In Brief: LINCOLN ELECTRIC CO K2698-1 Easy MIG 180 Review
The Lincoln Electric Co K2698-1 Easy MIG 180 welder combines flux core and MIG welding in one portable machine. This product includes a heavy-duty wire drive and gearbox and features a smooth start perfect for beginners. Advanced users enjoy dialing in precise adjustments on the simple user interface panel.
The Lincoln Electric company provides the welding industry with impressive, innovative machinery, equipment, and accessories.
As one of the industry’s leading companies, Lincoln Electric produces high-quality items that get the job done right.
With the power of the Lincoln Electric company behind it, the Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180 provides user-friendly controls and precision settings in one convenient, portable package.
This machine offers simple MIG and flux core welding on the go.
Key Specifications of the LINCOLN ELECTRIC CO K2698-1 Easy MIG 180
Combining a heavy-duty internal design with accessible external controls, the Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180 welder makes flux core and MIG welding convenient for all skill levels.
This machine includes almost everything needed to get started working right away.
Check out the Lincoln Electric Co K2698-1 Easy MIG 180 in action here –
Read the long list of Lincoln Electric Co K2698-1 Easy MIG 180 specs below:
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | MIG, Flux Core |
| Input Power | 208/230/1/60 |
| Rated Output | 208: 130A/17V/30% 230: 130A/20V/30% |
| Input Current | 20A |
| Output Range | 30-180A |
| Wire Feed Speed Range | 50-500ipm |
| Dimensions | 14 in. x 10.15in. x 18.6 in. |
| Weight | 66lbs. |
| Warranty | Check Manual |
| Features | Heavy-duty wire drive Cast aluminum gearbox Brass-to-brass connection |
| Accessories | 10ft. MIG gun and assembly Gas and gasless nozzles Spindle adapter Shielding gas apparatus Sample consumables |
Unique Features
A brass-to-brass connection and smooth start function provide quick setup and easy welding regardless of which process you choose on this machine.
Heavy-Duty Wire Drive
With a heavy-duty wire drive, this welder makes it easy to adjust as you go and cut down on the risk of tangling or “bird nesting.”
Cast Aluminum Gearbox
The built-in cast aluminum gearbox makes this machine run smoothly and quietly while increasing its overall drive power.
Brass-to-Brass Connection
This welder provides brass-to-brass connection inside the included gun to help the conductivity throughout each job.
Smooth Start
Even beginners have no trouble with the smooth arc start on this device. As a bonus, this feature reduces the amount of spatter when starting a weld.
Forgiving Arc
A forgiving arc allows beginners to learn how to weld while dialing in the right settings for the task.
Performance & Ease of Transportation
Providing industrial-level results in a portable, residential machine, the Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180 ensures home hobbyists and DIYers complete jobs with impressive results.
Performance
This machine exceeds the expectations of most customers who purchase it. Despite its small size and lightweight design, it features powerful inner workings and plenty of MIG and flux core capabilities.
The machine holds up well to long-term use and, when maintained as necessary, lasts for years. It handles frequent use around the house and tackles many auto repair and restoration jobs, too.
This product runs smoothly and quietly. Thanks to its beginner-friendly design and setup, adjustments remain easy to dial in and outputs stay high.
Ease of Transportation
This welder weighs 66 pounds, which puts it on the higher end of the portable welder weight scale. It weighs quite a bit more than many of its competitors but still much less than industrial or stationary devices.
Despite its heavier weight, the welder remains easy to lift and move thanks to the built-in molded plastic handle on top of the device. Even with the included attachments, it does not weigh too much to transport successfully.
Weld Quality and Available Options
This welder lays smooth beads from the get-go and offers impressive weld results even for beginners. Without prior experience, customers enjoy solid welds that hold when using this machine for either flux core or MIG.
Although it includes features designed for beginners, this machine incorporates precision controls and a wide amperage range that allow experienced users to find the perfect settings for many material and wire thicknesses.
The Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180 comes in just one option. Customers may choose to add the following when purchasing this welder:
- Flux core drive roll: Purchase a flux core drive roll to perform flux core welding on this machine.
- Magnum 100 Spool Gun: With this spool gun attachment, you can enjoy aluminum welding on the same device.
- Utility cart: Set up your welder on a utility cart to wheel it around your workspace and bring it with you more easily.
Ease of Maintenance, Repairs & Warranty
The Lincoln Electric company makes it easy for customers to find replacement parts by searching by the product’s serial number on the company web site.
Customer service sometimes also provide additional replacement parts as needed.
Contact a licensed repair technician to handle internal repairs of any Lincoln Electric product. Do not try to repair or replace the internal parts of this machine yourself.
Customers should not open this welder. The welder includes no serviceable parts inside the machine.
To perform routine maintenance, unplug the machine and leave it off for 30 minutes. Use compressed air to blow dust and debris out of the air passages of this device.
Use a vacuum to remove dirt from the wire feed and gearbox. Check the guide tube and clean or repair it when needed.
Clean the gun cable liner regularly with compressed air and make sure to replace any worn or damaged cables, consumables, or connectors on this machine.
The Lincoln Electric company offers a limited warranty for parts and labor that covers spool guns, flux core wire, welding wire, gas flow regulators, and MIG guns for one year.
This warranty also covers the main welding machine itself for three years. Under the same warranty, consumables receive a 30-day replacement period.
Contact customer service for more warranty information at 888-935-3877.
FAQs
This machine features an aluminum feed head. The feed head, like the rest of the wire drive system, provides heavy-duty power and lasting design.
For aluminum welding, this machine needs pure argon gas. For steel, it needs either pure CO1 or a mixture of CO2 and argon.
This welder requires a spool gun attachment (sold separately) and argon gas to perform aluminum welding. It does not need anything else.
The included power cord on this machine measures 6 feet and 3 inches.
Price of the LINCOLN ELECTRIC CO K2698-1 Easy MIG 180
With a powerful design and components that last, the Lincoln Electric Co Easy MIG 180 combines the best features of the Lincoln Electric company with convenient portable welding solutions.
Because of its included accessories and trusted name brand, this welder costs somewhat more than its competitors.
However, it remains more affordable than other dual-process MIG/flux core options and provides plenty of value for the cost.
Who Should Buy the LINCOLN ELECTRIC CO K2698-1 Easy MIG 180?
This welding machine works well for portable needs across all skill levels. Beginners enjoy learning how to weld with the simple and accessible functions on this product, while advanced users hone their skills by dialing in precision controls.
The welder finds its place in many professional settings, including professional auto repair and restoration shops and welding workshops looking for a portable way to handle small jobs.
It includes enough power to tackle light to moderate welds with excellent results.
When used with a spool gun attachment, this machine welds aluminum beautifully. Even without this attachment, it works nicely for mild steel and stainless steel.
Our Recommendation
With precision controls and enough power to create professional results, the Lincoln Electric Easy MIG 180 makes welding convenient for all skill levels.
This machine provides dual flux core and MIG processes in a lightweight, portable package.
We recommend this welder for beginners learning how to perform MIG or flux core welding and intermediate users branching out to new techniques.
We also recommend it for professionals looking for a high-quality portable welding option for workshops.
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API