Mastercraft 115V/230V MIG 180i Inverter Welder

Affordable,priced unit for a hobbyist that does the job. Simple easy to read instructions. Works great

I'm a bit of a jack of all trades and a hobby blacksmith. While I don't do it professionally, I do a fair amount of metal work. I bought this puppy 5 or 6 years ago or so, maybe longer, because it seemed like the best bang for the buck, and about the limit that I wanted to spend on a mig. Honestly I think some of the negative reviews might be people that just don't really know what they're doing, but I have run into the situation where the wire runs after you let go of the trigger. While I'm not going to pretend that's not a problem, I can't even fathom how it would flash you. Are these guys literally flipping up there helmet as they're letting go of the trigger? And if it's "look away tacking", just put your helmet on dude that's what they're for. That said, I'll admit the whip is pretty low quality. I haven't tried looking for a replacement, because honestly it's not that big of a deal at all. I've had that issue maybe about a dozen times in the many hours I've spent with this machine. It runs out about 4 - 6 inches of wire, then stops feeding on it's own (I didn't have to shake it). It didn't flash me because I wear a helmet, and it didn't ruin my work because I have faster reflexes than a tortoise and just lifted the gun up when I was done the bead ... which is another thing I don't understand from those reviews, if you're done the bead why are you still holding it there? Weird. Anyway, I just recently built myself a new forge and mobile stand, using this for every single weld. I didn't take any pictures of the welds themselves, but the pic of the forge should hopefully be enough to give you the idea that this thing works just fine. Especially if you can get it on sale I still think this unit is pretty good. People talking about the lincolns, you're almost comparing two different things due to the price difference. Will it be better if you spend twice as much? Almost certainly. Will this thing do the trick if it's the top model in the price range you're looking at? Evidence says absolutely. Last thing last, I've used flux core and solid. Probably a couple spools of flux and much more solid. Both are fine. Gas works great, the regulator it comes with is perfect. Great range of adjustment on wire speed and voltage. I only ever ran it on 220v. Thickest material I welded was probably only 1/4" as far as I can recall, never had penetration issues.

Amazing welding machine for dyi exhaust repairs. I was able to weld my new mufflers and 4'' tips thanks to this bad boy using Lincoln's 0.030'' flux core wire.

I rated it a 1 start because you can’t give them a 0. Even turning up the wire speed the wire doesn’t come out quick enough. Worst part is when you take it back, you get store credit. Wouldn’t recommend this welder at all.

People say this welder has a flaw in the torch where it keeps feeding wire after you let go of the trigger !!! All you have to do is leave the wire in the weld puddle for the split second after you let go of the trigger wire is still hot so it will burn the wire to finish the weld