Newbie needs help. Airco 300 Amp Ac/Dc heliwelder

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There is an Airco 300 Amp Ac/Dc stick/tig for sale in my city and I've heard good things about the reliability of these machines and I figure for the price($850) it would be a good machine to learn to better stick weld and get me started on tig.  The machine is said to be in good working condition, and doesn't look too beat up.  Aparrently it has been sitting for a year or so.  I spoke with the owner and am gonna go check it out tomorrow.  Before any transaction in made I will test the machine to make sure it atleast works and can produce a decent bead.  Is 850 a decent price?  does anyone here know anything about these welders?  Would it be good for a beginnner?  ANY advice is greatly appreciated. I've been looking for a decent welder for a couple months now.  I haven't been able to get the courage to pull the trigger as of yet.  But this one really stands out to me for some reason and I want it more than the others.  Is it worth it if the machine is in good working condition.  This would be my first welder purchase. Attached Images
Reply:I own this same welder.  While in overall good shape mine needed some love.  New capacitors for the HF, new post flow timer, fuses, etc.  You really need to assess your power availability for this welder.  Minimum 50 amp dedicated service, 100 amp preferable.  I probably have 500 into mine total, with all the repairs (including air-cooled torch, and foot remote).  So I would have a hard time wth 850 for this machine, not saying it's not worth it, but these older AIRCOs can be had for less.  Have them plug it in and weld with it.  Check out http://shdesigns.org/Welding/airco.html , he has a lot of good info.  I have the manual for this machine in PDF also instructions for rewiring the capacitors instead of buying the overpriced ones fro Miller.
Reply:Almost forgot.  Good for a beginner?  I was when I got mine, took a lot of courage to turn the SOB on for the first time, it's 700 pounds of welding fury.    It was a little intimidating at first.  It does not TIG like the newer inverter welders by any means but does the job.  Problem being a beginner with this machine is that you will be fiddling with this thing more than you would a new machine.  So that means less welding more tinkering.  For 850 I would consider saving for a newer used machine.
Reply:Thanks for the reply jbyrd.  After researching for a few hours it does seem like 850 might be a bit much.  Regardless I'd try and talk him down a couple hundred dollars.With this model not TIG welding like the newer welders, could that possibly mean switching from this welder to a better one would improve my skills later on?  What else would I need to get up and running assuming nothing extra comes with the machine?
Reply:for 850 i would want a water cooled torch, cooler, and pedal with it, i have less than half of that  into mineDynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:this welder can keep it's own in a set of skilled hands. it is zapster's preferred machine, and he is indisputably one of the top welders on the site. and even in my unskilled hands it can make a pretty nice bead.Dynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:Originally Posted by Green WelderThanks for the reply jbyrd.  After researching for a few hours it does seem like 850 might be a bit much.  Regardless I'd try and talk him down a couple hundred dollars.With this model not TIG welding like the newer welders, could that possibly mean switching from this welder to a better one would improve my skills later on?  What else would I need to get up and running assuming nothing extra comes with the machine?
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadthe machine that will improve yer skills has notbeen invented
Reply:Originally Posted by Green WelderWith this model not TIG welding like the newer welders, could that possibly mean switching from this welder to a better one would improve my skills later on?  What else would I need to get up and running assuming nothing extra comes with the machine?
Reply:i am most proud that i moved mine into my garage and situated it single handed. at 900 lbs + it was no small feat.Dynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:Awesome machine i learned on one of these when i first learned how to tig weld many many years agoMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:Those machines are nice. It's basically a rebadged Miller 330 AB/P, if I'm reading the picts right. I've seen them local for between $500-900 depending on condition, options like the water cooled torch and accesories, and how desperate the seller was to get it out of his way.If the machine is in decent shape, and you have the power to run it, it's a great "budget" machine to learn on that most will never outgrow. The down sides are the size and weight of this beast, and it's thirst for power. You'd have to spend a lot of cash to match it in power with a newer 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:Originally Posted by DSWThose machines are nice. It's basically a rebadged Miller 330 AB/P, if I'm reading the picts right. I've seen them local for between $500-900 depending on condition, options like the water cooled torch and accesories, and how desperate the seller was to get it out of his way.If the machine is in decent shape, and you have the power to run it, it's a great "budget" machine to learn on that most will never outgrow. The down sides are the size and weight of this beast, and it's thirst for power. You'd have to spend a lot of cash to match it in power with a newer machine.
Reply:HI jbyrd,I have one of these 300 amp heliwelder as well. I am trying to bring it to life. is it possible for you to send me a pdf copy of the manual? I will really apprecaie it.Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by potaloHI jbyrd,I have one of these 300 amp heliwelder as well. I am trying to bring it to life. is it possible for you to send me a pdf copy of the manual? I will really apprecaie it.Thanks