Taking the Welder Plunge

[MJPetersen]

I have also found 15 year old Linclon 225 AC for $100. What say ye all?

You absolutely will not go wrong with that. Go for it. I know I would in MY condition. I am looking for something better than the < $100 newer machine I have. Just cannot find anything used here.

Mike

 

[California]

Hobart seems to adjust how long you can weld based on amperage used.

It's simpler than that. Like Tom said. At low output it will shed heat as fast as it generates internal heat. At higher output it can't shed heat fast enough so you have to let it cool.

That's all it means.

 

[bigdad]

Hey California......
I had a Monkey Wards AC stick welder too. It was great! I used it like crazy until a guy gave me the Miller. Mine had a knob on the side that you tightened down after you adjusted a joy stick for the amps. The case on mine was so rusty when I got it that I couldn't read what setting I had it on. I gave it to the road comish and he uses it to patch up grader blades etc.

 

[California]

Hey California......I had a Monkey Wards AC stick welder too. It was great! I gave it to the road comish and he uses it to patch up grader blades etc.

Look something like this? http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/related-topics/52820-wards-powr-kraft-230amp-stick.html

Hey Kratos! did you hear that? If you run out of projects you can weld up grader blades for the County with your hundred dollar welder! Try that with a little wire welder!

As that thread I referenced shows, I'm simply a couple of years in the lead on the identical path as you. Now, with some experience, I have verified that a 225 amp ac welder does everything I need. Cept I prefer 'Aspiring Gentleman Farmer', to your "wanabe "Green Acres" style mini-farmer".

Here's my latest repair weld. The pivot pin on one side of the garage door tore out of the arm. I welded it back in, stronger than the original mushroomed-head type of connection. Good for a second 60 years. Without a welder I would have needed a whole new garage door assembly since this style is no longer made.

 

[2manyrocks]

I'd pick the Lincoln stick welder at $100 if its in good condition.

Much, much more discussion on welding at:

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[Kratos]

I am meeting the guy at his house at 4 pm tomorrow to pick up the $100 Lincoln 225 AC. He says that he has found lots of rod, gloves, and a chipping hammer that he is throwing in. I am stopping by Harbor Freight on the way back to pick up a self-darkening helmet like some of you guys mentioned with some of the money I saved.

Thanks for all of the advice.

 

[California]

Great!

One more word of advice: The HF self-darkening helmet works great. However - I wear bifocals and it was torture to shove my glasses up high then hold my head just right to watch the weld through the magnified lower half of the bifocals. I tried tying the lenses from a headband magnifier into the helmet but that didn't help, because I need the prescribed astigmatism correction as well as magnification. HF has just announced a large-window version of the self darkening helmet. I'm going to get one, and for anyone wearing bifocals I recommend that one.

 

[hill]

Great!

One more word of advice: The HF self-darkening helmet works great. However - I wear bifocals and it was torture to shove my glasses up high then hold my head just right to watch the weld through the magnified lower half of the bifocals. I tried tying the lenses from a headband magnifier into the helmet but that didn't help, because I need the prescribed astigmatism correction as well as magnification. HF has just announced a large-window version of the self darkening helmet. I'm going to get one, and for anyone wearing bifocals I recommend that one.

Another possible solution for those with vision correction needs are the diopter lenses available for the standard welding helmet opening. They fit, with sometimes a considerable difficulty, behind or between the shaded and the clear protective lenses already installed and are available in most standard corrective magnifications.

 

[Knotbored]

Don't forget the local "Dollar store" for those reading glasses to wear under the helmet. My local store has a bunch, and I find them useful as spare pair to read my computer screen. I have perscription glases, but sometimes misplace them so spares come in handy.
I also have pretty severe astigmatism but eyes seem to adjust to whichever glases I wear, the cheap set of glasses work fine, just get a swimming sensation when I swing my head around quickly.

 

[Berniep]

Yep that 100 dollar lincoln will do you right. Don't worry if it's rusty or dented a little. Like someone else said, they just seem to run forever.
I would like to say something about flux core wire feed welders. With a good quality machine, they do not make lower quality welds and actually give better penetration than ar/co2 sheilded, and are not disrupted by breezes.