Lincoln Electric 90i FC Flux Core Welder Review [Updated for 2023]

Upgrades and Features

Building upon the solid foundation of the Century FC90, this new iteration comes packed with notable upgrades.

Upgrades and Features	Details of the Lincoln Electric 90i FC
Enhanced Power Output	The 90i FC boasts an enhanced power output, elevating your welding capabilities to a new level. This is coupled with a more robust design, aimed at handling a broader range of welding tasks with increased efficiency and precision.
New MIG Gun	The 90i FC introduces a new MIG gun, a significant upgrade over its predecessor. This gun not only offers better ergonomics but also improves visibility during welding, a key factor for precision work. The gun is equipped with a flux core nozzle, specifically designed to enhance the flux core welding experience.
Enhanced Hook and Ergonomic Design	Attention to detail is evident in the upgraded hook and overall ergonomic design of the machine. The hook adds convenience, allowing for easier handling and storage of the gun when not in use. The machine’s design prioritizes user comfort, making it suitable for extended periods of use without fatigue.
Power Input Cables	In terms of power management, the 90i FC shows a marked improvement with its thicker and more durable power input cables. This upgrade not only signifies a step up in safety standards but also ensures longevity and consistent performance under various electrical loads.
Enhanced Ground Clamp	A noteworthy upgrade is the improved ground clamp, now equipped with braided copper wire. This enhancement ensures a more reliable and efficient grounding, crucial for achieving high-quality welds. The new clamp design also contributes to a stable arc, an essential aspect of any welding process.
Control Panel Transformation	The control panel of the 90i FC has undergone a significant transformation. The knobs are larger and of higher quality, offering better control and precision. The panel is also slightly tilted for improved visibility, making it easier for the welder to make accurate adjustments.
Internal Components	Internally, the 90i FC doesn’t disappoint. The spool holder is robust and well-designed, accommodating various wire sizes with ease. The wire drive mechanism, a critical component in ensuring smooth wire feeding, has been refined. Although it maintains its plastic construction, it proves that quality and reliability are not always about the material but about the design and execution.

As you can see, the Lincoln Electric 90i FC is not just an upgrade but a significant leap forward in welding technology. Its enhancements in ergonomics, power management, and user interface make it a top contender for both seasoned professionals and enthusiasts looking to elevate their welding experience.

Initial Setup and Welding Test

Setting up the Lincoln Electric 90i FC for the first time is a straightforward process, reflecting its user-friendly design. The initial step involves loading the wire, a task made easy by the well-designed spool holder and the intuitive wire drive mechanism.

After securing the wire, the next focus is on setting the machine for the specific welding task at hand. This involves adjusting the wire feed speed and voltage, which are crucial for achieving optimal performance. The control panel’s clear labels and the user-friendly interface aid in making these adjustments both precise and hassle-free.

First Welding Tests on Eighth-Inch Plate

For our initial test, we chose to work with an eighth-inch plate, a common thickness in many welding projects. This test serves as a good benchmark to evaluate the machine’s capability in handling typical, everyday welding tasks.

The Lincoln Electric 90i FC, with its new MIG gun and improved ergonomics, provides a comfortable and stable welding experience. As the welding begins, the machine’s smooth arc and consistent wire feed become immediately apparent, showcasing its efficiency and power.

Adjustments Made During the Welding Process

During the welding process, making real-time adjustments is often necessary to adapt to different materials or to refine the quality of the weld.

The 90i FC’s responsive controls allow for quick and precise changes to the wire feed speed and voltage. These adjustments are crucial in managing factors like the heat input and the size of the weld bead, directly impacting the quality of the weld.

Machine Performance

The results of the initial welding tests are quite impressive. The welds produced on the eighth-inch plate are consistent, with good penetration and a clean bead profile. These results demonstrate the 90i FC’s capability to handle a range of welding tasks, offering both strength and aesthetics in the welds.

The machine performs exceptionally well, maintaining a stable arc throughout the process, which is key to achieving high-quality welds.

Overall, the performance and testing phase of the Lincoln Electric 90i FC reveal a machine that is not only reliable and easy to use but also capable of delivering high-quality results!

Technical Specifications and Warranty: Lincoln Electric 90i FC vs. Century FC90

The Lincoln Electric 90i FC shows significant advancements over the Century FC90, particularly in its max output capacity, offering an increase of approximately 30 amps. This enhances the machine’s versatility in handling a wider range of welding tasks. The warranty coverage also sees an improvement, doubling the duration from 6 months to a full year, which reflects confidence in the product’s durability and performance.

The 90i FC’s ground clamp, with its braided copper wire, and the ergonomic design of the MIG gun are notable upgrades, focusing on both performance and user comfort. The control panel’s user-friendly design, featuring larger knobs and a tilted orientation, enhances the overall welding experience. Furthermore, the thicker power input cable of the 90i FC ensures better safety and longevity.

In basically every aspect, from the wire drive mechanism to the overall design, the Lincoln Electric 90i FC stands out as a superior choice, designed for both efficiency and ease of use, making it a suitable option for a wide range of welding enthusiasts and professionals.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After thoroughly testing and examining the Lincoln Electric 90i FC, it’s clear that this machine stands out for its smooth operation and user-friendly features. The welding experience with the 90i FC has been impressive, characterized by a stable arc, consistent wire feed, and excellent control over the welding process.

The ergonomic design of the MIG gun, combined with the improved ground clamp and intuitive control panel, contributes significantly to the ease of use and comfort during welding.

One of the most notable aspects of the 90i FC is its ability to maintain a steady performance across various tasks, from simple repairs to more complex projects. The welds produced are of high quality, showcasing good penetration and a clean bead profile, essential for both strength and aesthetics.

Moreover, the machine’s upgraded features, such as the robust power input cable and the enhanced spool holder, add to its reliability and longevity.

Suitability for Different Types of Welders

The Lincoln Electric 90i FC is a versatile machine that caters well to a broad spectrum of welders.

For beginners, its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup make it an excellent entry-point into the world of welding. The clear instructions and easy-to-navigate control panel reduce the learning curve, allowing new users to start their welding journey with confidence.

For experienced welders, the 90i FC offers the precision and power needed for more demanding projects. The increased max output and the machine’s ability to handle a variety of materials and thicknesses make it a valuable tool for advanced applications.

The quality of the components and the thoughtful design speak to the professional-grade capabilities of the machine.

Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to undertake DIY projects, a professional welder in need of a reliable machine for regular use, or someone in between, the Lincoln Electric 90i FC stands as a strong contender.

Its blend of performance, ease of use, and durability makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about welding. This machine not only meets the diverse needs of different welders but also offers the assurance of quality and support that comes with the Lincoln Electric brand.