Lincoln Electric K5387-9 MIG Welder: up to 90 A, 120 V

What it welds

The Lincoln Electric K5387-9 MIG Welder is a MIG / gas with a maker-stated output of up to 90 amps on 120-volt input.

By Miller's rule of thumb of 1 amp per 0.001 inch of steel, 90 amps reaches about 3/32 in in a single pass. Amps by thickness.

The listing doesn't give a duty cycle with its amperage, which makes long beads hard to plan; the rating plate or manual should state it. Why it matters.

Processes, per the maker: MIG/Flux-Cored. Check which torches and guns come in the box; a TIG torch or spool gun is often extra. Process guide.

It runs solid wire under shielding gas for the cleanest wire-feed welds; most machines like it also run flux-core wire outdoors.

A 120-volt machine runs from a household circuit, usually a 20-amp one per the manual. 120 V vs 240 V.

Eye protection: OSHA's minimum is shade 10 for most of this machine's range. Full table.

Also on the listing: a weight of 15 lb.

Warranty, per the listing: 12 months.

Is it the right machine for the job?

Buy it for

Clean steel welds indoors
Sheet metal to about 3/32 in

Skip it for

Steel much past 3/32 in in one pass

What it does well, where it falls short

Does well

Up to 90 A output
Runs on household 120 V

Falls short

Duty cycle not stated with amps
120 V caps output

Power and setup notes

Ratings are the maker's own, stated under the maker's conditions. Follow the manual, wear eye protection of at least OSHA's minimum shade, keep combustibles away, ventilate, and have a licensed electrician install new circuits.

Rated output and specs

Every figure below comes from the source shown in brackets. Where the maker doesn't state something, we say so instead of estimating.

Model number	K5387-9	Retailer
Power	Corded Electric	Retailer
Features (seller)	Portable	Retailer
Warranty	12 months	Retailer
Input power	120 V	Retailer
Product weight	15 lb	Retailer
Output range	90 Amp	Retailer
Duty cycle	30% duty cycle at 90 Amp	Retailer
Processes	MIG/Flux-Cored	Retailer