Lincoln Electric K2278-1 Handy Core

I've had it for two and a half years now, and have used it many times, and just bought my third spool of wire. I've welded some very thick material on my dump truck bed, and the bed frame under it. It's worked great and even the welds with the thicker material are still fine today. I really enjoy using it. 1/8" material is no problem at all, and I've gone much thicker than that.

I purchased this to replace a 250 amp MIG unit that I found cumbersome and time consuming to set up for my home projects ( I used to have a shop that I needed the big welder for). This flux core unit is amazing and very fast to get out and start welding. As expected it will welt about 1/8 " or maybe a little larger but the weld is strong and looks as good as the gas MIG unit I replaced it with. A GREAT home welder. Note: purchase one of the auto dim helmets when purchasing this ..... it makes the welding very easy!

I love this little machine. Easy to use and welds great. so far several projects down. It is just flux core but the brush is nice for slag removal. I recommend a dedicated 20amp circuit with a 12g extension cord no longer than 25'. This will give the machine the most umph. I welded 1/8" plate steel right out of the box no issues.If your working on larger material get a 220v gas mig machine. This machine is perfect light duty machine.

This thing is handy, and I imagine great for non-essential to safety welding and attaching. I would not use it for farm implement hooks and trailer tie downs. The reason is, this things a pretty Cold Ethyl. I used it (of all things) for trailer tie downs and handles. It's low load bearing, so I'm ok with it. . . sort of. Like everyone, I'm used to that 240V heat and blowing holes in my stock if I'm not careful. Here's the HOT TIP: weld like you're trying to blow a hole! I found it's the only way to get decent penetration - I just blast it in as hot as I can (speed 4 with .35 FluxCore).Beginners: This is a great unit, but don't get frustrated - your welds will look better when you get a hotter 240V welder. This would be the perfect welder for an artist, or anyone using thin gauge materials.Note: The 'suggested buy' from Amazon was a spare 2LB spool of wire - but it was .30, the wrong size. AND the instruction manual says to use a 1LB spool, which is basically unavailable anywhere. I used a 2LB spool of .35 for my replacement and the welder isn't having a problem with it. Yet. I just went to my local welding supply. Just watch what you're ordering - it's important you get the right size replacement wire.Have fun. Glad I bought this unit, but I'd buy the next bigger one if I had the chance to go back.

The welder works well, not too heavy... good for small repair work or basic hobby stuff. The mask is hand held and super cheap: strongly recommend purchasing a different mask separately along with gauntlet leather gloves.

I’ve used a lot of other welder in my life but this welder right here it’s real easy do use. It’s a bit heavy. But it gets the job done I welded the tail pipe to my car and it was one of the best experiences with a welder that I’ve had.

Awesome welder and a good company that's been in the biz for many, many, many years can't go wrong with these they also hold their value over time.

I am no expert welder, but I needed a rig that could assist me in getting some old stubborn broke off exhaust manifold bolts out of my truck. Man I was not disappointing at all by the performance of this welder, I believe you are getting more for what you pay. My only gripe would be I had to go out an buy a metal nozzle, it comes with a plastic one, I just wanted the nicer nozzle for what I was doing.