Lincoln SP170T MIG Owners

**Snap-on** · 16th May 2007, 06:59 PM

G'day All
I was just wanting to know what the duty cycle is that is printed on peoples Lincoln Electric SP170-T MIG Machines (the 170amp mini mig). This is because I am looking at purchasing one in the near future, and I have seen the duty cycle printed on machines in the tool shops different to what the brochures/internet discribe. On the machine it states 130Amps at 20% duty cycle. In the brochures and on their australian website it states 125A at 30% duty cycle. I've had it out with Lincoln themselves and still they can't confirm an answer. Yes I know it is not all that much of a difference but I would really like Lincoln owners input on this one.

Much appreciated, Dean

**peter_sm** · 16th May 2007, 07:52 PM

Duty cycle means you can use it at x amps for y % of continuous time and the unit should not overheat.

So 130 amps setting for 1 minute continuously every 5 minutes. or 12 seconds every minute etc.

Copper wound transformers last the distance much better than aluminium wound.

**rpepper** · 16th May 2007, 09:49 PM

Just looked up my owner's manual for the SP 170-T.

It says 20% at 130 amps. Don't think it gives other figures 'though.

Might assume 70 - 80% at 25 amps?

It's certainly not a production welder. It won't give spray arc for example. But it's a great little welder, fairly portable (gas cylinder is the worst part).

I only use mine for low carbon steel with Corgon (Ar 92% CO2 5% O2 3% approx).

Regards,

Richard

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