Need welder advice...

[dntfxr]

That'll work! I bought it and will probably arrange to pick it up at the terminal. It's an older white face Dialarc 250 HF, looks to be pretty lightly used and to be in good shape. I'm pretty excited about it, seems like they are solid old versatile welders. Anybody got some experience with this model?
Thanks again to everyone for the help and suggestions!

 

[Shield Arc]

Is this something like you bought?

Miller Dialarc HF Tig & Stick Welder 200/230/460 Volts 1 Phase | eBay

 

[dntfxr]

Yeah that's it, in fact I bought the other one that the same guy had listed just like it but a lot cleaner looking.

 

[deereman75]

Looks like a really nice welder, it should serve you well.

 

[Shield Arc]

Can't say I've ever used one, seen lots of them tho. I have a 1980s Miller Gold Star, I think pretty much on the same lines as your new machine. It is surprising how well it runs 7018. I had some work done to it about 10 years ago, tech at the repair center suggested I get rid of it, said they weren't worth anything as a Tig welder, or stick welder. I told him when he got a chance to run some 7018 and tell me what he thought. He too was impressed!:laughing:

Did you get a torch, and foot pedal with it?

 

[yomax4]

That'll work! I bought it and will probably arrange to pick it up at the terminal. It's an older white face Dialarc 250 HF, looks to be pretty lightly used and to be in good shape. I'm pretty excited about it, seems like they are solid old versatile welders. Anybody got some experience with this model?
Thanks again to everyone for the help and suggestions!

Good as it gets for Transformer Stick. Does 3/8" Aluminum on Tig. It still uses the old technology Pure Tungsten with a ball on the end but hey, Thats how they did it for ever until a few years ago. Enjoy.

 

[dntfxr]

Cool, thanks guys. It sounds about perfect for what I need. It didn't come with tig torch or pedal, but I think it has remote connection. Hope so anyway. Is the pedal real expensive?

 

[Shield Arc]

Is the pedal real expensive?

Just the first one I came across, probably find them cheaper. Boy I hope so!

Miller RFC-23A Foot Control - 242199020 | Baker's Gas & Welding Supplies

 

[deereman75]

WHy not get a torch with built in slide amperage control? Alot cheeper than a pedel...

 

[yomax4]

Some of the new Tig Torches have on/ off and a amp wheel built right in. Let me know how many pin amphenol the dial arc has and I may be able to help you out with a foot control or a slide amptrol when you need one,. I have a bunch of that stuff.

 

[Shield Arc]

WHy not get a torch with built in slide amperage control? Alot cheeper than a pedel...

That's a good idea kid! See that's why we keep you around.:thumbsup:
I like my CK north south.

 

[dntfxr]

Some of the new Tig Torches have on/ off and a amp wheel built right in. Let me know how many pin amphenol the dial arc has and I may be able to help you out with a foot control or a slide amptrol when you need one,. I have a bunch of that stuff.

Thanks yomax4, I appreciate that. I'll get back to you when I get it in. It probably won't ship till early next week so hopefully it will be in by next weekend.

Thanks again to all for the expertise and help! I think this machine will be about perfect for my shop!

 

[dntfxr]

The big truck just showed up this morning! Here's a couple pics. I want to put new 50' leads on it. The ground is missing and the other lead is pretty short. It looks to be in good shape though for the most part. I thought about dropping it at the miller dealer and letting them go through it but not sure if it's worth it.

 

[Shield Arc]

I thought about dropping it at the miller dealer and letting them go through it but not sure if it's worth it.

Take her for a test drive first, why spend money if you don't have to!

 

[dntfxr]

Yeah I'll do that. What size cable do I need for the leads, and where's the best source? I 'll price them at the lws while I'm at it

 

[Shield Arc]

Now a days I just use #2, but I don't push a machine like I use to.

Few months ago I bought some lead off ebay, got a really good deal, but can't remember how much. Happens when you get old!

Welding Cable Amperage Chart

 

[dntfxr]

Alright I got my 50' leads today, the local store was cheaper than anything else I found. They recommended #1 so I just went with that.
Next question is this, until I build my shop which will have 100amp dedicated for the welder, can I run it on the spare 40 amp circuit I have here at my house at low amp settings? Also what plug should I use when I do wire my shed? I don't know if I've ever seen a plug rated for more than 50amps. Would it be better to wire it straight to the box?
Thanks

 

[Shield Arc]

I'm not familiar with that machine at all. You can go to the Miller site and down load the manual for it. You'll need the serial number.

When I had my Miller 330A/BP in the shop I wired it direct to the breaker. But it drew 100-amps, at max output.

Miller - Owners Manuals

 

[Shield Arc]

Here's the kind of plug I use on my inverters, and plasma. I think its rated at 55-amps. About $12.00 at ACE hardware store.

 

[grsthegreat]

I'm looking to pick up another welder for the shop. All I have right now is a little Lincoln 110v mig which is fine for lighter stuff but I would like to get another machine for heavier fabrication and repair, up to 1/2" but mostly 1/4" -3/8" materials. I found an older Miller dialarc250 whiteface machine in very good shape with 50' leads for 500$. Or for a little more money I can buy a brand new Thunderbolt or similar machine. I've never used either but I think I'd prefer the dialarc, I hear they're pretty bulletproof.

I also like the idea of playing around with Tig. Is it very expensive to set these up for Tig, or would o do better to look into another machine for that? I did find a Lincoln Squarewave175 for 800$ a few hrs from here. Reality is Stick welding will do 90% of what I need but I do like the
versatility of Tig.
Anyone have experience with these machines or have any suggestions?
Thanks

I just purchased a new thunderbolt ac/dc stick welder for $530.00 from my welding supply house. Its to replace my old century ac/dc stick machine that worked for me unfailingly for 20 years.

I would love to get a large mig that can weld up to 1/2" stuff, but the miller 252 is $2,500. The wife would KILL me if i got this. I also have a Lincoln 120v mig welder for smaller repairs around my place. Its a wonderful machine, and even if i do buy the larger mig, ill never get rid of this truly portable mig welder.

If you get the thunderbolt...get the ac/dc version. Working dc rev polarity with 7018 rod sure makes for a pretty weld.