Is $100 a good deal for Lincoln AC/DC 225/125?

[MossflowerWoods]

From CL...

"Lincoln AC/DC Arc Welder Model AC/DC 225/125 . This welder is used,in good condition and 25 lbs of 7018 rod included."

Not sure it is still available...

Also, there is this one for $300 "Lincoln stick welder, idealarc 250, dc-, dc+, & ac polarity. Some extras to go with the welder..."

I have NO EXPERIENCE welding, looking to get started, looking for deals...

Thanks in advance,
David

 

[tractorworks]

Yes on the first one, not famailiar with the second one.

 

[Fixemall]

Careful, welders are like tractors...before you know it you have several.
Both sound like a good deal but I would test the waters with a lower cash offer.

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Yes on the first one, not famailiar with the second one.

Thanks!

Is the 1st one a light, medium, or heavy duty? Will it be enough for a guy who will be doing basic maint and only VERY simple fabrication?

Here is a pic of the 2nd one... Just in case that helps... Personally it would have to be AMAZINLY better to justify three times the price...

Thanks again,
David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

First one is sold already.

Not as interested in the second due to cost.

David

 

[jonyyuma]

BTW,second one is commercial type, has a lot longer duty cycle and a lot more power..

 

[dntfxr]

I think the old ideaarcs are really good welders.

 

[JB4310]

Thanks!

Is the 1st one a light, medium, or heavy duty? Will it be enough for a guy who will be doing basic maint and only VERY simple fabrication?

Here is a pic of the 2nd one... Just in case that helps... Personally it would have to be AMAZINLY better to justify three times the price...

Thanks again,
David

I'm not sure, but going by the info you gave if the first one was only 125 amp on the DC side then that's not big enough for general maintenance and fabrication.
And if the second one was 250 amp on DC then that's more than what you need and is worth that much more, even though it does look pretty ancient

This is what you need right here and the price is very good as well.

MILLER THUNDERBOLT AC/DC STICK ARC WELDER | Brighton | eBay Classifieds (Kijiji) | 13710799


If you can find one of these, you would be all set.
I'm kinda partial, I have the same welder, I bought used for a very good deal too.

JB

 

[deereman75]

the second one is my all time favourite stick welder. Those lincoln idealarc 250s are bullet proof, and will last forever. The diference between the two machines is the first one is a 20% duty cycle, and the second one is a 60% duty cycle (I think), also, the second one has 2x the dc amperage. That is a very good deal for an idealarc, and it is an old one as well (that is very good). If the second one is still on there, buy it now, it is well worth it. (you will need a 100 amp breaker though, for max output)

 

[MossflowerWoods]

the second one is my all time favourite stick welder. Those lincoln idealarc 250s are bullet proof, and will last forever. The diference between the two machines is the first one is a 20% duty cycle, and the second one is a 60% duty cycle (I think), also, the second one has 2x the dc amperage. That is a very good deal for an idealarc, and it is an old one as well (that is very good). If the second one is still on there, buy it now, it is well worth it. (you will need a 100 amp breaker though, for max output)

Will it run on a lower amp circuit? I do not think my house will support a 100 amp circuit.

I have two 40's tied together for the dryer, and that is all. I have 2 30's for the stove and I am considering changing to a propane stove and freeing that up for the welder...

I do not know how to increase the pull into the house...

David

 

[flusher]

From CL...

"Lincoln AC/DC Arc Welder Model AC/DC 225/125 . This welder is used,in good condition and 25 lbs of 7018 rod included."

Not sure it is still available...

Also, there is this one for $300 "Lincoln stick welder, idealarc 250, dc-, dc+, & ac polarity. Some extras to go with the welder..."

I have NO EXPERIENCE welding, looking to get started, looking for deals...

Thanks in advance,
David

Forget about the used/abused stuff on CL and eBay. Since you're a welding newby, save yourself a lot of anxiety and just pony up $400 for a good brand new AC/DC stick welder. Mine is a Hobart Stickmate LX from Tractor Supply. Then if you want to teach yourself to weld, buy the welding CDs from Wall Mountain to get you going

Instructional Welding Videos

 

[scoutcub]

Dave -

Damit, Will you please slow down on buying all this cool stuff.....:laughing::laughing:

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Dave -

Damit, Will you please slow down on buying all this cool stuff.....:laughing::laughing:

Frank!

I have not bought anything since my Tractor in August! Well, I've bought a few chickens and ducks is all...

I just keep ASKING and LEARNING.

Flusher just convinced me no welder until I get a TSC 10% coupon...

David

 

[Shield Arc]

I just went to Tractor Supply's website to look at their prices on welders. I'm not a big fan of Hobart welders! Too many bad experiences in the past. I suggest you contact Mark at Everlast, and see what he can do for a Powerarc 200, dollar for dollar I can't see where you can find a better arc. :thumbsup:

 

[boomer1025]

I agree with Shield Arc, check out the Everlast welders, then contact Mark.
I got a PA140ST which is a very nice small 120/220V welder. Which would run off your 30 amp breakers when you freed the circuit from the stove.

 

[magicheater]

BTW,second one is commercial type, has a lot longer duty cycle and a lot more power..

Has the copper windings as well and an infinite adjustment. I got rid of a newer Lincoln buzz box with the selector switch when I found an older rotary version at an auction many years back. Still using it.

I think the old ideaarcs are really good welders.

I agree, the older welders were built better and copper beats aluminum any day of the week in my book when it comes to welding.

 

[brokenknee]

I would not shy away from a used welder. There are a lot of welders out there that were purchased new for home / hobby use that in reality did not see much use at all. When you go look at one, bring a couple pieces of metal and run a few beads; if you do not know how to weld yet, bring a friend that does. I have the miller buzz box listed in the link, it's a good welder but rarely use it since I have upgraded to a wire feed. And no not interested in selling it since on occasion it does come in handy.

 

[dstig1]

The Idealarc looks like a very good deal. You can run it on a smaller breaker than the max it may require, it just limits how much you can do with it. A 50A 220V circuit will cover probably everything most hobbyists will need.

 

[Soundguy]

if you need an arc welder cheap.. hit northern tools.. I think thay have a 130-140$ 200a arc welder.. cart style.. hard to beat that for a new one. sure.. may have a 10 or 20% duty cycle at 200a.. but heck.. 95% of my welding is at 70-110a.. on my hobart 235xl, 100a is 100% duty cycle...

soundguy

 

[deereman75]

You can run an idealarc on a much lower curcuit, but you wont be able to use the full 250 amps dc. I bought a tombstone on the local classified adds, and it is great, for the transformer welders, I would only buy used, as they will almost last forever, and cost way less used. If that idealarc is still there, buy it, it will be 10x better then a hobart from tsc, and cost less. If the idealarc is sold, then look at one of the inverters from everlast or longevity.