The Lincoln Power MIG 180C (K2473-2) is a single-voltage 208/230V MIG welder built for dedicated shop environments where a 230V circuit is always available. Unlike the dual-voltage 180 Dual, the 180C is designed as a full-time shop machine — heavier (80 lbs), with a more robust internal transformer and a 30–180A output range rated at 30% duty cycle at 130A. It is spool gun ready: connect a compatible Lincoln spool gun to weld aluminum alloys with ER4043 or ER5356 wire without a push-pull system. Lincoln's Diamond Core Technology delivers low-spatter, consistent arc starts on solid MIG wire, and a tool-less polarity switch lets you convert to gasless flux-cored in seconds. Free shipping on every order from WeldingMart, an authorized Lincoln Electric dealer since 2003.
| Model | Lincoln Power MIG 180C |
|---|---|
| SKU / Manufacturer Code | K2473-2 |
| Output Amperage Range | 30–180 A |
| Duty Cycle | 30% @ 130A / 17V | 30% @ 130A / 20V |
| Input Voltage | 208V / 230V (single voltage — dedicated shop circuit) |
| Phase | Single-Phase |
| Input Current | 20A |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.025–0.035 in. solid; 0.030–0.045 in. flux-cored |
| Wire Feed Speed | Contact us for WFS range |
| Welding Capacity | Up to 3/16 in. (MIG solid wire) | Up to 1/2 in. (Flux-Cored) |
| Welding Processes | MIG (GMAW), Flux-Cored (FCAW), Aluminum (with spool gun) |
| Weight | 80 lbs (36.3 kg) |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 14 × 10.2 × 18.6 in. (357 × 258 × 472 mm) |
| Warranty | 3-Year Lincoln Electric Manufacturer Warranty |
The Lincoln Power MIG 180C K2473-2 is the right machine if you run a dedicated 230V shop circuit and want spool gun aluminum capability in a compact, 180-amp package. Automotive body and chassis fabricators working on a dedicated 230V circuit will value the heavier-duty transformer and reliable arc at full output. Fabrication shops doing mixed steel and aluminum work can pair the 180C with a Lincoln spool gun (K3269-1) for stainless and aluminum welds without a separate machine. If you need 120V compatibility for a home garage or portable use, compare the Power MIG 180 Dual (dual voltage 120/230V).
- Single-voltage 208/230V — built for dedicated shop service: The 180C is designed for shops with a permanent 230V circuit. The heavier transformer delivers consistent output at 180A without the voltage-switching mechanism of the dual-voltage 180 Dual.
- Spool gun ready for aluminum MIG welding: The K2473-2 features a spool gun ready output port. Connect a compatible Lincoln spool gun — such as the K3269-1 — to weld ER4043 or ER5356 aluminum alloys without a push-pull kit. This is the key accessory for the growing aluminum MIG welding use case.
- Diamond Core Technology: Lincoln's arc-control platform provides smooth arc starts, low spatter, and stable voltage delivery across the 30–180A range on both solid wire and flux-cored processes.
- Tool-less polarity change: Switch from solid MIG wire (DCEP) to gasless self-shielded flux-cored wire (DCEN) in seconds — no tools, no separate polarity switch box.
- Weld up to 1/2 in. with flux-cored wire: While solid MIG wire capacity tops out at 3/16 in., running self-shielded flux-cored expands welding capacity to 1/2 in. material — useful for structural repair, farm equipment, and trailer work.
- Cold wire feed and spot timer: Position wire precisely before arc initiation; set spot timer for controlled tack welds on thin panels and sheet metal.
- Lincoln Electric 3-Year warranty: Full manufacturer warranty on the power source backed by Lincoln Electric's North American service network.
- Lincoln Power MIG 180C MIG welder (K2473-2)
- Magnum PRO 100L 10-foot MIG gun and cable assembly
- Work clamp and work cable
- Gas hose, regulator, and flowmeter
- 0.025 in. and 0.035 in. drive rolls
- Copper Plus contact tips
- Operator's manual
- Browse all MIG welders — full Lincoln Power MIG lineup comparison
- Power MIG 180 Dual (dual voltage 120/230V) — for buyers who need both 120V and 230V capability
- Flux core wire / ER70S-6 wire — recommended wire selections for the Power MIG 180C
- Welding accessories & spool guns — K3269-1 spool gun and other accessories for aluminum MIG welding
The 180C K2473-2 is a single-voltage 208/230V machine — it requires a dedicated shop circuit and does not run on 120V. The 180 Dual K3018-2 accepts both 120V and 208/230V, making it the portable dual-voltage option. The 180C is heavier (80 lbs vs 64 lbs) and uses a more robust transformer. Both machines are spool gun ready for aluminum. Choose the 180C if you have a permanent 230V shop; choose the 180 Dual if you need 120V compatibility.
Yes. The K2473-2 is spool gun ready — it includes a dedicated spool gun output port. Add the compatible Lincoln spool gun (K3269-1 or equivalent) to weld aluminum alloys with ER4043 or ER5356 wire. No push-pull wire feeder required. Aluminum wire and compatible contact tips are sold separately — contact WeldingMart for a complete aluminum welding kit recommendation.
No. The Lincoln Power MIG 180C K2473-2 operates only on 208V or 230V single-phase input. If you need a machine that also works on 120V, see the Lincoln Power MIG 180 Dual (K3018-2), which switches between 120V and 208/230V input.
The 180C feeds 0.025–0.035 in. solid MIG wire (ER70S-6 recommended for mild steel) and 0.030–0.045 in. self-shielded flux-cored wire. Drive rolls for .025 in. and .035 in. solid wire are included. For flux-cored, verify the drive roll spec in the owner's manual or contact our welding support team.
WeldingMart is an authorized Lincoln Electric dealer shipping the Power MIG 180C K2473-2 with free freight from our Wisconsin warehouse. Every unit ships new, factory-sealed, with Lincoln Electric's full 3-year manufacturer warranty. Our certified welding specialists can help you select the right spool gun, wire, and gas combination — call or chat before you order. Order the Lincoln Power MIG 180C today: a dedicated 230V spool gun ready shop welder built for fabricators who demand consistent results on steel and aluminum.