In Brief: Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Review
The Lincoln Electric K2185-1 welding machine provides a portable, lightweight solution for household MIG and flux core welding tasks. This machine handles mild steel up to 1/8-inch thickness and includes a user-friendly interface perfect for beginners. With safety features like a cold contactor and convenient household voltage inputs, this machine functions beautifully.
The Lincoln Electric company provides high-quality welding machinery and equipment to welders from a variety of fields.
The company began in 1895 and carries with it a long history of customer satisfaction, product excellence, and innovation.
The Lincoln Electric K2185-1 welding machine brings the power of the Lincoln Electric company to a portable, household size.
This machine makes welding simple even for beginners and provides enough strength to handle most household welding tasks.
Key Specifications of the Lincoln Electric K2185-1
With convenient, continuous adjustments and the ability to run on household voltage inputs, the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 provides beginner-friendly functionality in a compact, portable, and powerful little device.
Check out the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 in action here –
Read the long list of Lincoln Electric K2185-1 specs below:
| Parameterss | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | MIG, Flux Core |
| Input Power | 115/1/60 |
| Rated Output | 70A/17V/20% |
| Input Current | 20A |
| Output Range | 35-88A |
| Wire Feed Speed Range | 0-300ipm |
| Dimensions | 12.8 in. h x 8.8 in. w x 18 in. d |
| Weight | 46lbs. |
| Warranty | Check Manual |
| Features | Continuous adjustments Household voltage High outputs |
| Accessories | MIG gun and cable Work cable and clamp Gas and gasless nozzles, regulator, and hose Consumables kit Hand shield Chipping hammer and brush |
Unique Features
Packed with user-friendly features and convenient household voltage inputs, the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 welder offers simple household welding functions with the impressive results of a professional machine.
Continuous Adjustments
The machine allows users to make continuous adjustments to the wire feed speed and change voltage as needed.
These features make it easier to achieve precision control, especially when used by more experienced welders.
Household Voltage
Use this convenient little machine on your household voltage with no trouble. This welder plugs into almost any household outlets and runs smoothly.
High Outputs
Despite its compact size and portable nature, this welding machine provides consistently high outputs with the ability to weld mild steel up to 1/8in. thickness.
Cold Contactor
This machine features a cold contactor function that keeps the welding wire cold until the user pushes the trigger on the MIG gun. This makes welding safer and provides cleaner starts with less spatter.
User-Friendly
This welding machine features impressive user-friendly functions and a simple interface to allow beginners to start using it right away.
Performance & Ease of Transportation
With a surprisingly powerful performance in a lightweight package, the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 welding machine packs a punch.
Performance
This welding machine provides enough power to handle most household jobs and some garage work as well. When welding mild steel, it performs admirably and creates results that hold up against its competitors.
The machine features a plastic wire spool that breaks more easily than metal versions. Additionally, it reaches its duty cycle quickly and requires more cooldown time than some other, similar products.
Despite these limitations, the machine works well overall and keeps up with home hobbyists and DIYers easily.
Ease of Transportation
At 46 pounds, this welding machine provides convenient portability.
Its lightweight design combines with its durable frame and sturdy components to create a product that travels well without signs of damage.
Since the machine plugs into household outlets, it moves with you and goes where you need it to go.
With a built-in top handle, the machine remains easy to lift and carry even though it comes in slightly heavier than some competitors.
Weld Quality and Available Options
This welding machine provides smooth, solid welds even when operated by beginners. Because of its continuous adjustment function, the machine makes it easy to achieve precise welds with practice and experience.
This welding machine runs hot enough to lay smooth beads from start to finish. Its built-in safety features prevent spatter and provide clean welds.
The Lincoln Electric K2185-1 welding machine comes in just one option. Customers may add the following:
- Gas gauge: The product does not come with a gas gauge, which can help customers keep track of gas output and usage.
- Utility cart: Since this machine weighs somewhat more than other portable MIG/flux core dual-use welders, some customers choose to mount it on a utility cart for better portability.
Ease of Maintenance, Repairs & Warranty
The Lincoln Electric company web site makes it easy to purchase replacement parts for most of its machines, including the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 welder.
The web site offers a parts lookup page where customers can plug in the machine’s serial number to quickly find parts as needed. These parts include consumables, accessories, and outer components.
The web site does not offer replacement internal components. Only a licensed professional should handle the repair and replacement of the internal parts of this machine.
Customers should unplug the machine and leave it alone for 30 minutes before performing regular maintenance.
Use compressed air to clean the vents and interior of this machine every 3 to 6 months. Check terminals, connectors, cables, and consumables every 1 to 3 months.
Replace any damaged components immediately. Never operate this machine with damaged, worn, or broken components installed.
The Lincoln Electric company provides a limited warranty that covers three years of parts and service on this machine. The warranty also includes seven years of parts and service on the power rectifier.
This warranty covers one year of parts and service on the MIG torch and nozzles as well as 30 days on the consumables and expendable parts.
Customers may choose to purchase an extended warranty at an additional cost.
For more warranty information, contact the Lincoln Electric company at 1-888-935-3877.
FAQs
No. This machine uses shielding gas for MIG welding, but it does not require gas for flux core welding.
No. This machine cannot operate with a spool gun attachment and does not come with one.
No. This machine works for mild steel only.
No. This welding machine runs only on 110V input power and does not come with an adapter for 220V.
Price of the Lincoln Electric K2185-1
With plenty of features out of the box and convenient, portable design, the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 welding machine provides tons of functionality for beginning welders.
It comes with several attachments required to perform both MIG and flux core welding.
This machine offers a competitive price point compared to other, similar products on the market.
For dual-method MIG/flux core welders, it remains at an average price. For Lincoln Electric products, it comes in under budget for some customers.
Who Should Buy the Lincoln Electric K2185-1?
The Lincoln Electric K2185-1 welding machine provides exceptional results for beginner welders. This machine makes it easy to learn how to perform MIG and flux core welding when working on household projects.
The welder functions well when used on mild steel but may not provide enough power to handle aluminum or stainless steel. Despite this, it tackles the majority of DIY projects with finesse and strength.
Metal artists and home hobbyists who stick to smaller projects also enjoy the use of this machine and make it an important part of their setup.
Our Recommendation
The Lincoln Electric K2185-1 welding machine creates smooth, solid welds with plenty of power to back them up. It features beginner-friendly controls and precision settings perfect for more experienced users.
We recommend this welding machine for anyone looking for a portable machine to handle household tasks. We also recommend it for DIYers, home hobbyists, and anyone who wants to learn how to weld.
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API