Wards Power Craft 230

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WARDS POWER CRAFT 230I got a line on one for $120 bucks, the pics show it to be very clean.I have done some reading and googling, it does not sound like their were any major problems with these, are there?  Were they made by Lincoln, or am I thinking of something else?  Sound like a good deal if it works?I also have these options wating in the wings, both of them can be picked up today or whenever i get a chance:A Craftsman "Dual range" 230 amp -- $125Lincoln AC225 -- $175I know the lincoln has been tried and true, it seems to have a great following.  I could not find much feedback on the Craftsman welders though.Thanks
Reply:I got a hold of the guy with the Lincoln, i am heading out to pick it up in 30 minutes...i should have pics tonight, and if i get time my first welds with a arc machine.
Reply:Can't go wrong with a Lincoln. I have a Wards Powercraft 230 I bought in the middle '60s. First welding machine I ever bought. A couple of years later I bought a DC rectifer and put with it. It has never been used on AC since. After 10 or 12 tears the fan started squealing and died. The LWS had one for a Miller which was the same fan. Put it in and never had another problem. Used it just last week.
Reply:I just got back, WOW this is clean.  The rod holder is spotless, and the machine looks even better!I went to plug it into our 220 line in the garage, and it uses a different style plug so i wont be doing any welding tonight.  Kind of puts a downer on things, but i cant wait until i get the time (whenever that might be) to get some time in on this!
Reply:I have an old wards powercraft 230 that I bought at a pawn shop 20 years ago. A few years ago I had to take apart the fan and clean it up. I wouldn't call that a problem  just a general upkeep item.
Reply:I have 2 of the Lincoln ac 225s, one new and one very old and neither of them welds any better than that power craft oldtimer has. I know because I used it for years. The power craft isn't a tapped machine like the lincoln and that is a plus in my opinion.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Sold mine a couple of years ago so I could get a DC capable stick welder - Miller Thunderbolt.  I did like the non-tapped secondary - bullet proof.