Dialarc 250 ac/dc and lincoln ac225

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I have just acquired a Dialarc 250 minus leads. I have also secured a lincoln ac 225 with leads.  Both for the low low price of 200 dollars. I dont know alot about what I am getting into, but I have currently been making resettable long range targets for rifle ranges but the frames have been made with what I was comfortable with, wood. I am wanting to make the frames from some maybe 1" tubing and was hoping I could do it. The lincoln ac 225 is redy to roll, the dialarc 250 has no leads. Which machine would work better for the job? what electrodes do I need? Would I be better off getting leads for the dialarc being it is DC also? Can I hardwire the leads to the dialarc off the 225? I have a little welding under my belt so I am not a complete newbie, I also solder and braze on my job in HVAC. I have a couple heavy equipment repairs on my tractor and such I would like to attemp also but I want to expiriment a little first!
Reply:Sell the Lincoln AC225 and use the proceeds to buy a good set of leads, stinger and ground clamp for the Dialarc.  You will like the DC option much better than AC only.
Reply:Here's a link to the jack plugs.  #1 copper welding cable should do all you ever need.  Get a quality 250 amp stinger and copper ground clamp like a Tweco brand or similar.http://www.ebay.com/itm/MILLER-RED-A...-/230871099288
Reply:The Dialarc has continuously adjustable current.  You can fine tune it for the size of electrode and thickness of metal.  You may find that the AC225 ranges have gaps which are not conducive to what you are doing.  The Dialarc also has DC, which is preferred for welding of thinner material at lower current.  More stable arc, and you can even weld DC electrode negative for lighter material.The Dialarc can draw more current.  Don't know what kind of electrical service you can supply.Plugs for the Miller are readily available, though not exactly dirt cheap. Maybe $25 a pair delivered.http://weldwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/ein...WH:1:380=05081  or http://www.brweldingsupplies.com/len...r-05081-05080/If you have a 50 Amp or better breaker to run the Dialarc, sell the AC225 for $125. or so and invest the money in a set of plugs/leads/ground clamp/electrode holder."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I have the power! I just need the leads!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:The Lincoln will easily do your current project but the Dialarc is the more desired machine of the 2 and is more versatile. You didn't say what wall thickness you intend to use. I personally prefer 6011 over 6013 but either one should do or you could use 7018 but I would call it overkill for this project(others may and probably will disagree). If you have lots of cable on the Lincoln you could cut the cables and put couplers on both machines so you could use either machine as you so desire.---Meltedmetal
Reply:I was wondering if I could use those leads on the dialarc meltedmetal. If I buy the ends they will work? The frames on my project wont be really thick. They are just to hold an AR 500 plate to block components from stray bullets and hold the axle which the target pivots on. I am not familiar with whats abailable.  Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkLast edited by Bflee; 12-20-2014 at 04:23 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by BfleeI was wondering if I could use those leads on the dialarc meltedmetal. If I buy the ends they will work? The frames on my project wont be really thick. They are just to hold an AR 500 plate to block components from stray bullets and hold the axle which the target pivots on. I am not familiar with whats available.  Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Buy some wire, it's not that much:4g (23 mm sq) EBT Part No. 46-PXL...... $0.73 per foot2g (35 mm sq) EBT Part No. 69-PXL...... $1.07 per foot1g (43 mm sq) EBT Part No. 84-PXL...... $1.30 per foot1/0 (54 mm sq) EBT Part No. 107-PXL...... $1.63 per foothttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Elect...22082121139733"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I was under the impression it was higher than that. Thanks Oldendum. You might be old, but you aint dumb!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Can someone pipe in and tell me what size I need? I know I would need the plugs also, can I get links to what I need for a ground clamp and electrode holder?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:I have 1/0 50' extensions for my Dialarc and I use #2 short whips for the stinger and work clamp so it is lighter and easier to work with. Needed size always depends on length. If you are going to get 50' leads, #2 should be fine for the duty cycle of that machine.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:I think 25' would be fine for my needs. Is that the 2g above in Oldendum's post Gravel?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Yes that is what he showed.I'd agree the Dialarc would be the machine to use, and $200 for an AC/DC one is a every good deal. $200 for the AC 225 is a bit high, but not unreasonable. Usually I see them around me for between $50-$150 fairly regularly.I believe your Dialarc probably has studs on the machine. If so you will need the lugs to attach to the leads. You may find an electrical supply will crimp the lugs to the cable for you if you ask. Many welding supply places will also do so if you are buying new stuff.  They do make lugs that can be attached with allens, but I always just get mine crimped on when I need them. In fact most times for short lengths, I get my cable and lugs from the guy local who does batteries and alternators since he charges about what the LWS does or less and he's a lot closer. Lengths of cable I either get from my battery guy or one of the two welding supply places usually. However I have gotten a few deals on shorts from the one electrical supply place on occasion. Wire prices can vary, so shop around a bit. Last time I was looking for #2 I was a bit surprised that Airgas was the cheaper place to go. Usually they are more expensive.  I have quick disconnects on all my machines that allow me to add or subtract cable as needed. It's not required however and could always be added later if you found you wanted. Most of my machines are rigged right at the machine with the disconnects, so I only need lugs on one or two of them.Ground clamps/ stingers are personal preference in the power range you will be working in. I many times find the really nice bronze ground clamps to be a pain to attach to some materials, and the "cheaper" steel ones with the copper braided cable between the two jaws seem to fit some shapes a bit better. I have some of each. Same goes for the stinger. For years all I used was the old V clamp style, and going to a twist style one at the tech school was a bit "odd". Today I almost always grab the twist style stinger given a choice. I find it's easier to work with as it's exactly the same no matter what size rod I am using. They are a bit more money though and they are harder to release the rod quickly if you stick a rod. Either or in my book. I'd go see what the welding supply has and pick one you are comfortable with..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWYes that is what he showed.I'd agree the Dialarc would be the machine to use, and $200 for an AC/DC one is a every good deal. $200 for the AC 225 is a bit high, but not unreasonable. Usually I see them around me for between $50-$150 fairly regularly.I believe your Dialarc probably has studs on the machine. If so you will need the lugs to attach to the leads. You may find an electrical supply will crimp the lugs to the cable for you if you ask. Many welding supply places will also do so if you are buying new stuff.  They do make lugs that can be attached with allens, but I always just get mine crimped on when I need them. In fact most times for short lengths, I get my cable and lugs from the guy local who does batteries and alternators since he charges about what the LWS does or less and he's a lot closer. Lengths of cable I either get from my battery guy or one of the two welding supply places usually. However I have gotten a few deals on shorts from the one electrical supply place on occasion. Wire prices can vary, so shop around a bit. Last time I was looking for #2 I was a bit surprised that Airgas was the cheaper place to go. Usually they are more expensive.  I have quick disconnects on all my machines that allow me to add or subtract cable as needed. It's not required however and could always be added later if you found you wanted. Most of my machines are rigged right at the machine with the disconnects, so I only need lugs on one or two of them.Ground clamps/ stingers are personal preference in the power range you will be working in. I many times find the really nice bronze ground clamps to be a pain to attach to some materials, and the "cheaper" steel ones with the copper braided cable between the two jaws seem to fit some shapes a bit better. I have some of each. Same goes for the stinger. For years all I used was the old V clamp style, and going to a twist style one at the tech school was a bit "odd". Today I almost always grab the twist style stinger given a choice. I find it's easier to work with as it's exactly the same no matter what size rod I am using. They are a bit more money though and they are harder to release the rod quickly if you stick a rod. Either or in my book. I'd go see what the welding supply has and pick one you are comfortable with.
Reply:Oops, I was thinking of my ancient (1974) white face with the Miller plugs. Same with the older black face units without the flip-up lower panel."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by Bflee...Thanks Oldendum. You might be old, but you aint dumb! ...
Reply:Originally Posted by BfleeI think 25' would be fine for my needs. Is that the 2g above in Oldendum's post Gravel?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:I havnt put power to it, but I do know it was used shortly before the leads were stolen. It was on a farm my cousin owned before she sold it it last year. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk