Ultra-noob Used Welder question

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OK, for the umpteenth-million time, we have another noob asking about a used TIG welder.  I've been lurking and this forum is one of those things that makes the Internet really great.I found an "Airco 350 AC/DC Heliwelder Plus Square Wave" at auction, ends tomorrow 10/9.  Has a built-in water cooler, single phase, includes "hoses and pedal" which might mean all kinds of stuff.  Looks to be very well taken care of from the pictures.  Problem is, I can't find ANYTHING in searches that tells me anything about the machine.  It's gonna be a good price for what may be a really nice welder, or it might be one of those Westinghouse or whatever "in-between Miller and ESAB" machines?  From the pictures, it looks like "middle-aged" knobs and switches: no digital readouts or soft buttons, but no giant levers like the 70's machines.I did find one other picture, this auction house had it listed as a Lincoln.  http://www.maynards.com/media/compon...32910/1994.jpgIf I spent $450 on a machine like this, would I regret it?  Simply for resale value, I don't want a machine that's incredibly difficult to find parts for.  Figure if it's a piece of crap, I guess I could scrap it for the copper.Apologies for the noob question.  Just not sure where else to turn.  Thanks in advance.Junky Airco Heliwelder 350 TIG (ESAB)Hobart Beta-MIG 250 with Miget spool gunJunky LTec 225 MIGESAB PowerCut plasma cutterOA welding and cutting"Better grinder than a welder."
Reply:350 amp tig machine on single phase is gonna need a LOT of input power- 125amp 240v cb at leastNot that it can't be doneEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Yeah, I'm assuming I can run it below 350 amps and get away with a smaller circuit, like a 70 or at most 100 amp.  I have a 200 amp panel in my basement/garage, and the welder (whatever I end up getting) is gonna sit right under the panel.  I'm really trying to figure out if this thing is a Yugo.  No one seems to know anything about it.Junky Airco Heliwelder 350 TIG (ESAB)Hobart Beta-MIG 250 with Miget spool gunJunky LTec 225 MIGESAB PowerCut plasma cutterOA welding and cutting"Better grinder than a welder."
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1350 amp tig machine on single phase is gonna need a LOT of input power- 125amp 240v cb at leastNot that it can't be done
Reply:Many big amp transformer machines can't run on limited power input.
Reply:With out looking at a picture I cant say for sure if this information is usefull But. In the mid 70s I bought a 350 single phase 240 airco tig and stick welder.  I ran it a lot on a 100 amp service.  I flipped the breakers a lot on the same sevice.  then I moved and it did realy well on a 200 amp service. But once and a while it would flip the breaker on that service especialy when running 3/16 7024 for hours at a time.  Mac
Reply:OK, so I can share the link now.  I won it.  The ebay pic is a little better.  Dude didn't use the word TIG anywhere in the description so I got it for entry price of $450.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/190584406801So, after I won it, I found the email from the seller.  It's 5' long, 5' tall with the cart, weighs 900+ pounds.  I don't have a truck, so I'm gonna pay him to deliver it.  300 miles, that makes it less of a good deal, but I'm willing to take the risk.I'm gonna hook it to a 50 amp breaker initially.  It's gonna live in my basement just a few feet from my 200 amp service.  I have a buddy that's an electrician (and a former welder) that's gonna help me hook it up.  If I constantly blow the breaker, I'll bump up to 80 or 90 amps and see how that goes.  I'll probably never need to run it at 350 amps unless I change jobs to become a professional welder.  For now, I'm just a hobbyist.  I know, I bought a ridiculous amount of machine for a hobbyist.  I originally wanted a Lincoln 175 Square Wave.  I'm not afraid.I still would like to find the owner's manual somewhere, assuming the seller doesn't include it.  I'll have the serial numbers in the next week or two, and maybe I can find some clues inside the case as to who originally manufactured it.Now I need to find a crap-load of scraps to practice on.  And I need a helmet, rods, maybe a torch.  Who knows, the seller was vague, other than he said it worked perfectly.  I'm actually really excited!  The scariest part is when my wife sees it, and says "WHAT THE FU** IS THAT THING!?!?!!?  OMG!"Junky Airco Heliwelder 350 TIG (ESAB)Hobart Beta-MIG 250 with Miget spool gunJunky LTec 225 MIGESAB PowerCut plasma cutterOA welding and cutting"Better grinder than a welder."
Reply:Have fun getting it in the basement.  Of course I helped a friend load a full sized Bridgeport and 24" x 60" lathe down into his basement... We did have to cut out a section of his floor to do the bridgeport. I think you did well if it works. When you go to install it, spend the few extra bucks and run heavier wire. That way all you need to do later is change out the breaker. If not you'll end up having to spend alll the money over again to upgrade. To me I'd just go with a bigger breaker and wire to start. It's not all that expensive, unless it's only staying in the basement until you get it's permenant home cleaned out..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:Ha!  Fortunately, my basement has a garage door on one end.  I'm just gonna roll it in when we get it off the truck.   Glad I don't need to cut a hole in the floor.  That would be certain divorce.  LOL!I'll take your advice on the breaker and wire.  I'm planning to only put the welder maybe 10' from my main panel, right by the garage door.I think my first "real" project will be a folding welding table.  That will be after hours of practicing on scrap.Thanks everyone for the advice.  Still hunting an owner's manual.  Hope it arrives with the original manual...Junky Airco Heliwelder 350 TIG (ESAB)Hobart Beta-MIG 250 with Miget spool gunJunky LTec 225 MIGESAB PowerCut plasma cutterOA welding and cutting"Better grinder than a welder."
Reply:maybe call miller and ask them some look alikemanuals dept # (902-735-4356)was someone on miller forum was looking for manual  for an AIRCO mod. gave the phone numberidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tigidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tig #2 used for sticklincoln sp100hh125dual arbor grinder polisher30 yrs of hand tools52 pitch blocks 6p-26prake gauge -pitch gaugeG&D prop repair 918-207-6938Hulbert,okla 74441
Reply:"includes "hoses and pedal" which might mean all kinds of stuff. Looks to be very well taken care of from the pictures. Thanks everyone for the advice. Still hunting an owner's manual. Hope it arrives with the original manual... "Did you think to ask the seller what other stuff might be included, like a Tig torch, electrodes, cups,collets, etc, as well as a manual?
Reply:Yeah, I'll be there Friday to get it.  I'll see what's included, and try to beg him out of whatever isn't included.  Had to rent a truck, my current vehicle wouldn't haul it, and delivery was taking over a month.  I'm in a little over my head, and my wife thinks I've outdone myself this time.  LOL!Junky Airco Heliwelder 350 TIG (ESAB)Hobart Beta-MIG 250 with Miget spool gunJunky LTec 225 MIGESAB PowerCut plasma cutterOA welding and cutting"Better grinder than a welder."
Reply:Dang, that's a nice looking machine. 450 is a sweet deal since it has square wave output. I agree with the others, spend the extra money to run a heavier wire and breaker in the panel.Good luck and let us know when you get it hooked up.PapaLincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175