Another "Help me buy my next welder" thread

[FTG-05]

Well that certainly sounds Like a Lincoln IdealArc Tig 300 300 like the one I have and posted a link to (Lincoln Arc Welder TIG 3 3 w Foot Pedal Working | eBay ) Although it sold already

If it is the tig 300 300 It will stick weld up to about 375 amps AC or DC +- or ( 300 amps @ 60 % duty cycle) also can Tig weld most metals and also Aluminum ( has Hi- frequency that is adjustable and also delay control for shield gas and a solenoid for a water cooled torch

If it is a Tig 300 300 i would definitely demo it first and make sure to test the hi frequency for aluminum tig , That high voltage/ frequency generator is probably the most common part to have problems.
Even with out it- still a very powerful stick welder with infinite adjustability.

Certainly looks like a good price if a good working unit. here is a pic of my 1961 model It gives a good size comparison to a small inverter style machine and to a torch set up to. They are Solidly built but do take up some space.


I guess they have enough power for gouging if desired to

Ok, I'll give the guy a call tomorrow and look into it.

Two words stuck out in your post that I failed to mention: "infinite adjustability". That's what the "Plus" stands for for my SP-175 and I love that feature. Yea, I know the SAs/Kouos et al expert weldors of the world can work around it with their expertise. Me? I need all the help in the world.

I'll let you know about the 300/300 if and when I talk to the guy.

Thanks,

 

[sd455dan]

the infinite adjustability...

many of shield arcs posts suggest it -as an almost necessary feature.
and i am glad he did... It has helped me to


when you talk to the owner, see if he can supply the model should be a 4 digit code. Lincolns site can then break down the vintage and such

Here is a link to Lincolns 300 300 manuals- I should have known Lincoln DID build non (TIG) 300 300s here Operators Manuals | Lincoln Electric

The welder for sale could be a stick only welder- which is fine if that is all you need. Since the gentleman selling the 300 300 has other welding equipment for sale in the same ad, it would seem he described it accurately.
one other thing -the links i found all appear to apply to welders built before the tig 300 300s- which i believe started right around 1958 Something else to ask about.

ShieldArc may have some thoughts on that welder- since he has a 1937 IdealArc 300 and it still makes Beautiful welds from the pics he posted that i saw.

 

[Shield Arc]

I have used those welders in the past. But it was years ago. I do remember they have a great arc. And they are tough as iron, I think you could drop them out of an airplane, and they would still work.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Thanks for posting, I'm glad you showed up.

Never l really looked at the Everlast Migs for this search, what do they say about assumptions? I "assumed" a realistically bigger mig would be too expensive. I'll have to think about this one. Thanks.


ETA for dumb question: Is the -210 infinitely adjustable for welding amps and wire speed? thx

Yes. It is infinitely adjustable within the entire range on volts and wire speed and has an infinitely adjustable arc force too. Spot and Stitch timers, along with burn back control.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

One thing about the large transformers: They suck a lot of power and you need to be wired for it.

 

[Shield Arc]

One thing about the large transformers: They suck a lot of power and you need to be wired for it.

Very true! My old Miller Gold Star, I had it hard wired to a 95-amp breaker!

 

[yomax4]

I ran a lot of the old transformer tig rigs way back when. I never liked the fact that you have to ball the "pure" tungsten to do aluminum. It makes for a large heat affected zone and you had to have talent on edges, corners and thin material. It was nice when the inverters showed up allowing pointed tungsten and an adjustable arc.

 

[bubbacuse77]

No one makes a Welder in the USA any longer. Welders are all Chinese cousins. May as well buy the Everlast and get Mark for Service and the 5 yr warranty. No, Miller is Not USA made any longer and neither is Lincoln. ESAB hasn't made Anything since the Mig Master 250 and I mean Anything ( except wire ) !/3 of their wire in imported now too. May want to steer clear of HF and the battery charger and Air compressor company welders but other than that, Not that much junk out there these days.

This statement is absolutely not true. Most of the entry level Welders are made overseas but I know plenty of people who work at Miller's factories around Appleton WI.

OP, do you even need to TIG or know how? TIG is a process that has a high learning curve, and if you won't be using it it is hard to beat a transformer power source like the Hobart Stickmate LX for around $400. 235amp AC and upto 160amp DC. Selectable DC positive or negative.

 

[STx]

I have used those welders in the past. But it was years ago. I do remember they have a great arc. And they are tough as iron, I think you could drop them out of an airplane, and they would still work.

I've always really like the Lincoln arc but, it's what I learned on using the Idealarc stick welders in metal shop class. When I bought my Power Mig 256, I seriously considered the Miller 252 as well, it's arc seemed a little "mushy" to me.

I've also found that I really prefer the Weldcote or Praxair wire in my machines. I ran some brand from Airgas once and hated the way it burned. It's funny how these little things that you wouldn't think matter do. ER70S-6 should be ER70S-6 but, I can tell the difference from one brand to another. The Lincoln wire burns really nice also, it's just a little pricey compared to $35 for a 44lb roll of the Praxair wire.

 

[Shield Arc]

I've always really like the Lincoln arc

Me too! When I started out in construction at 17-years old. All you seen on construction sites was Lincoln Short Hoods, and Red Face welders. Then all of a sudden all you seen was Miller engine drives. I never understood that! Until I went into management, Miller engine drives are cheaper! I got sent to California to supervise the welding of 1-mile of pipe tray, over water. I bought 5 Lincoln Commander 400s for that job. The company purchasing agent through a fit. He called me, and said I could buy Millers cheaper. Ended up going to the owner of the company to get my way.