arco lincoln minimig 180c

[silverstag]

Hello , I'm new to welding in fact I've never welded anything before. I've just inherited from a friend of a friend an arcos lincoln minimig 180c, recently overhauled and fitted with a euro torch. Unfortunately the legend on the front of the machine showing currents, voltages etc is partly illegible. Can anyone give me any info about these machines max / min current etc. I realise this model is probably obsolete but could I purchase a new legend from any where . I have a triumph stag that will need some tlc soon, is this machine suitable for bodywork repairs. Any information will be gratefully received.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Hi
I should imagine with a Lincoln the bottom amps will be 30, or 20 if you are really lucky, both suitable for auto repairs.
So..if it is a 180 max and say a 30 min... the dial should be equally graduated as you turn it, making it fairly easy to judge ampage.

Stick a photo up, that may help to get more accurate views than mine

 

[silverstag]

Thanks for that Cumbriasteve, I'll see what I can do photo-wise

 

[silverstag]

This is the front of the welder. Hope this helps

 

[Country Joe]

Looks like a 40A minimum. (40-140A)
CJ

 

[silverstag]

If 40amp is the lowest setting does this mean it's too high for car restoration? and if it is , is there any way of reducing the current to a low enough value to work on car body work.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Sometimes they don't put their lowest or highest settings on the chart, only a 'range' to give a guide.

If it is 40amps minimum then yes its a little high for car work but still possible, would just need a bit more care, practice and perhaps the use of some heatsinks behind the weld area.

Easiest think I can suggest is get some scrap and get welding, have a play and see how it goes.

 

[silverstag]

Thanks cumbriasteve, I'll do that. I just thought someone may know this type of welder or where I could get some information from, like knowing what the dial on the left of the photo is for.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I have no idea what it's for, if the machine is working ok you may get a surprise how nice it welds, its a bit above a hobby machine and as such could run smooth at 40 amps.. equalling out what a hobby machine does at 30amps...good luck and lets know how you get on.

 

[octo0072000]

Thanks cumbriasteve, I'll do that. I just thought someone may know this type of welder or where I could get some information from, like knowing what the dial on the left of the photo is for.

spot weld timer by the look of it dial will be in seconds switch

 

[cumbriasteve]

Have a read of this link, could be you can get a manual for the Murex which 'might' be the same machine.

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=3739

 

[silverstag]

Thanks everybody for the info. That's a great link cumbriasteve I'll follow that up.

 

[CKJDJK]

The switch on the left looks like a stitch timer. Used on thin metal it replicates the "thin metal tchnique" shown else where on this site. IF your welder is 40 amp minimum then try using this setting. Instead of repeadadly pulling the trigger on the torch, the macine does it for you. It will allow the welde to be used on thinner metal than otherwise would be expected of a 40 amp welder. Give it a try.

 

[silverstag]

Thanks again everybody for the info. I've had a look at the Murex link and none of the welder's on that site look like mine. I'll try to get a telephone number for arcos lincoln and give them a ring.

 

[chevy2]

I bought one of these new in 1985 with the snapon sticker on the side and still own it,
Think i still have the printed operating manual for it in the loft,
If i remember in the book it shows a different torch shroud with 2 stand off forks for sort of one shot timed plug welding with the switch in the centre,
Think the dial on the left is for timed stitch welding with the switch on the broken line position, the dial is the amount of weld time on with set period off,
And obviously the switch in the solid line position is for regular welding,
If i get a chance i'll dig out the book and post up any relevent pages.

 

[silverstag]

That would be great Chevy2, very much appreciated, Terry

 

[wayne 4908]

Any chance you would be able to send me a copy of the snap on minimig 180c manual?

 

[silverstag]

I'd like one too if anybody's willing, thanks, Terry

 

[chevy2]

I've not forgotten about finding the handbook for this welder,
It wasn't in the garage where i thought it was,
So.... It MUST be in the loft as i definately have not chucked it being as i still own the welder.

 

[chevy2]

Jackpot!!!
Not only found the welder but also the torch manual!!!

Any particular details needed? as i dont know how to drive the scanner,
Could maybe do phone pics via photobucket.