Regarding the 14ga power cord on the Titanium Mig 170, I read a post from an electrician who stated the following: "In a branch circuit, 15 Amps is the max for 14ga wire on runs up to 100' or so. A welder's 10ft 14ga power cord, on the other hand, could draw 50 amps or so all day, providing it is plugged into a 50A circuit." This means that the 14ga power cord on the Titanium Mig 170 should have no problem handling the advertised 36A draw (probably similar on the Lincoln but uncertain about the actual specs). In general terms, a higher 240VAC input can produce higher power output with the same input current as 120VAC (power = amps x volts: 120V x 15A = 1800W vs 240V x 15A = 3600W). A transformer welder (eg, Lincoln 180) contains a large heavy step-down transformer to step down the input voltage to increase the output current for welding. Likewise, an inverter welder (eg, Titanium Mig 170) does a similar thing with electronic power regulation to step down the voltage to increase the output current. The voltage control on the Lincoln 180 (transformer) uses a 5-position knob ("5-detent potentiometer") to select each of the five distinctly separate taps on the internal transformer. Lincoln still could have added a voltage LCD, but they chose to keep costs down to maximize their profit margins. The Titanium 170 (inverter), on the other hand, has light weight electronic voltage-control circuitry that easily allows for variable digital voltage controls. BTW, both types of welders (transformer vs inverter) have diode rectifiers to convert AC to DC and capacitors to smooth the resulting DC voltage.
A couple of years ago, I had this comparison and went with Titanium 170; it was on a deal for $300. after three years and medium usage, I'm happy to choose it.
The titanium is great. I have been welding on 140 Hobart and a 175 Hobart and both machines work awesome. However I rolled the dice after watching the reviews on the 170 and bought it. Absolutely love the way it welds and the induction dial is the best. Welding uphill or downhill. I don’t think it will have the same shelf life as the Lincoln. So I bought the extended warranty. Going on two years and no issues so far. For a home hobbiest. I would stick with the titanium…. To me. It’s just an easier machine to use with the infinite dials. Very fine tunable
The inductance controls the puddle...lower inductance settings puts out a shallow stiffer less fluid weld puddle...causes a higher weld crown...the higher setting causes a more fluid weld puddle...wider and lays down flatter...
@@-DIYPRO- lower inductance works better for thinner metals when pinpointing a bead is necessary. Higher inductance creates a wetter puddle which is better for thicker material.
I highly appreciate the video. I just picked up the Titanium 170 after looking at all the MIG machines out there. YesWelder, Prime, Lincoln, Hobart... others as well. I think the Titanium is a solid price in for the quality. Understandably it may not last forever, but also not $2000. I am with you, why do all the welders come with 14 gauge wire?! It must be alright for short runs... where my 50 foot extension is 10 gauge. edited formatting for clarity - someone replied thinking it would die in 90 days, so far so good and went through 11 pounds of wire. Appears they deleted the comment.
@@-DIYPRO- some of the inverter types use more aluminum and copper and they also have to add more capacitance into it in order for it to put out the same voltage plus also to the boards they add into for the vrd which is voltage reduction and what that does it makes it to where if you happen to short the machine out and won't sit there and keep on cooking it'll stutter for a second so you can remove it the transformer type doesn't have vrd and it just sticks and you fight to get it off of it that's why they went to inverters more safe
That Lincoln is a "Transformer with a DC rectifier" it's very simple inside which means It will last forever, other Transformer DC Rectifier examples are, Hobart, Forney, Harbor Freight 170 amp DC......an even more examples are all the old school AC Transformer Stick welders with DC Rectifiers, lincoln Tombstone, Century, Idealarc 250, Miller Dialarc........you get what you pay for simple and lasts forever....now that light weight Fancy computer hardware will not last and will eventually burn out, thanks for the video 😉
If you saw the internals of the machine (titanium) welder you guys would all shit lol better than you’ll Believe go compare take welders apart learn ! That harbor 170 Is unreal
@@elitecystuning LEARN..?? after 30 years of shopping at HF I have learned........buy once cry once. You will always see 30 year old lincoln or Miller welding equipment still barking fire......I've never seen 30 year old HF equipment still barking at all. Learning is all I do.
@@darzo7527 same here what I’m trying to explain to you is what make up the internals is impressive compared to other inverter type welders of the day .. and yea because that machine is the first of a long successful future with the titanium line . Don’t lie you have seen old black chime owners ones ppl have that were junk but still worked . Ima welder by trade man I do it every day ✌️
The Lincoln does have an AC transformer but than its goes through a bridge rectifier to convert AC to DC than it goes through an inductor the other transformer looking thing on top of the transformer than the DC voltage goes through that large capacitor so that it can have a constant voltage which is desired for mig welding.
I just picked one up the other day and of course the box was damaged? And, everything looks fine, but just noticed in your video that it comes with those 2 rolls of wire, thank you! I have to go a bit away tomorrow to the Massapequa Long Island NY store to pick up the welding cart, cause of course the Hempstead store doesn't have it, I think I want to exchange the whole shebang for a non damaged box tomorrow, what a bunch of BS! Thanks for the videos, very helpful! And I picked up the gas today! Dieing to use this thing, and I'm going to the non ghetto store tomorrow so that's what I'm going to do! I should have known better! Thanks again brother
The 90 days is HF warranty. It’s the same with Vulcan. You have to buy the 1 or 2 year warranty. I don’t see how you can add a spool gun to the Lincoln.
I'm looking to move over to mig... I have an older Sears craftsman arc welder.. its old but dam it's still kicking but I want to learn mig welding maybe build a harley frame or something
Is there a reason these always say 230V? The power that's wired in the US is 240V ... has been for many decades. 120 VAC in the house and 240 VAC for your dryer and range in your kitchen ... and if you wire something in your shop. So, what's with the 230V designation?
220, 230, and 240 are just a "nominal" name for the higher house voltage here in the US. It's just like people will call it 110, 115, or 120V for the lower voltage. Depending on your city and how close you are to the transformer will dictate the actual voltage you are getting to your house. As long as you don't plug the "120" volt machine into a 240 volt outlet you'll be fine. Shouldn't ever happen since they have different plugs anyway.
@@-DIYPRO- Those other voltages are outdated. It's not as simple as po-TAY-to/po-TAH-to. There was a time when 110 VAC was the standard. That time ended decades ago. Same with 220. I was curious if the 230 VAC referred to some operating characteristic of the welder or if it was just a lazy error written by someone unaware of the US NEC.
Lincoln is one of the oldest welder companies out there so maybe it is just a carry over but with how well there machines are built I bet it is the opposite. If you look at the spec sheets for the Lincoln 180 vs the Titanium 170 since the 180 is going off the 230 volt its final output voltage is not as high as it would be if they rated it off 240.
I have had 2 Lincoln 180 pro migs stolen in the last year. As much as I want to try the Titanium as it's cheaper, lighter and dual voltage. I will get another Lincoln. I won't let pathetic thieves beat me!
@@daniellebron2291 I brought mine inside before the last time. They threw a piece of pipe thru my sliding patio door and took it out the front door in broad daylight.
At your rate you can try the Titanium and when it's gets stolen you'll have tried them both and know which one you like. Sorry, getting stuff stolen sucks.
The 14 really bugged me and I figured I'm fine with it because almost never have it on the highest setting and rarely weld long enough to hit the duty cycles.
@@-DIYPRO- the miller 211 was $1800 It's a inverter welder and alot lighter,still a simple welder (no screen) Both fed wire well idk I could probably go on for awhile about it and video would better Convey what I have to say
@@BRENT3143945 some day I'll make it up to some miller's, every shop has them and they have proven to be an awesome welder just curious if it's worth it for a garage/ home type setting.
@@-DIYPRO- Right now, I'm on my third welder. First was a Craftsman 240 stick welder (heavy!). Next was a Forney Easy Elde 125. That one was flux core only and AC. Next: a Lincoln Powermig 210MP. Spent three years with that one, great machine. Now, I have the newest Lincoln: Powermig 215MPi. The best I had so far...
Lincoln has 3 year warranty that you won't ever need. The harbor freight welder has a 90 day warranty that you will need. To purchase extra warranty, you might as well buy the Lincoln.
I was in the market for an AC/DC tig back in 2019, and prices on Miller, Lincoln, and ESAB went way up as soon as the Trump checks were announced. Thats why I dont buy their products. Generic machines still cost about the same.
@@-DIYPRO- dont know what is the flux capacitator but on the Lincoln is that aluminum plate that has diodes ( above the transformer and the inductor) on the titanium as it is an inverter is a single chip that converts the ac to DC.
A transformer welder is more raliable and easy to fix. I can not say the same of an electronic welder. I had to trogh out to the garbage a bad electronic welder 2 years ago.
@@-DIYPRO- what I am saying is I think it’s changed. I think it’s been extended out when you purchase a titanium welder. It says on the website. “We guarantee this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship 4 years from the date of purchase. Limitations apply.” Copy and Paste.
Regarding the 14ga power cord on the Titanium Mig 170, I read a post from an electrician who stated the following: "In a branch circuit, 15 Amps is the max for 14ga wire on runs up to 100' or so. A welder's 10ft 14ga power cord, on the other hand, could draw 50 amps or so all day, providing it is plugged into a 50A circuit." This means that the 14ga power cord on the Titanium Mig 170 should have no problem handling the advertised 36A draw (probably similar on the Lincoln but uncertain about the actual specs). In general terms, a higher 240VAC input can produce higher power output with the same input current as 120VAC (power = amps x volts: 120V x 15A = 1800W vs 240V x 15A = 3600W). A transformer welder (eg, Lincoln 180) contains a large heavy step-down transformer to step down the input voltage to increase the output current for welding. Likewise, an inverter welder (eg, Titanium Mig 170) does a similar thing with electronic power regulation to step down the voltage to increase the output current. The voltage control on the Lincoln 180 (transformer) uses a 5-position knob ("5-detent potentiometer") to select each of the five distinctly separate taps on the internal transformer. Lincoln still could have added a voltage LCD, but they chose to keep costs down to maximize their profit margins. The Titanium 170 (inverter), on the other hand, has light weight electronic voltage-control circuitry that easily allows for variable digital voltage controls. BTW, both types of welders (transformer vs inverter) have diode rectifiers to convert AC to DC and capacitors to smooth the resulting DC voltage.
A couple of years ago, I had this comparison and went with Titanium 170; it was on a deal for $300. after three years and medium usage, I'm happy to choose it.
$300 is an awesome deal, good find!
The titanium is great. I have been welding on 140 Hobart and a 175 Hobart and both machines work awesome. However I rolled the dice after watching the reviews on the 170 and bought it. Absolutely love the way it welds and the induction dial is the best. Welding uphill or downhill. I don’t think it will have the same shelf life as the Lincoln. So I bought the extended warranty. Going on two years and no issues so far. For a home hobbiest. I would stick with the titanium…. To me. It’s just an easier machine to use with the infinite dials. Very fine tunable
Lincolns heat control is called a "tapped" selector. Each letter A-E corresponds to a winding location on the secondary side of the transformer.
Thanks for the info!
The inductance controls the puddle...lower inductance settings puts out a shallow stiffer less fluid weld puddle...causes a higher weld crown...the higher setting causes a more fluid weld puddle...wider and lays down flatter...
Right on. Are there advantages or disadvantages to either?
@@-DIYPRO- lower inductance works better for thinner metals when pinpointing a bead is necessary. Higher inductance creates a wetter puddle which is better for thicker material.
Awesome video! It's always interesting to learn more about other types of welders
Thanks!
I highly appreciate the video. I just picked up the Titanium 170 after looking at all the MIG machines out there. YesWelder, Prime, Lincoln, Hobart... others as well. I think the Titanium is a solid price in for the quality. Understandably it may not last forever, but also not $2000.
I am with you, why do all the welders come with 14 gauge wire?! It must be alright for short runs... where my 50 foot extension is 10 gauge.
edited formatting for clarity - someone replied thinking it would die in 90 days, so far so good and went through 11 pounds of wire. Appears they deleted the comment.
Right on, thanks!
the titanium is an inverter the Lincoln is a transformer type welder which goes through a bridge rectifier to make it DC.
Is it just that transformers are more robust? With the newer welders being inverter, why not save weight?
@@-DIYPRO- some of the inverter types use more aluminum and copper and they also have to add more capacitance into it in order for it to put out the same voltage plus also to the boards they add into for the vrd which is voltage reduction and what that does it makes it to where if you happen to short the machine out and won't sit there and keep on cooking it'll stutter for a second so you can remove it the transformer type doesn't have vrd and it just sticks and you fight to get it off of it that's why they went to inverters more safe
My first welder was a Lincoln. Current is a Titanium 170. I love the Titanium.
Right on!
How long have you had the titanium?
Does it have a stick option?
That Lincoln is a "Transformer with a DC rectifier" it's very simple inside which means It will last forever, other Transformer DC Rectifier examples are, Hobart, Forney, Harbor Freight 170 amp DC......an even more examples are all the old school AC Transformer Stick welders with DC Rectifiers, lincoln Tombstone, Century, Idealarc 250, Miller Dialarc........you get what you pay for simple and lasts forever....now that light weight Fancy computer hardware will not last and will eventually burn out, thanks for the video 😉
Great info, thanks.
If you saw the internals of the machine (titanium) welder you guys would all shit lol better than you’ll
Believe go compare take welders apart learn ! That harbor 170
Is unreal
It’s a inverter welder knuckle head smh it’s a shame if only u knew how well that titanium was ….
@@elitecystuning LEARN..?? after 30 years of shopping at HF I have learned........buy once cry once. You will always see 30 year old lincoln or Miller welding equipment still barking fire......I've never seen 30 year old HF equipment still barking at all. Learning is all I do.
@@darzo7527 same here what I’m trying to explain to you is what make up the internals is impressive compared to other inverter type welders of the day .. and yea because that machine is the first of a long successful future with the titanium line .
Don’t lie you have seen old black chime owners ones ppl have that were junk but still worked .
Ima welder by trade man I do it every day ✌️
Pick up a new used one for 260. . Some one brought back and didn't use it .
Got five days to try it out .
Exactly! That's what I ended up doing: ua-cam.com/video/2TsuRCyF-fM/v-deo.html
The Lincoln does have an AC transformer but than its goes through a bridge rectifier to convert AC to DC than it goes through an inductor the other transformer looking thing on top of the transformer than the DC voltage goes through that large capacitor so that it can have a constant voltage which is desired for mig welding.
Right on, thanks!
Sooo the Lincoln is better is what I got out from the OP?...
I just picked one up the other day and of course the box was damaged? And, everything looks fine, but just noticed in your video that it comes with those 2 rolls of wire, thank you! I have to go a bit away tomorrow to the Massapequa Long Island NY store to pick up the welding cart, cause of course the Hempstead store doesn't have it, I think I want to exchange the whole shebang for a non damaged box tomorrow, what a bunch of BS! Thanks for the videos, very helpful! And I picked up the gas today! Dieing to use this thing, and I'm going to the non ghetto store tomorrow so that's what I'm going to do! I should have known better! Thanks again brother
Lincoln vs Titanium, what's your choice?
Can I use a adapter to plug in a normal wall socket on the Lincoln?
Vulcan only has 90 day now. If you want the one year you have to buy it in 30 days.
I bought all mine used ,and still work great.
Most any electronic machines, if there is a flaw or bad assembly, it will show up usually with 90 days.
Good point.
You should do a comparison of the Lincoln 180 vs titanium vs the prime weld 18. Have a prime weld it is amazing for $529.00
I'll have to add that one to the list!
It is DC(Lincoln) because you can see the bridge rectifier (Alu plate) beyond that transformators' coils.
Would you choose one of these over a Hobart? Or would you go with a Hobart?
Hobart is very similar to the Lincoln in weight and controls. They are a great brand as well. I don't think you'd be disappointed with any of them.
The 90 days is HF warranty. It’s the same with Vulcan. You have to buy the 1 or 2 year warranty. I don’t see how you can add a spool gun to the Lincoln.
The Lincoln spool gun attaches just like the mig gun and there is a switch under the hood that you have to switch over to spool gun.
@@-DIYPRO- oh, cool.. I thought it was a permanently attached mig gun for some reason. Thanks.
I have heard, and my limited experience seems to bear it out, that if you’re running straight CO2 gas, it helps to run the inductance up high.
I have a bottle of Co2, I'll have to test that out.
I'm looking to move over to mig... I have an older Sears craftsman arc welder.. its old but dam it's still kicking but I want to learn mig welding maybe build a harley frame or something
You do a good video, as there is some good humor in it. Thanks for the info.
The titanium is 300 bucks cheaper, until you add the three year warranty. Lincoln just charges for the warranty up front. It's just a numbers game.
Yes indeed.
Is there a reason these always say 230V? The power that's wired in the US is 240V ... has been for many decades. 120 VAC in the house and 240 VAC for your dryer and range in your kitchen ... and if you wire something in your shop. So, what's with the 230V designation?
220, 230, and 240 are just a "nominal" name for the higher house voltage here in the US. It's just like people will call it 110, 115, or 120V for the lower voltage. Depending on your city and how close you are to the transformer will dictate the actual voltage you are getting to your house. As long as you don't plug the "120" volt machine into a 240 volt outlet you'll be fine. Shouldn't ever happen since they have different plugs anyway.
@@-DIYPRO- Those other voltages are outdated. It's not as simple as po-TAY-to/po-TAH-to. There was a time when 110 VAC was the standard. That time ended decades ago. Same with 220.
I was curious if the 230 VAC referred to some operating characteristic of the welder or if it was just a lazy error written by someone unaware of the US NEC.
Lincoln is one of the oldest welder companies out there so maybe it is just a carry over but with how well there machines are built I bet it is the opposite. If you look at the spec sheets for the Lincoln 180 vs the Titanium 170 since the 180 is going off the 230 volt its final output voltage is not as high as it would be if they rated it off 240.
Nicely Done!
I have had 2 Lincoln 180 pro migs stolen in the last year. As much as I want to try the Titanium as it's cheaper, lighter and dual voltage. I will get another Lincoln. I won't let pathetic thieves beat me!
Just had mine stolen, I think I'm going titanium and bringing it inside
@@daniellebron2291 I brought mine inside before the last time. They threw a piece of pipe thru my sliding patio door and took it out the front door in broad daylight.
At your rate you can try the Titanium and when it's gets stolen you'll have tried them both and know which one you like. Sorry, getting stuff stolen sucks.
That's a good idea.
your reviews are great.
Thanks!
The first thing I would do on either Machine is change the supply wire to at least a 12Ga.
The 14 really bugged me and I figured I'm fine with it because almost never have it on the highest setting and rarely weld long enough to hit the duty cycles.
It is a short distance of course, but a 50AMP, 14 gauge wire would normally qualify as a fuse.
I've owned the titanium 140 and the Lincoln 180 I prefer the Lincoln but that's just me,I also have a miller 211 and frounus trasteel2200
What about between the Miller and Lincoln?
@@-DIYPRO- the miller 211 was $1800
It's a inverter welder and alot lighter,still a simple welder (no screen)
Both fed wire well idk I could probably go on for awhile about it and video would better Convey what I have to say
@@BRENT3143945 some day I'll make it up to some miller's, every shop has them and they have proven to be an awesome welder just curious if it's worth it for a garage/ home type setting.
A Toyota Camry vs a Hyundai Elantra
Which one retains its value over the years?
Great point, Lincoln will, and you even be able to pass it onto the grand kids.
@@-DIYPRO-
Yes, there are Lincoln, Century or Montgomery Ward welders that still work the same as they did for the grandpas in the 70’s
I imagine that the Lincoln will outlast the Titanium easily.
I bet you are right!
@@-DIYPRO- Right now, I'm on my third welder. First was a Craftsman 240 stick welder (heavy!). Next was a Forney Easy Elde 125. That one was flux core only and AC. Next: a Lincoln Powermig 210MP. Spent three years with that one, great machine. Now, I have the newest Lincoln: Powermig 215MPi. The best I had so far...
The lincoln sends ac current through a diode bridge to get dc current.
Right on!
Lincoln has 3 year warranty that you won't ever need. The harbor freight welder has a 90 day warranty that you will need. To purchase extra warranty, you might as well buy the Lincoln.
Great points!
I had my titanium for five years with zero problems
Except people have been using these titaniums for years with no issues
14 gauge! LMAO! That's like a 15 amp breaker. Will it work, yeah. Will it make more heat, yes.
I don't know how they don't all over heat.
the Lincoln 180 requires 20amps not 50
20 amp circuit but the plug is still a 50 amp.
@@-DIYPRO- so the plug is overkill for the input needed
I was in the market for an AC/DC tig back in 2019, and prices on Miller, Lincoln, and ESAB went way up as soon as the Trump checks were announced. Thats why I dont buy their products. Generic machines still cost about the same.
Right on
The warranty being low is a cocky move they know there machines better and will last longer
All of those machines get ac from the power cord and then pass throw a bridge rectifier that convert the ac into DC.
That's the thingy right next to the flux capacitor, right!
@@-DIYPRO- dont know what is the flux capacitator but on the Lincoln is that aluminum plate that has diodes ( above the transformer and the inductor) on the titanium as it is an inverter is a single chip that converts the ac to DC.
@@pauloribeiro1627 I was just messing around. I must be too old, the flux capacitor is what powers the time machine in back to the future.
Lincoln the best
It was the first one that sold so I guess people like it!
Titanium blows Lincoln out of the water, the T125 destroys any other 125 flux cored welder.
inductance sounds a lot like arc force
I think arc force is just an initial jump to get it going, right and then it levels off?
$850 for the 180, holy smokes I paid $379 for it 3 years ago. WTF
I know, my 220v hobart stick welder was $350 6 years ago now its almost $800
Be nice if you actually tested them, nothing much in your video that a person couldn't get going to hf and the local Lowe's
Check out my other videos I have reviews of each of them individually.
A transformer welder is more raliable and easy to fix. I can not say the same of an electronic welder. I had to trogh out to the garbage a bad electronic welder 2 years ago.
You didn't tell us which one you would pick! LIAR!!!!!!
Get both!
Harbor Freights warranty now shows 4 years from date of purchase….does this change your opinion?
EDIT: THIS WAS A WEBSITE GLITCH 😥
Totally would! But it is still just 90 days unless you get the extended plan.
@@-DIYPRO- what I am saying is I think it’s changed. I think it’s been extended out when you purchase a titanium welder. It says on the website.
“We guarantee this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship 4 years from the date of purchase. Limitations apply.”
Copy and Paste.
@@drewmobley3924 which welder are you looking at? All the titanium welders in looking at says 90 warranty, limitations apply.