Vintage vs Modern welders -- advice for a novice.

[dfkrug]

So... we have vintage transformer based machines like the Lincolns pictured above vs a new PowerArc 200.

Nice looking old welders there, Derek. Are they both from the 50s? They look like it.

I started welding >40 y ago on old Lincoln transformer AC welders, and it was not easy. Years later,
I found out that it would have been much easier if I had decent dry rods.

Then I discovered DC arc welding.

I still have and use a stick welder, but I got rid of the old Lincoln AC 225 welders I had,
and replaced it with an older Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC machine.

My recommendation is that you pay a bit more for a DC box...it is far easier to strike an
arc. You can pick up an old AC buzz-box for $150, but an AC/DC can be found for $100 more.
Also, buy sealed rods...the 7018 1/8" Lincoln rods at HomeDepot are great.

 

[russkat]

I'd forgotten about the ac/dc part of the equation.

I'll definitely look for an ac/dc unit, rather than ac only.
The PowCon is DC only I think.

 

[jaotguy]

Ka-ching ! 100.00 down and gone .... learn on the beast ( enjoy yourself ) and when something better comes along ... trade up ( and sell the old one to offset the cost)


baggie the unused rods ... and give'em 20 minutes on an old cookie tray at 200 in the oven before using them them.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

I'd forgotten about the ac/dc part of the equation.

I'll definitely look for an ac/dc unit, rather than ac only.
The PowCon is DC only I think.

Don't worry about the powcon being DC only. They weld very nice.

My invertec v250-s tig/stick is DC only - it's only drawback is I can't tig aluminum with it.

 

[aczlan]

The PowCon welder I mentioned earlier... I called my neighbor and he wants $100.00 and it includes 2 50' leads, ground clamp, and chipping hammer, and yes it's working fine.
Probably a no brainer !
I guess it could even be considered vintage (at least a vintage inverter box).

At that price, jump on it. You would have a hard time buying the cables for that price.

Aaron Z

 

[russkat]

Waiting for a call back on the PowCon...

 

[Big Barn]

Waiting for a call back on the PowCon...

Here's hoping you get it. The leads if not weathered will be worth the $100.... Terry

 

[CNC Dan]

I would look for a machine that doesn't have a few tapped settings, but continuously adjustable settings.
Like a thunderbolt, or idealarc, or dialarc.

 

[russkat]

I've read that Arc Products no longer supports PowCon... should that be a concern ?

 

[aczlan]

For that price, I wouldnt. You should be able to get your investment back out of the cables even if the welder dies.

Aaron Z