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

[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.