Croatan_Kid
How's your hammer hangin'?
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2007
- Location
- New Bern
I've been kicking around the idea of a new welder. I need a bigger, 220v welder and I plan to buy one some time soon. At first, I was just looking at something like a Lincoln 180C, but I figured if I was going to spend some money....I might as well SPEND some money. So I stepped up to looking at the Lincoln 256 or Miller 252.
I'm partial to the Lincoln welders because I already have one, but I know my local welding supply store will cut me a better deal on a Miller. With that being said, I've read about a lot of issues with the Miller guns, tips/nozzles, liners, and some burn back issues that lead to melting the wire to the tip. I also read the Miller uses a Miller specific set of consumables that are more expensive. If that's not true, by all means, let me know. Otherwise, it's just as impressive as the Lincoln. They're really neck and neck as far as specs and performance. I just don't want to buy a brand new machine and hate the gun and have to buy another one.
Also, my reason for these two brands is local support and service. The place I would more than likely buy from is the same company we deal with at work, they'll look out for me, and even bring things to me at work. I know they'll be more likely to push a Miller on me and will give me a far better price on one, but I just prefer Lincolns for my home shop use.
Having said all that, I know a lot of you guys weld far more than I do and probably have some hard facts for me to consider. You may even have a similar (or the same) machine and that would be all the better! So, let me hear it!
I'm partial to the Lincoln welders because I already have one, but I know my local welding supply store will cut me a better deal on a Miller. With that being said, I've read about a lot of issues with the Miller guns, tips/nozzles, liners, and some burn back issues that lead to melting the wire to the tip. I also read the Miller uses a Miller specific set of consumables that are more expensive. If that's not true, by all means, let me know. Otherwise, it's just as impressive as the Lincoln. They're really neck and neck as far as specs and performance. I just don't want to buy a brand new machine and hate the gun and have to buy another one.
Also, my reason for these two brands is local support and service. The place I would more than likely buy from is the same company we deal with at work, they'll look out for me, and even bring things to me at work. I know they'll be more likely to push a Miller on me and will give me a far better price on one, but I just prefer Lincolns for my home shop use.
Having said all that, I know a lot of you guys weld far more than I do and probably have some hard facts for me to consider. You may even have a similar (or the same) machine and that would be all the better! So, let me hear it!
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