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It doesn’t matter whether you’re a hobbyist or an experienced welder. I, for one, can certainly use the diversity of a multi-process welder. But to find a budget-friendly one that offers good value for money? The options aren’t easy.
One distinctive option that I found is this welder. In this Lincoln LE31MP Welder review, I’m going to explore all that you need to know. Hop in!
This is where the Lincoln Le31mp makes a grand entrance. It’s the child of the 125-year-old Lincoln Electric, a multinational manufacturer of welding products. Along with welders, they manufacture arc welding equipment, robotic welding systems, and oxy-fuel cutting equipment.
The Lincoln Le31mp isn’t just like any welder. This is a 120-volt welder, which means you can use it anywhere. It’s ideal for both shop and home use. However, that isn’t what makes it great.
Much like the Eastwood Elite MP140i, the Le31mp is a multi-process welder.
This means you get the freedom of switching between MIG/TIG/stick welding. Interested in gas-shielding MIG welding? You can work on thin gauge metal, stainless steel, or even aluminum. Stick welding and direct current (DC) TIG welding are also possibilities.
For beginners, this is a good entry-level welder: it’s easy to set up, simple to use, and switching from MIG to TIG is super easy. Plus, it solves the question of whether you should go for TIG, MIG, or stick welding (you’re getting all three!)
It’s also tailored to suit professionals and welders-in-training alike. If you’re getting a bit rusty or you just need a 120-volt that puts out satisfying current, the Le31mp is it. However, you should keep in mind that this unit is more suitable for smaller projects.
There are many reasons why you should seriously consider Lincoln LE3MP Welder for purchase. Here are some of them.
This welder requires 120-volt input power. This is the standard electrical in homes in the U.S. However, the Le31mp isn’t only ideal for home use. One of the things I like about it is that you can use it almost anywhere. It’s great for farm and autobody use as well.
For a welder of its size and strengths, it’s quite lightweight as well. It only weighs about 50 lbs or so. Carrying it and moving it around will be no problem.
One thing I immediately noticed about this is a fully-adjustable drive system. For beginners, adjusting it is effortless.
That’s not what’s astonishing about it, though. The drive system helps avoid unnecessary wire tangling and crushing.
Here are some other noteworthy details. For starters, the brass-to-brass gun connection intensifies the conductivity. Along with powerful conductivity, you receive quiet operation. This lack of noise is a result of the durable cast aluminum gearbox, which also delivers added drive torque.
It won’t take long for you to notice the stellar performance of the stick welding process. Using it, you can effortlessly weld anything ranging from 1/2″ rods to 1/4″ carbon plates. You can stick weld up to 3/16 inches.
The arc itself offers a ton of convenience. It provides minimal splatter, so you don’t have to worry about any mess. It also helps make dialing smooth and easy. All in all, your application should be hassle-free and straightforward.
Another thing I noticed is the current. This welder certainly puts out impressive current for a unit that’s only 120 volts. It has a wide welding output range of 20-140 amps.
If you prefer a MIG weld, you’re going to enjoy this unit. With it, you can weld anything from a 24 gauge up to 3/16 inches sheet metal in one single pass. You can also weld up to ¼ inches steel using self-shielded Lincoln Electric wires.
As for TIG welding, it’s scratch-start only. For more budget-friendly units, this is a common feature. However, this may prove to be a challenge for those who aren’t well-acquainted with scratch-start. Since you may find that it doesn’t put much out, you can use the tungsten instead.
Otherwise, it should be a breeze. You can TIG weld up to ⅛ inches with no issues.
One of the downsides to this unit is that the TIG torch doesn’t arrive upon purchase. You have to spend extra money to buy it along with the foot pedal. While it gets the job done, many may find the TIG torch hard to maneuver and move around.
However, the pedal is here for you to enjoy using it. The unit immediately detects it when it’s connected. One big advantage it offers is that you can tap it before welding to get the gas flowing. If you want to increase your post-flow time a bit more, all you have to do is just give it another tap.
There’s also another accessory: an optional spool gun. You can use it for MIG welding aluminum up to 3/16 inches.
All you have to do is take a look at the large color display. It certainly attracts attention.
The display isn’t only easy on the eyes, but also helpful. It lacks any unnecessary clutter. This way, it doesn’t take much for hobbyists to figure things out. It guides you through the setup process. Along with the control combination, it’s super easy to find the required setups for different projects.
After roaming the corners of the internet, I came away with some worthy opinions. Users particularly noted the ease with which they could operate the Le31mp. Its performance made the whole purchase a bargain. After all, you’re getting a good-quality multi-process welder under one grand.
Users also noticed the effectiveness of stick welding. Some of them struggled with TIG welding when it came to the scratch-start. Like any other process, it takes some time to learn. However, it was a frequent wish to just use the arc without touching the tungsten.
Nonetheless, the Le31mp proved to be a hit when it came to small projects. One user enjoyed using it when they were building handrails. Overall, one thing is for sure: this welder offers good value for money.
Are you a bit confused about whether to get a TIG, MIG, or a stick welding unit?
Here’s another question. Are you looking for an affordable multi-process welder just under one grand?
The Lincoln Electric LE31MP MIG Welder provides a satisfying solution. It’s lightweight, portable, and easy to use. It’s certainly no problem switching from TIG to MIG either. Click here to check out the product!
Before shopping, you need to keep in mind several things. One of them is that this is a multi-process welder. This means you get a variety of MIG, TIG, and stick welding. But what could you really optimize?
Metal Inert Gas (MIG), like TIG welding, uses an electric arc to make the weld. However, MIG welding uses a feed wire instead of long rods to make the weld.
Such welding is ideal for thicker projects. You could use it for stainless steel or aluminum. You could even use it for heavy-duty plates or sheet metal.
Aside from that, MIG welding is much more productive. It could run continuously for long amounts of time. If you’re looking for something affordable, efficient, and easy, you should consider buying a MIG welder.
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is a certain type of arc welding. It’s when the welder builds an arc between the tungsten electrode and base metal. This type of welding optimizes long rods to fuse the two metals with each other.
TIG welding is suitable for a variety of metals. However, its strength lies in projects that require detailed designs or curves on the base metal.
Unfortunately, though, there’s a trade-off. While TIG welding is more suitable for projects that require nimbleness and precision, it isn’t exactly affordable. It also isn’t the easiest to learn. In order to use it, you need to master a special technique that makes use of both of your hands ( and one foot!)
For beginners and hobbyists, Stick welding is the way to go. It’s simple, easy, and relatively affordable. In this welding process, the electrode helps lay the weld. It melts with the metal workpiece. This molten mixture then cools down and joins the metal together.
Unlike with MIG and TIG welding, you don’t need shielding gas when you’re working. All you need is your equipment and an acceptable surface. After all, stick welding offers you the rare opportunity to work on unclean surfaces effectively.
With stick welding, the finished weld isn’t always picturesque. So if you’re looking for something aesthetically pleasing, stay away from it.
It isn’t enough to just have a budget in mind. What you still need to consider is your list of specific features and which welder will deliver on those. Think about how to expand the usefulness of your machine.
In addition to the cost of the machine itself, bear in mind the cost of accessories and the supplies you will work with.
Don’t feel rushed into making a decision, take your time, and decide on what you need.