltd
Ph. +613 9580 8544 Fax. +613 9580 7394
www.completewelding.com.au

I know that doesn't help you re: freight etc, but its another point to bargaining from.

Post by **Moph** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 10:48 am

How would a TIG stack up against a MIG for general workshop usage? Obviously have to hire gas bottles to use the TIG vs gasless wire with the MIG, but in my limited welding experience (8 week TAFE course a few years ago...) TIG was just so much more controllable.

Thinking something like a CIG Weldskill 170HF which can be picked up new for around $1000?

Post by **Tiny** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 12:00 pm

wia are a good wlder, but the guns are crap

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Choosing a mig - WIA or Lincoln

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