1960's lincoln IdealArc

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Hey guys, I have an opportunity to pick up one of these units, a 200 amp model, non running, on the cheap and I was wondering what they tend to go for?  It's the tig / stick welder.It's definitely an older unit powered by 240V.  Apparently the thing powers on no problem but it's impossible to strike an arc with, it just throws small sparks.  I'm no electrician but I'm pretty good at figuring things out...  What do you guys think?The guy is asking $150 for it with the tig torch and I'm meeting him tomorrow to look it over.  Any idea what I'm getting myself into here?
Reply:He sent me a crappy cellphone pic...I can make out a knob with the option to choose from ac or dc + / - on it so I assume its what you said...  When I spoke with him he said a welder friend of his told him the same thing, most likely a diode...  Wasn't sure how credible that was though...Any idea what the capability of this lincoln could be?  I know for a fact I saw 200Amp max output for the tig setting.  I just got into arc welding but I've been messing with OA since I was a kid...7A749 thanks for the feedback I was thinking of starting @ 75 and working my way up to $120 tops...  I just want something with balls for my 4x4 projects...   All input is appreciated!
Reply:Get the code and serial numbers. I can tell you what it is and about how old it is.And what to look at for. To see if it might be worth buying at any price.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749TIG??? Get some pix. Could be something different from the sounds of it.Need a little more info for a better guess.
Reply:It's a Tig / Stick welder (has both attachments) capable of working with gas or without.There is a selector knob for AC / DC+ / DC-  It's definitely not an old tombstone stick welder, that much I know...Can't tell you much else about it until I go see the guy today after work.  I'll grab the serial# and whatever else I can get off of it.  Thanks for the help!
Reply:I learned to weld on one of those old idealarcs... been keeping my eyes peeled for an AC/DC one... found a bunch of AC ones... never found one with DC yet.
Reply:Originally Posted by kustomizingkidI learned to weld on one of those old idealarcs... been keeping my eyes peeled for an AC/DC one... found a bunch of AC ones... never found one with DC yet.
Reply:Originally Posted by kustomizingkidI learned to weld on one of those old idealarcs... been keeping my eyes peeled for an AC/DC one... found a bunch of AC ones... never found one with DC yet.
Reply:Well I went over after work and the guys shop was closed (VW repair shop).I'm going to give him one more chance tonight before I say to heck with it.  Its on my way home from work otherwise he would already be out of chances...Last edited by eponator; 04-22-2011 at 04:36 PM.
Reply:Let it linger then drop by in a month with less money.  I learned one thing about hunting bargains. I'm patient. A second thing is "pay less than scrap and you can't lose".
Reply:Thanks for the advice.  I've been in the craigslist game for a while now so this is nothing new.  I pass by the place often so it's not a major inconvenience and will probably pay him a visit in another month or so like you suggested if I don't find him there tonight... No loss to me heh.  Sorry for the dead ending guys, I'll try and update this if anything progresses.
Reply:Originally Posted by tanglediverWhere are you located? If someone is near, they may know of something. Post your location in User CP at upper left.I finally fired mine up here at home tonight. It does alright, but it sure groans and moans alot while burning rod. The machine is as old as I am, so I shouldn't be surprised!
Reply:Originally Posted by tanglediverit sure groans and moans alot while burning rod.
Reply:Originally Posted by kustomizingkidWhat a friendly face looking at that red tombstone I always looked at mine and was annoyed at the block off plate for the dc switch...I'm in MN btw.
Reply:Looks a little familiar :-)A friend of mine turned me on to an auction at a local CC. I picked that unit, and this one up for $100ea. Can't complain :-)They will take up home alongside my Miller 175 MIG and gas torch.
Reply:Originally Posted by ttyR2Looks a little familiar :-)
Reply:You need the can of sniff in the cold weather, Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."