After much deliberation, I finally decided to buy the Lincoln Electric K2185-1. It really wasn’t that tough a decision since Lincoln enjoys nothing short of a cult status in the world of home welders. It’s been six months since I purchased this machine and I am super happy with it!
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Review
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Key features:
User-Friendly and Excellent for home use
The Lincoln Electric K2185-1 has been made especially for home use. It is, therefore, an absolute boon for conducting your home repairs and engaging in DIY projects. The machine is so simple to use that even the biggest novice can gain mastery over it in no time. All you have to do is follow the instructions manual! Since I do welding for my hobby projects, I haven’t tried out many other welders available in the market but I can vouch for the fact that this one is way better than my old Chinese machine. I was super excited to try out the Lincoln as soon as I received it. I started out with some garage repair work and was amazed by the entire experience. It was like a difference of night and day between using my old Chinese machine and my new Lincoln. In the six months that I have owned this welder, I have used it for many hobby projects and other repair work around the house and on my car. Seriously, I have never been happier with a purchase I made!
Welds up to 1/8 in. mild steel
This machine is amazing for welding auto body parts and sheet metal of light gauge. Since this welder is intended mostly for non-commercial use, you can’t weld metal thicker than 1/8 inches. However, you really don’t need a machine that welds thicker gauge than that since nearly all DIY tasks can be accomplished around your house with the Lincoln Electric K2185-1. I have really never encountered a situation where I wished I had another welder (and I am a pretty serious DIY guy. My wife will tell you, my workshop is like my second home. If you can’t find me anywhere else, you know you’ll find me there). You can use the shielding glass along with the hard wire and regulator to create a smooth looking weld. You also have the choice of using the flux core wire. One tip I’ll give you from my personal experience is that you must first practice your skills on scrap metal. If you are just starting out, your welds are less likely to look smooth and well-finished. It’s not a fault of the machine but simply a need for skill development. The more I polish my skills, the better results I get from this machine.
Compact and Portable
Since my workshop is not super spacious, I wanted a machine that was relatively compact and portable. Lincoln Electric K2185-1 fits the bill perfectly. Also, at 49 pounds, it is relatively lightweight. I am aware that there are other lightweight machines out there but I don’t think they can match up to Lincoln in terms of the quality of the machine and its performance. It’s always super easy to set it up and get started. In fact, after opening the box, I got started on my first project within 15 minutes. Indeed, I was super happy and brimming with excitement that day so the adrenaline rush also contributed to the fast pace.
Voltage Control
I like how there are 4 voltage settings for altering the input voltage according to the needs of the project at hand. The instructions manual has precise instructions regarding which settings to use for which welding different types of metal.
Warranty
It’s a huge relief knowing my Lincoln is covered by a one-year warranty. Although I don’t think I’ll have to avail of it since this is an incredibly sturdy and high-performance model.
What’s included:
The box includes gun and cable assembly, gas nozzle, gas hose and regulator, work cable with clamp, contact tips, a spool of solid wire, filter plate, lens and hand shield. Of course, there’s also a comprehensive owner’s manual with clear instructions.
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Review – Wrap Up
This machine is best suited for home use. It’s not recommended for industrial use. If you have never owned a welder before and are looking to make your first purchase, then go for Lincoln Electric K2185-1. Don’t make the mistake of buying a cheap Chinese welder like I did. It’s not worth wasting your time and energy on something that doesn’t deliver results.
