So what's it cost?

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Starting my research into having my machine Lincoln SA 200 rebuilt.Runs good and welds good now. But, Would like to have it bombproof for anyfuture jobs or needs that arise.EngineHosesRadiatorBeltWiresWires / plugsCarbEtc....Also looking to have a few more gauges added a remote for power, and possibly an inverter as well.Have the engine painted while disassembled. Basically wondering if it's worth looking into. Is there a standard labor rate for Welding machines that can be applied like there is on a vehicle?So, anyone have one rebuilt and run through yet by a local shop or better yet run a repair center? What did it cost for the listed items?OrAm I better off looking towards a "newer machine"?My total budget is around 2k for the repairs.1981 Lincoln SA 200Miller Trailblazer 302gMiller 211 Mig Welder w/ AutosetI'm learning to stick metal together
Reply:you should sell it and get a ranger 250 gxtit would be more worth while and give you more options and 3 years of warrantyit wouldnt be much of a difference vs the cost of spending 2 k on your current machinehttp://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...t.aspx?p=45355either that or spend a minimal amount on keeping it going but that ranger is a nice machine that will give you pretty much every option you could ever want
Reply:Im kind of in the same boat.  I suggest you do as much of the work yourself as you can, as often I feel like I got ripped having anyone else do the work. Thats not saying all shops are bad but I read on one of these posts recently where a guy got a $900.00 bill for a $300.00 max carb and plugs n wires.For parts suppliers just to reiterateStumpf welding suppliesBills welder repairweldmarthybriweldWeldtronResources and just good info Weldingweb! aws sa 200 forum Bills welder repairAlso got to look at what kind of work you do. I love my sa-200 but it really only makes sense if you are doing pipe/stick. If you are going to be running wire like a lot of jobs are going to,  I think a Vantage or a Miller might be more'er better'er.2011 Dodge 3500 diesel duallyLincoln SA-200Lincoln SAE-300LN-25'sLincoln Idealarc R3RMiller Trailblazer 302
Reply:Looking to weld some structural.Mainly though going to be Pipe.I'd love a Newer 305g. Less weight and space. Just unsure of the arc characteristics. I love the way the 200 welds, and simply want to try and make it bombproof.1981 Lincoln SA 200Miller Trailblazer 302gMiller 211 Mig Welder w/ AutosetI'm learning to stick metal together
Reply:If it works fine now, consider just replacing hoses and other routine maintenance parts, wiring, and the remote.I advise learning to do all this yourself. You might look for another machine just like it that needs work, so you don't have downtime. No one else will care about your welder like you do, and learning to repair and overhaul it will serve you for decades. Paying someone else to fix it won't help you if it breaks in the field.
Reply:Just depends on the condition of it now.  Could spend $100 up to $6000 again varies on what really needs done or doing it yourself or hiring it out and justify spending on a old machine or putting those $$$$ towards a new one.  With a older machine you always need one backup or more even if you do know how to fix a lot of it yourself.  Lost time in the field is lost money.
Reply:Originally Posted by pilebuckIm kind of in the same boat.  I suggest you do as much of the work yourself as you can, as often I feel like I got ripped having anyone else do the work. Thats not saying all shops are bad but I read on one of these posts recently where a guy got a $900.00 bill for a $300.00 max carb and plugs n wires.For parts suppliers just to reiterateStumpf welding suppliesBills welder repairweldmarthybriweldWeldtronResources and just good info Weldingweb! aws sa 200 forum Bills welder repairAlso got to look at what kind of work you do. I love my sa-200 but it really only makes sense if you are doing pipe/stick. If you are going to be running wire like a lot of jobs are going to,  I think a Vantage or a Miller might be more'er better'er.
Reply:What does your macine actually need? Just because you change/swap everything does not mean it wont break down, (Brand new trucks break down). I would replace what needs replacing and use it. I didnt have time to get one of my (4) sa's running so I took it to the shop (which was a welder repair shop). They charged me $900 bucks to clean/rebuild carb, new plugs/wires, time it, and 5 gallons of fresh gas. Which to me was worth it at the time, but to someone whos not using the machine to make cash, its a lot money to throw. I would do what you can do, if you have time. these guys on here have been a HUGE help to me getting 1 of mine up and going and I am sure they will be there for the other 2 when the time comes. If it were me I would keep the SA-200 and take $1K of your $2K and buy a used ranger or something to use daily, as time comes you can get you SA dialed in. Just my .02.
Reply:Originally Posted by jreynoldsweldingWhat does your macine actually need? Just because you change/swap everything does not mean it wont break down, (Brand new trucks break down). I would replace what needs replacing and use it. I didnt have time to get one of my (4) sa's running so I took it to the shop (which was a welder repair shop). They charged me $900 bucks to clean/rebuild carb, new plugs/wires, time it, and 5 gallons of fresh gas. Which to me was worth it at the time, but to someone whos not using the machine to make cash, its a lot money to throw. I would do what you can do, if you have time. these guys on here have been a HUGE help to me getting 1 of mine up and going and I am sure they will be there for the other 2 when the time comes. If it were me I would keep the SA-200 and take $1K of your $2K and buy a used ranger or something to use daily, as time comes you can get you SA dialed in. Just my .02.
Reply:Alright,Got an answer from billsweldingrepair1600 for a front end rebuild2600 complete rebuildThe prices were replacing gaskets, hoses, belt, plugs, wires. etc1981 Lincoln SA 200Miller Trailblazer 302gMiller 211 Mig Welder w/ AutosetI'm learning to stick metal together
Reply:I'll probably carry it down and have it run through later this summer when it cools off a little.Gotta wait for the right timing to get it down there. They indicated the turnaround is 3-6 weeks.It really is amazing how many of these old machines are kicking around, and I certainly agree that it's likely a needed option to get into the "club". And if not "needed" it'll certainly make it a little easier.I've yet to venture in to the field and have only been working on my own while finishing school but, I have to say the machine welds balls out, and is smooth as hell. The only drawback I see right now is the lack of a real electrical outlet. The output works but, I'd hesitate to put anything larger than a grinder for a short while on it. Oh. and the weight as well. 1200-1300lbs +or- is a lot of weight for my little v6 ford. Far too heavy to put into the bed. I hauled it home in the bed and my lights were pointed towards the sky.1981 Lincoln SA 200Miller Trailblazer 302gMiller 211 Mig Welder w/ AutosetI'm learning to stick metal together