Welding help please. Can't get the machine to start up.
- Thread starter chrisd
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BeepBeepRR
Well-Known Member
There is a switch up above that changes it from a spool gun to the regular feed. Not a crappy welder just bad luck. Not everyone can afford a 2000 dollar setup.
![IMG_1579[1].JPG](https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/data/attachments/503/503718-43360c63483138cff0a90f5cd56d9c21.jpg "IMG_1579[1].JPG")
![IMG_1580[1].JPG](https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/data/attachments/503/503720-279eb12d06ba9cea1c3ee34ac7b5f013.jpg "IMG_1580[1].JPG")
In 86 I traded a motorcycle for a Millermatic 200, some tools and a bunch of steel. Still have the machine and still like it. Got a Lincoln 100 years ago just for the portability and well, that one didn't stick around for long.
Ranger16
Well-Known Member
I always thought that Lincoln was a good quality welder. Sounds like you got a bad one if you followed the setup instruction to the tee. I'd simply return it.
I bought a similar Century MIG unit since I don't do much welding, but wanted the ability to weld when I need it. Never had a problem with it. I suspect it has the capability to weld better than I can.
I bought a similar Century MIG unit since I don't do much welding, but wanted the ability to weld when I need it. Never had a problem with it. I suspect it has the capability to weld better than I can.
BeepBeepRR
Well-Known Member
Sorry if I come off as a dick with some of my comments. But I like to think reasonable and practical and for practical purposes most people can afford a lower cost welder that they may or may not use more than that ONE time they needed it. Harbor freight 90 amp 99.00 welder was a pile of ****. But it did what it needed to do. The welds looked like ***/the welder guy can't weld for ****. But with even the worst welds a grinder can make it pretty. 
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BeepBeepRR
Well-Known Member
Lol Perfect for my welding skills..
Checked 15 years ago, $60 a day for a Miller mig .
Not sure if Lincoln has a cheaper version that they sell to the box stores, but I have a 180 dual voltage that I just love. I bought it from a welding supply house though. Actually traded in my Millermatic which I hated on it.
1967coronet440
Well-Known Member
Miller bobcat welder around 150 a day, I suspect a mig would be cheaper
110v or 220v? Amp? Might not be a bad option if you can prep a bunch of welds (screw panels temporarily) and go get the welder for half a day.
I'm sure a grinder will be necessary after I'm done. I spoke with Lowe's today and was told.it has been longer than 30 days so they can't do anything. I'll start going over their head tomorrow to remedy the situation. Yeah Beep, I checked that switch too.
1967coronet440
Well-Known Member
I bought a flux core welder from Home Depot a few years back it was a simple set up, not much you can mess up. I’d blame the machine
Probably have to ship it to Lincoln. Maybe you can talk them in to an upgrade for a few bucks.
khryslerkid
Well-Known Member
I see near the end of this video there is a white reset button on the back. Give that a push if you haven't already tried. Also watch the video and compare what you see to yours.
When you squeeze your trigger, you should hear a good solid click. That sound is the contacts coming together to complete the circuit for the arc. Hopefully you find something simple.
gkent
Well-Known Member
I own a Miller 252, a Thermal-Arc inverter tig and an Eastwood 135 mig.
I weld A LOT. I can tell you for a fact that the Eastwood welds .023 and .030 thin gauge as good as the Miller.
So don't let cost or name or input voltage fool you. An inexpensive welder, set up properly and with practice can produce nice welds.
There are some VERY important things to consider with mig though ...
1) welding clean metal is important
2) welding with clean wire is VERY important. If you're an "occasional" welder, remove the wire when you're done and store it in a ziploc bag or container so it doesn't rust. Rusty wire will produce shitty welds and will gum up the liner and roller wheels and result in poor conductivity, feed, etc.
3) Use a "mix" gas - pure CO2 will result in a lot of spatter. Pure argon is for tig - not mig.
4) Practice, practice, practice.
5) Watch "weldingtipsandtricks" videos or others. There is a wealth of info on YouTube.
I weld A LOT. I can tell you for a fact that the Eastwood welds .023 and .030 thin gauge as good as the Miller.
So don't let cost or name or input voltage fool you. An inexpensive welder, set up properly and with practice can produce nice welds.
There are some VERY important things to consider with mig though ...
1) welding clean metal is important
2) welding with clean wire is VERY important. If you're an "occasional" welder, remove the wire when you're done and store it in a ziploc bag or container so it doesn't rust. Rusty wire will produce shitty welds and will gum up the liner and roller wheels and result in poor conductivity, feed, etc.
3) Use a "mix" gas - pure CO2 will result in a lot of spatter. Pure argon is for tig - not mig.
4) Practice, practice, practice.
5) Watch "weldingtipsandtricks" videos or others. There is a wealth of info on YouTube.
Sorry if I come off as a dick with some of my comments. But I like to think reasonable and practical and for practical purposes most people can afford a lower cost welder that they may or may not use more than that ONE time they needed it. Harbor freight 90 amp 99.00 welder was a pile of ****. But it did what it needed to do. The welds looked like ***/the welder guy can't weld for ****. But with even the worst welds a grinder can make it pretty.
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