Is Lincoln SP-170t going to be enough?

[OSULemon]

I'm looking to start getting into welding, so the Craigslist search has been going on for a while. A guy at my workplace just posted an ad for his Lincoln SP-170t with bottle and cart for $350, and maybe a couple other things I might have forgotten. After doing some research, I think this is a good deal. The main thing I want to start using it for is to make some benches, cabinets, etc. Looks like it can weld up to 1/4" or so...is this going to be enough? Or should I use it to do some smaller pieces, and upgrade down the road?

The long-term goal, by the way, is to get good enough to build an IndyCycle reverse trike, but I accept that I may need something bigger when I get to that point.

 

[bob15]

Plenty big enough. I've had one for about 15-18 years now (paid around $700 is i remember correctly). Will weld thicker steel with flux core. You can also get SS and aluminum kits for that welder as well.

 

[Just_George]

Should be fine, and sounds to me like a very good deal! If nothing else, learn with it and sell it for what you paid if you feel the need to upgrade later...

 

[OSULemon]

Should be fine, and sounds to me like a very good deal! If nothing else, learn with it and sell it for what you paid if you feel the need to upgrade later...

Exactly what I was thinking. I should be able to flip it for little to no loss later.

 

[Farmall450]

I've been looking for a deal like that, go for it.

 

[zkling]

Sounds like a good deal. They are nice machines, good for 1/4" and under. If you plan on a steady diet of 1/4 steel, I would look for something a bit bigger. But for the average DIY guy, it should be more than enough. I would have no problem using that machine to build a cage or a chassis.

Sounds like it is a complete setup, regulator, gas cylinder and all. I would recommend that you try it out before purchase to verify its function. Also check on the gas bottle ownership. See where the current owner gets the bottle filed and see if it is leased or if he actually owns the bottle. Lots of times people THINK they own a bottle, but really are just renting it from the LWS.

 

[sberry]

They are very good, running 030 solid is about perfect.

 

[sberry]

Same model, thousands of hours and thousands of welds. Way beyond and then some a hobby type shop would ever put on one.