Lincoln squarewave TIG 175 HELP!!!

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Hello all,Well I really did it this time.  I bought, sight unseen (only a web foto) from a local auction house, a Lincoln squarewave TIG 175.  It was missing cables, tig torch, regulator, etc. so I figured if I could get it at a good price, I could complete it and turn it over for a profit.  I got it for just under $400 after tax.  I figured I could resell it, complete with tank, cables, remote, etc. for around $1100.  I had planned on investing another $200 to $300 into it to get it ready.  I assumed it was a 220 volt machine.  That was my first mistake.Upon picking it up, I realized that it wasn't a 220 volt machine, it was a 460 volt machine.  Now I had no way to test it.  This threw the first wrench in my plan as now I had to take it to a welding repairman to test for me.  Luckily one of the local techs has helped me over the years (without charging me) with guidance when I had to troubleshoot my welders, he did so again.  He plugged it in and low and behold, he discovered that them primary transformer was burned out!!!   It started smoking about 10 seconds after being switched on.He said that this model has a unique transformer and that it can't be swapped for another type or model's transformer.  I told him I would start hunting one down using any and every possible avenue available via the web (ebay, this forum, craigslist, etc.)  He suggested to me that I obtain a 220 volt primary transformer and in this way convert it to a more common voltage.  Otherwise only industrial shops would be able to use it as the average person doesn't have 460 volt power in their garage or shop.  He said this was a European model as it could be switched between 460 and 570 volts as opposed to U. S. machines which could be wired for 220 or 440 volts.So, I am on the hunt for such a part.  Does anyone know how I might go about locating one?  I plan to call Lincoln later today and find out what part number I am looking for, but I thought I would get the wheels turning.Anyone have a parts machine they would be willing to pull a transformer out of?  Or maybe know of a shop that has one of these machines that is not working and just taking up space?The tech told me I might as well give it up as these are hard to find and are no longer being made by Lincoln.  Miller keeps making parts for their older machines, Lincoln he said only does so for seven years and then parts become obsolete.Finally, what may have caused the transformer burn out?  Do I run the risk of burning another one out by simply replacing it with a good one?Any help is appreciated.  Attached is a picture of the machine in question.  It is not of my machine, I got it off the web.Thanks,Tony Attached Images
Reply:Lincoln brought this model back to market, so there may be transformers to be had. Lincoln has been very helpful to me when I needed them.There are specialty shops that can actually rewind a transformer. Don't what cost you would run into, but it might save the machine from the scrap heap.Sorry to hear of your bad luck on this one.PapaLincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:Here's the link to Lincoln's support page. They list the Squarewave Tig 175 (obsolete), the current one and the european model. The manuals typically have the schematic in the back of them (the one for mine did). Might be useful.http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...s/support.aspxKevinHobart Handler 210Tweco Fabricator 181iLincoln Squarewave Tig 175
Reply:since its so hard to find parts mabe you would make money parting it out and selling the parts on ebay, rather than waste time and money on trying to find a transformer only to find out more is wrong with the welder...Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:You dropped $400 on a machine you couldn't test? You should have walked when you found out it was 460v. Now you know why it was cheap - it's a boat anchor.Fire!, Fire! Oh wait, that's my torch...Lincoln PT-225 TIGLincoln 175 MIG
Reply:Yup, that's right.  I assumed these were 220 volt from the jump.  It never occurred to me it might be otherwise.  I bought the machine sight unseen through an Internet auction.  I only saw a picture of it and it didn't look beat up, so I took a chance.Now afterward, I should have called the office and asked them to at least check on the type of plug it had.  That would have told me if it was 220 volt or not.  However it wouldn't have told me if it worked or not.  I have not seen one auction where welding gear is involved where you can test the machines or equipment for that matter (torches, grinders, etc.).  They are generally laid out on a warehouse floor, with labels on them for the lot number and the inspection is basically to see if the machine is complete or shows signs of damage or abuse.  You still take a chance with auctions in general.The picture in this case looked real clean and in fact when I picked it  up, it was nice and clean.So, I can sell off the parts as I went ahead and finished setting up the machine.  It has new leads, torch, leather sleeve, argon gauge plus a torch mounted remote switch.It is possible that I may recover my money selling off the parts and I may go that route.  I called Lincoln and they told me that they don't even list the transformer as available as the tech told me these machines are basically considered "disposable".  The transformer and the PC board make up the bulk of the machine.   He said a replacement transformer could cost the same as another machine so they don't bother offering it.Oh well........Tony
Reply:Try this info; the subject of this thread on the practical machinist web site is converting three phase industrial welders to single phase. It's widely held that it cant be done-at a reasonable price- but this guy did it. I'd shoot him an email, re your situation & your transformer needs it cant hurt. He may have a solution, he's no dummy. "Davekamp" is his name. G/L http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb...32/index2.htmlLast edited by valkyriemc; 09-10-2011 at 09:00 PM.Lincoln MP 210  Lincoln 216-2Hobart Stickmate LX AC-DC“Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue.”
Reply:Thanks,I'm following up on it right now in another tab on my browser window.  Will report what happens.Tony