Lincoln Power MIG 256 Welding Machine Review

Written By: Liam Bryant

Reviewed By: Russell Egan

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The Power MIG 256 is an extremely powerful welding machine, and has become one of my top favorites. Although I can’t say the price tag fills me with joy, the quality of the welds it produces does. This machine can weld anything you are likely to come across. If you want to purchase a single welding machine for the rest of your career, check out this option.

Lincoln Electric PRO MIG 256 Welding Machine
  • Powerful 300 Max Amp Output
  • 3 Year Warranty
  • Forgiving Arc from Diamond Core Technology
  • MAXTRAC Cast Aluminum Wire Drive

Summary

Power:

100%

Cost:

100%

Weight:

100%
Lincoln Power MIG 256 Welding Machine Review

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 31.8 in x 18.9 in x 38.8 in
  • Weight: 245 pounds
  • Max Output: 300 amps
  • Output Range: 30 to 300 Amps
  • Polarity: DC
  • Duty Cycle: 40% at 250 Amps

I rate this as a powerful welder. This is a premium welding machine. It can weld up to 1/2 inch steel. This is a heavy welding machine at over 200 pounds. You won’t be able to transport this from job to job, or lift it into the back of your truck. This shop welder will likely only move a few feet from where you originally set it up.

You can download the manual here.

PRO TIP: Consider how often you are going to be using the maximum power before making a purchase. If you can get away with a smaller machine, you can substantially reduce the cost of your purchase.

What is Included?

  • Magnum PRO 250L gun with 15 ft. cable
  • Top-mounted gun expendables tray.
  • Built-in undercarriage with easy-load gas cylinder platform
  • Work clamp and 10 ft. cable.
  • 10 ft. 230V input power cable
  • Drive roll and wire guide to feed both .035 in. & .045 in. wire
  • Gas regulator and hose kit for argon blend gases

Pros

  • This powerful welding machine can weld anything you will encounter in your typical welding career.
  • I personally prefer the old-school control and display functions. They are much easier to use and are impossible to get wrong.
  • Although it is too heavy to be portable, the heavy-duty roller wheels can easily move throughout your workshop.

Cons

  • This is an extremely heavy and powerful welding machine that isn’t portable. If you are likely to do jobs away from the workshop, you may need to purchase a 2nd, portable machine.
  • The price tag may scare some buyers, especially compared to Lincon’s more affordable options.

Features

1. Diamond Core Technology

The diamond core technology in the Lincoln Pro Mig 256 welding machine is designed to improve the overall performance of the welder. One of the key benefits of this technology is that it creates a forgiving arc, which means that the welder is more stable and consistent, even when working on challenging materials or in difficult conditions. This results in less spatter, which can be a major problem for many welders, as it can make the finished product look uneven and unprofessional.

Another benefit of the diamond core technology is its wide voltage sweet spot. This means that the welder has a wide range of voltage settings that will work well, making it easier to set the machine up for different types of metal or welding conditions. This can save time and frustration, as it eliminates the need for fine-tuning the machine on test metal before getting started. This can be a real time saver for those who frequently switch between different projects or materials.

Overall, the diamond core technology in the Lincoln Pro Mig 256 welding machine is a significant improvement over traditional welding machines, and offers many benefits for both professional and amateur welders. It is a great choice for those who want a machine that is easy to use, produces high-quality results, and is built to last.

2. MAXTRAC Cast Aluminum Wire Drive

The MAXTRAC Cast Aluminum Wire Drive in the Lincoln Pro Mig 256 welding machine is a high-quality wire feed system designed to improve the overall performance of the welder. One of the key features of this system is that it has dual-driven wire wheels with brass to brass connections. This means that the wire is driven by two separate wheels, rather than just one, which helps to ensure a consistent and smooth wire feed.

The brass to brass connections used in the MAXTRAC Cast Aluminum Wire Drive are also significantly improved over traditional connections. Brass is a highly conductive material, which means it is less likely to cause arcing or other issues that can disrupt the wire feed. This helps to ensure that the welder is always working at peak performance, even when working on challenging materials or in difficult conditions.

The wire speed control regulator in this system is also highly rated. It allows for precise control over the wire feed, which is essential for achieving high-quality welds. The reviewer found it to be one of the better wire speed control regulators that they have used.

Overall, the MAXTRAC Cast Aluminum Wire Drive in the Lincoln Pro Mig 256 welding machine is a high-quality wire feed system that offers many benefits for professional and amateur welders. It is a great choice for those who want a machine that is easy to use, produces high-quality results, and is built to last.

3. Copper Plus Contact Tips

The Copper Plus Contact Tips in the Lincoln Pro Mig 256 welding machine are a high-quality upgrade over standard contact tips. They are made from a copper alloy, which helps to increase their durability and longevity. Copper is a highly conductive material, so it helps to ensure that the current flows smoothly through the tip, resulting in a more consistent and stable arc.

One of the key benefits of the Copper Plus Contact Tips is the increased diameter, which helps to dissipate heat more efficiently. This can be a major problem with standard contact tips, as they can become overheated and damaged quickly. The increased diameter in the Copper Plus Contact Tips allows for more efficient heat dissipation, which means they will last longer and perform better overall.

You will notice you are getting a lot longer life from each tip. This is especially beneficial for those who frequently use their welder or those working in heavy-duty industrial environments. The increased life of the tip can save time and money, as you will have to replace the tips less often.

In addition to the increased life of the tip, the Copper Plus Contact Tips also offer increased performance throughout their life. This means they will perform better over time, even as they start to wear down, which is a major advantage over standard contact tips.

Lincoln Power MIG 256 Welding Machine Review

Field Testing

During testing, I found this to be an extremely easy-to-use machine. It is extremely powerful and will handle anything you are likely to throw at it. I like the latest technology built in, even though this has increased the price tag. One of the standout features of the Lincoln Pro Mig 256 is the latest technology built into the machine. This includes advanced features such as digital controls, which allow for precise adjustments to the welding process.

Additionally, the machine has several safety features to protect the operator, such as over-voltage and over-current protection. This is certainly one of Lincoln’s premium options, and I would encourage you to consider it if it is within your budget.

Results

Performance:

100%

Durability:

80%

Value for Money:

40%

Overall Score:

70%

This machine is suitable for Light industrial shop fabrication and repair work. Its 115 volt aux receptacle can run a grinder.

It has a solid 3 year warranty.

Accessories

I recommend getting a machine cover to protect the bright red paintwork from damage. One of my biggest regrets is the number of bumps and scratches my welding machines have gotten over the years.

Lincoln Electric Canvas Cover
  • Protect Your Welder from Bumps and Scratches
  • Made in USA
  • Canvas Material
  • Water Repellent

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lincoln Power MIG 256 welder is a top-of-the-line machine with impressive performance and durability. It is the heaviest and most powerful welder I have reviewed, and it scored a perfect 10 out of 10 for performance. However, its high price tag may make it less accessible for some users, earning it a lower score of 4 out of 10 for value-for-money.

Despite this, the welder still scored a 7 out of 10 overall. If you’re a professional welder needing a heavy-duty machine or looking for a high-performance welder for demanding applications, then the Lincoln Power MIG 256 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a hobbyist or an occasional welder, you may want to consider other options that offer better value for money.