Lincoln Pro 175

**OSHA** · 09-15-2005, 11:48 AM

I am new at this, so please forgive me if I do something wrong. I have been interested in learning how to weld. I have been reading the various posts on Hoberts, 140 and 180, Miller 135 and 175 and now Lincoln 175.
My question is, is Lincoln Pro-Mig 175 the same as SP 175T of Plus? There is one for for bid on ebay. I will be welding materials, Steel, up to quarter inch. Thanks for your advice.

**BOSS351** · 09-15-2005, 12:06 PM

As near as I can figure, the Pro-Mig 175 and the SP 175T are more or less the same machine. My understanding is that the Pro mig is just what they call it when it is sold at certain chain stores like Lowes. I have compared the specs at Lincoln's webpage and they are all listed as identical. I searched on this site and found a post where someone emailed Lincoln and asked if they were the same machine. The response kind of avoided giving a straight answer, so they are probably the same thing.

**OSHA** · 09-15-2005, 12:13 PM

Thanks BOSS351. I am hoping that they are the same machine. The BID price is a lot lower than what I can find for SP175T in this area.

**BOSS351** · 09-15-2005, 12:42 PM

I'm hoping they are the same also. I can get the Pro Mig 175 locally for a lot less than the SP 175T online. I really want a Millermatic 210, but that would take a year or more to save for. I can swing the Pro Mig 175 in about 3months. Plus, it should do everything I will realistically need to do. I always have the stick for big stuff. One thing I like about the Lincoln 175 tap models is the 5 taps. The Hobart 180 only has 4. I don't remember what the miller 175 has but it is over $900 locally. I can get the Linc 175 for less than a Miller 135!

**Broccoli1** · 09-15-2005, 12:48 PM

Click here for the breakdown of the models
http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/...ighlight=sp100

175t is the same as the Promig 175

the breakdown is for the 135 but just insert 175, obviously the $ are different

**OSHA** · 09-15-2005, 01:15 PM

Hey thanks Broccoli for the breakdown info. I am more encouraged.

**RcRacer** · 09-15-2005, 02:20 PM

I own a Pro Mig 175. I have only been welding since the end of last winter so I am not that experienced but the welder has done everything I have asked it to do reliably. Based on the documentation and manual that I got with it, if you compare it to the SP175T, it is built with and uses the same parts as the SP175T. The only difference is the face plate and the added accessories that the retail version provides.

**conn1991** · 11-12-2006, 02:00 AM

I was told by a local welding supply store that the difference between the welders bought at Lowes or Home Depot or retail stores like them and welding shops( I'm speaking of the Weld-Pak HD models compared to the SP-??? models) is that they are basically made with plastic internal parts unlike the slightly more expensive models bought at welder shops. He told me his repair guy that does all the repairs for warrenty on the Linclons won't touch the retail welder. They are made to be able to sell cheaper to the "hobiest at home" guy. They are still good welder but not as good as the other. Make your own call. Hope this helps in your decision making.

**RcRacer** · 11-12-2006, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by conn1991

I was told by a local welding supply store that the difference between the welders bought at Lowes or Home Depot or retail stores like them and welding shops( I'm speaking of the Weld-Pak HD models compared to the SP-??? models) is that they are basically made with plastic internal parts unlike the slightly more expensive models bought at welder shops. He told me his repair guy that does all the repairs for warrenty on the Linclons won't touch the retail welder. They are made to be able to sell cheaper to the "hobiest at home" guy. They are still good welder but not as good as the other. Make your own call. Hope this helps in your decision making.

Do you believe everything you hear? I would run not walk to another welding supply, especially when they feed you that BS.
Take it from those who own a Pro Mig 175. THEY ARE THE SAME as the SP175T. The SP175+ is a different story

**Broccoli1** · 11-12-2006, 01:33 PM

Conn,

Rc is correct and that info comes from Lincoln, not the sales doods

I had the same questions about the various names when I bought my SP 135.

The different names all have to do with where they are sold - they are all the same machines internally

**BigEd_36** · 11-12-2006, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by conn1991

I was told by a local welding supply store that the difference between the welders bought at Lowes or Home Depot or retail stores like them and welding shops( I'm speaking of the Weld-Pak HD models compared to the SP-??? models) is that they are basically made with plastic internal parts unlike the slightly more expensive models bought at welder shops. He told me his repair guy that does all the repairs for warrenty on the Linclons won't touch the retail welder. They are made to be able to sell cheaper to the "hobiest at home" guy. They are still good welder but not as good as the other. Make your own call. Hope this helps in your decision making.

I can't believe Lincoln Electric would be real happy to know that their warrantee repair station (that they pay to do warrantee repairs) wouldn't touch a welder because they didn't sell it! A dealer that told me that his repair dept. only works on what the repairman wants to, is pretty much guaranteeing that I won't be buying from them in the future. Who knows if, when I need repairs, that the repairman will feel like workin' on MY machine, for whatever reason?