Modern Equivalent to a Lincol Idealarc 300/300

[Tractorrr]

What is the modern equivalent or updated version of the Lincoln idealarc 300/300.

I currently have this welder as it was my grandfather's. I may eventually want to update to a more modern welder. I have never welded before but am interested in it.

It might be possible to begin learning on this machine, but it's been sitting in a dusty barn for the past 20 to 30 years.

 

[flingwing1969]

I would not necessarily consider moving from your Lincoln Beast to a modern one an upgrade. Yes, you can run them with considerably less power in. Yes, they don't weigh just slightly less than an elephant. Yes, they are not the size of a chicken coop. But that 300/300 can certainly weld nicely. I have one and when I need TIG or Stick, that's where I go. And, it is nearly bullet-proof.

 

[Industrial Toys]

A guy that repairs all the major brands of welder and plasmas, told me how the new machines are garbage (and disposable) compared to older machines. Copper and metal cost. Transistors are pennies by the bushel.

 

[Tractorrr]

We'll see, it might be ok if I cleaned it up better. I probably would try stick welding first. It's got a water cooling rig on top of it which I'm not sure if that would still be working or not. The only thing I have done to it so far is turn it on and I didn't want to leave it on too long for fear of it overheating.

 

[Industrial Toys]

It would only need cooling when continuously welding.

 

[Tractorrr]

It would only need cooling when continuously welding.

How long would continuously welding be? Thanks for all the replies.

 

[kthompson]

Do not know that welder but air hose with nozzle does a good job of cleaning dust off of stored items.

 

[Jeepnford]

Continuous welding depends on your output. If the machine is not labeled with duty cycle you can probably look up a manual for that model on Lincolns website. I have a Miller welder which is pretty equivalent to your Lincoln, it's a great machine. Personally I would try to get the one you have going to learn on, then if you really want or need a small inverter machine down the road add your collection.

 

[sd455dan]

What is the modern equivalent or updated version of the Lincoln idealarc 300/300.

I currently have this welder as it was my grandfather's. I may eventually want to update to a more modern welder. I have never welded before but am interested in it.

It might be possible to begin learning on this machine, but it's been sitting in a dusty barn for the past 20 to 30 years.

They are great old welders if you have space and power for it.
My son will inherit mine.
If you have a friend with stick and tig welding experience they should be able to help you check out its operational status.
Not many new Affordable AC/DC stick / tig machines that can match it's welding power. 300 amps all modes @ 60% duty cycle.
Can also weld thin materials to -even aluminum foil.



ps here is Lincolns link to Tig 300 300 owners manuals.

Operators Manuals | Lincoln Electric

guessing the IM 243 or IM 265 should work for you

 

[Industrial Toys]

Great for making TIN FOIL HATS. I had no idea a welder would do that!