Checking out a used Dialarc 250P

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Good Morning,I am about to buy a Dialarc 250P. The welder is 200 miles from my house. The business that is selling it has no way for me to plug it in and test it. There are also no leads. They want to give me 24 hours to get my money back if it doesn't work.The garage I am going to put this in is not even wired yet so I can't run it home and test it.The machine looks great. I had a Dialarc in the past and I know they are bullet proof. I also know my luck sometimes. How would you recommend that I check this out, preferrably before I hand over the cash?I will smell looking for burnt electrical parts. I may even see if there is a local shop that will run it up for a short test.I would appreciate any suggestions.Thsnk you in advance,Steve
Reply:200 miles is a long way to buy one and even if you can return it, another 200 miles would be rough.Also, are you aware of the power requirements?  Apparently Dialarcs and Idealarcs need serious power.  50-100 amp service with the latter being ideal.  I'm considering an  Idealarc right now but electrical service upgrade cost may be a deal killer.Don't mean to be a downer as I hear they are great machines, just be sure you are aware of the whole picture.
Reply:Hi Recruit,Thanks for the heads-up.I know they use a lot of power. I had one in the past that I ran off of a dryer plug. Wouldn't max the welder out, but it welded engine stands very nicely.I just sent the deposit. They want $250 and I know if it works, that's a deal.I'd really like to get onbe of the new inverter welders, yes chicom, but I don't want to risk the money. This 250 will do everything I ever need from a stick welder, and then some.Thanks again for the info,Steve
Reply:the upgrade costs are not as much as you may think. sizing the wire for a welder is different than normal loads because welders have a duty cycle. I run my syncrowave on 6/2 romex and 110 amp breakers, as per the owners manual.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Is the P for power facter correction? The PFC welders typically use more juice than the ones without because of the extra capaciters . I have used the ones without PFC on a 60 amp breaker without issues.
Reply:Rig up a temporary line or cord from a stove outlet, or direct to a new breaker in the main panel, and do a quick test."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 M J DIs the P for power facter correction? The PFC welders typically use more juice than the ones without because of the extra capaciters . I have used the ones without PFC on a 60 amp breaker without issues.
Reply:Originally Posted by Steve007Good Morning,I am about to buy a Dialarc 250P. The welder is 200 miles from my house. The business that is selling it has no way for me to plug it in and test it. There are also no leads. They want to give me 24 hours to get my money back if it doesn't work.The garage I am going to put this in is not even wired yet so I can't run it home and test it.The machine looks great. I had a Dialarc in the past and I know they are bullet proof. I also know my luck sometimes. How would you recommend that I check this out, preferrably before I hand over the cash?I will smell looking for burnt electrical parts. I may even see if there is a local shop that will run it up for a short test.I would appreciate any suggestions.Thsnk you in advance,Steve
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749... I have an ugly but perfectly functional one sitting here...
Reply:Hehehe.... So true Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Hi 7A749,Wish I was there too. LOL Originally Posted by 7A749Getting it from HGR?Wish you were in Michigan. I have an ugly but perfectly functional one sitting here.
Reply:I'll PM you.Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelThey use more electricity while idle. You have to turn them off when not in use to keep from using a lot of kilowatts.  They are more efficient on the top and and require less maximum power input.  It's a trade off.
Reply:Take an ohmmeter with you, pull the cover. Disconnect the wires going to the potentiometer. put one lead on one terminal of the coil, put the second lead on the terminal for the wiper. turn it in one direction the value on meter should change either up or down. Turn knob back in the other direction meter value should scale in opposite direction smoothly. This tells you the Amps adjust knob (pot) is good.
Reply:Thank you. I'll take a multi-meter. I actually have one in the truck.Steve