Loncoln pro mig 180 vs 180HD

skyj · 02-11-2012, 10:17 AM

Well I have a little of tax return money burning a hole in my pocket, so I have come to get some of your expert advice. I have been looking around at lincoln welders ( in my price range). It will be used for welding up my roll cage and installing my ford 8.8 and front d44.Is there any difference between the Pro Mig 180 at Lowes and the 180HD at Home Depot. they are both the exact same price so which one should I get?

rinking · 02-11-2012, 12:22 PM

look them up on the Lincoln web site to see the differences!

**Ironworker709** · 02-11-2012, 01:49 PM

Thye are both the same exact machine..i have the Pro-Mig..great machine

skyj · 02-11-2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironworker709

Thye are both the same exact machine..i have the Pro-Mig..great machine

Great that is what I bought. Just got home with it.

skyj · 02-11-2012, 04:21 PM

Can't wait to use it just got to run the wire and plug, and install a 50 amp breaker.

lpukas2 · 02-11-2012, 04:25 PM

They are both the same machine, but beware. The Lincolns sold at the big box stores have more plastic parts in them then the ones you get at a welding shop. That's why they are cheaper. I ended up getting a used 180C and love it.

**BESRK** · 02-11-2012, 04:35 PM

I don't know..

I emailed Lincoln a few years ago to ask them about the differences. The reply I received said that all of the welders (of a particular amperage class) were the same.. only difference was in the name. Said there was no other difference between the Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, or Welding Store versions.. same welder.

my-jeep-earl · 02-11-2012, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BESRK

I don't know..

I emailed Lincoln a few years ago to ask them about the differences. The reply I received said that all of the welders (of a particular amperage class) were the same.. only difference was in the name. Said there was no other difference between the Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, or Welding Store versions.. same welder.

Ironworker and I had a friendly discussion about 4 or so weeks back about this, the're "not" the same machines as sold at welding supplies ( I know for a fact that). He contacted Lincoln and they confirmed it also.

Is this a good starter welder? ( 1 2 3)
GraemeZJ 1/6/12

**Molonlabemike** · 02-11-2012, 11:55 PM

Have the 180 HD and love it, lays down some great beads

both work great for what you will use it for.

**Ironworker709** · 02-12-2012, 12:48 AM

The ONLY difference from the ones at welding supply stores and the franchise stores is the franchise stores are only the "tapped version",which means the amperage settings are in steps and not continious like a volume knob..AND..the drive mechanism that the feed wheels go onto are plastic and not cast aluminum..that its the 2 ONLY differences............i have the ProMig 180 and have used the 180C and see no difference in performance and quality what so ever....

So..all in all..being those are the ONLY differences....i see no issues saying one is better than the other,other than the drive is plastic and even that has never been an issue to date as the rep even mentioned in the email...so all the myths and internet crap about them being a much lower quality machine is all Bull.........

Post Number 27......

Is this a good starter welder? - Page 2 - JeepForum.com

**BESRK** · 02-12-2012, 05:57 AM

Oops.. I neglected to differentiate between the tap versions and the infinite settting versions..

I was referring to the tap versions in a particular amperage class.. I should've been more specific..