Another "Help me buy my next welder" thread

[yomax4]

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.

The Praxair, Prostar Wire is sourced from Cider Gas. Italy I believe. Weldkote is a spinoff company of the old Harris Welco group. Their wire comes from Kiswel out of South Korea I believe. All ok wire as long as you spray or short arc. Doesn't Pulse real well buy hey, It's cheap. I use some of it too. Luckily I get all my welding crap for free.:thumbsup:

 

[sd455dan]

You snooze, you lose. By the time I could get cell phone call out, it had already sold. ;(


ETA: What does one of these machines weigh? I'm hearing +600 lbs or more. What does the one that was listed the Ebay link weigh? anyone know?

They weigh a LOT. I have read somewhere between 575 and 860 for the IdealArc Tig 300 300

When i hauled mine in the back of my Ram 3500 with a bed liner it actually dented the steel bed where the welders wheels were.

 

[FTG-05]

They weigh a LOT. I have read somewhere between 575 and 860 for the IdealArc Tig 300 300

When i hauled mine in the back of my Ram 3500 with a bed liner it actually dented the steel bed where the wheels were.

Between the weight, the power consumption and the obsolescence of these old Lincoln dinosaurs, I hate to say it and I know someone here will probably give me heck for it, but those lesbian bi-gay transistors that Mark sells are starting to look pretty good.....

 

[dstig1]

You have a tractor. Therefore, the weight is approximately zero... Go hoist it up and bring it where you want it. They are dead reliable. Warranty? Who cares - they just work. Power consumption? Obsolescence? Are you a Fab Shop? I thought you said you were a retired farmer/hobbyist? If you can tell the difference in your electric bill, then you must be into the fab shop zone.... Yes, you might need to wire in a 50 or 75 or even 100A outlet for it. So what? You are going to need to wire in something for just about any new equipment. For what you describe you either want an Idealarc or an engine drive, if you think the portability is important.

I love my XMT304 inverter, but it is expensive and I dread the day i have to fix something. I actually want an Idealarc so I can have something rock solid for arc welding. Too much baloney on this thread and not enough real advice, IMO. Your tasks scream: simple & reliable. And maybe portable. Buy a good used real stick welder or engine drive and be happy for life.

 

[dragoneggs]

Stupid double tap.

Nah... you are just missing the good old days of auto double post.

 

[FTG-05]

You have a tractor. Therefore, the weight is approximately zero... Go hoist it up and bring it where you want it. They are dead reliable. Warranty? Who cares - they just work. Power consumption? Obsolescence? Are you a Fab Shop? I thought you said you were a retired farmer/hobbyist? If you can tell the difference in your electric bill, then you must be into the fab shop zone.... Yes, you might need to wire in a 50 or 75 or even 100A outlet for it. So what? You are going to need to wire in something for just about any new equipment. For what you describe you either want an Idealarc or an engine drive, if you think the portability is important.

I love my XMT304 inverter, but it is expensive and I dread the day i have to fix something. I actually want an Idealarc so I can have something rock solid for arc welding. Too much baloney on this thread and not enough real advice, IMO. Your tasks scream: simple & reliable. And maybe portable. Buy a good used real stick welder or engine drive and be happy for life.

You remind me of that guy in that space documentary a couple years ago. Nothing went over his head; his reflexes were so fast, he would catch it!

 

[STx]

The Idealarc stick machines I learned on in school were from the 50's so already about 40 years old when I was using them. They're still there and running now, I don't remember ever seeing one down for repairs in the 3 years I was in shop class and we were kind of rough on them. Yeah, they're heavy and burn more juice than an inverter machine but, they're also about as reliable as they come.

Look at Shieldarc's collection, his go back 80 years and are still plugging along.

 

[Shield Arc]

As much as I love the control these inverter welders have over the puddle. A lot can be said for old equipment.
Here is what a 1937 Idealarc 300 can do with 6010, and 7018.

 

[Underdog57]

Let me start by saying I am a very, very novice welder, just farm equip once or twice a year. Almost everything I know I learned from reading this forum (thanks guys). A couple of years ago I got a GREAT deal on a Everlast Power Arc 300. I have only used it for a total of about 20 hours. I am still learning to weld and have only burned up to 1/2" steel (easily). The machine welds great and I love it.

That being said, in the OP's original post he said he had MIG already and wanted something to burn heavy and dirty farm equipment. I think he should spend the $600 and buy the brand-new Power Arc 300.

Just a rookie's opinion!

 

[Industrial Toys]

That's not a Lincoln, that's a Kubota, or Kioti Welder!

I just got a Lincoln 255c and 255XL at auction. I want to sell my CV300, because I never could make good enough Rotary Phase Converter 600 Volt power to satisfy the computer.

I'm not a pro, but man, I do notice the extra oooomph of the 300, and will probably miss it.