Used 225 - pick it up or pass

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My brother-in-law bought a used Lincoln 225 AC welder about 2 years ago for $100.00.  He thought he’d learn to weld.  When he realized that he needed a 40A 220V outlet, he gave up on that idea and set the welder in the corner of his garage.  He’s now offering the welder to me for half what he paid.  There’s no telling whether the unit works or not.  It’s got a few obvious miles on it, but the cables & clamps look OK.It’s hard to tell if this machine is a rare deal or a waste of fifty bucks.  Is anyone aware of any typical breakdown points on these machines that I might check before loading it in my truck?  Replacing the fan or some such isn’t a big deal, but if the transformer is known to toast up on them, I’m likely to pass it up.I appreciate any insight you might be inclined to share.Harris O/A Gas, Lincoln PowerMig 140c, CE A/C 180 stickNC Whisper Deluxe Gas Forge, Centaur Coal ForgeNN Scroll Bender, Karl Hoop BenderJHM Anvil
Reply:That machine consists of a 2 switches, a fan, and a transformer.  Not much to break.  For $50 if the paint is in good condition, if you don't have a welding machine, and need something to start with, go for it.Lincoln Idealarc 250Lincoln Weldanpower CC/CV engine driveLincoln LN-25 wire feederMiller Syncrowave 180 SDVarious oxy-fuel setups featuring Victor, Harris, and Prest-o-lite products
Reply:I like simple..That welder design is pretty much unchanged over the last 60-70 years..they were originally made for farmers who had to rely on a nominal 3 KVa transformer for power, and were made to draw no more than 37.5 amps..yes, I am a geek.   nah..gotta farm arc welding book from the early fifties that describes the history of these little buggers...
Reply:Those machines are tanks. There's really nothing much that can go wrong with them that can't be easily fixed. $50 is on the low side for what those go for used. If you don't have a welder, go for it. You'll easily be able to sell it years from now for what you pay for it if you want to upgrade. There's a ton of projects that have been built with those little AC machines. 6011, 6013, 7014 and 7018AC are all good rods for that machine..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:Nice little history lesson there zopi. Well, in the absence of any disparaging words, I think I’ll help him out with the ‘what are you going to do with that thing’ pressure he’s facing from my loving sister.  I downloaded the Lincoln manual and just about every part but the sheet-metal body is listed as available.  I’m just making up jigs & clamps for holding and bending hot steel.  Pretty welds aren’t part of the picture and 225A should cover my range of work.Thanks for the input.Harris O/A Gas, Lincoln PowerMig 140c, CE A/C 180 stickNC Whisper Deluxe Gas Forge, Centaur Coal ForgeNN Scroll Bender, Karl Hoop BenderJHM Anvil
Reply:Originally Posted by Rosco-p-cNice little history lesson there zopi. Well, in the absence of any disparaging words, I think I’ll help him out with the ‘what are you going to do with that thing’ pressure he’s facing from my loving sister.  I downloaded the Lincoln manual and just about every part but the sheet-metal body is listed as available.  I’m just making up jigs & clamps for holding and bending hot steel.  Pretty welds aren’t part of the picture and 225A should cover my range of work.Thanks for the input.