Hobart 300amp tig

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Found a tig machine on craigslist its a 300A tig with new torch and foot pedal and water cooler for $300 is that a good deal or stray away? Im sure is a massive unit seeing its 20+yrs old but the price seems right to me. I have never tig'ed before so it may not be the best machine to learn but wanted some opinions.
Reply:We had a Hobart TR-300-HF at work for around 25 years. It was a nice running machine. The high-freq board went out, and being obsolete, parts weren't easy to find. We replaced it with a Lincoln Precision Tig 375.  I'd say $300 is a decent deal, as long as the high-freq works. It's a beast and will need a big power supply.
Reply:Thanks for the info, I did ask if the HF works and it does, I imagine if it is a 240v machine (waiting for seller to find out) it should pull about 70A but thats just a guess.
Reply:Originally Posted by thelbzI imagine if it is a 240v machine (waiting for seller to find out) it should pull about 70A but thats just a guess.
Reply:Originally Posted by thelbzThanks for the info, I did ask if the HF works and it does, I imagine if it is a 240v machine (waiting for seller to find out) it should pull about 70A but thats just a guess.
Reply:We had one of those at the welding school where I worked. I'd snag a TR-300 for three bills in a heartbeat especially with the accessories. If Something Bad happens you could scrap the copper and keep the accessories, but they are built like tanks.I run my Miller 340 off a 50A breaker and will upgrade if/when it starts popping.If it doesn't have a cart, make one with decent-sized wheels.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallIf it doesn't have a cart, make one with decent-sized wheels.
Reply:Thanks for all the info guys, I doubt I will ever need 300A a electrician friend thought 70A should be enough. I am kinda concerned about learning to tig with a older machine due to the fact I guarantee that there are lots of adjustments to be dialed in, but I have no doubt would be able to figure it out, I am not a welding newbe by any means.
Reply:300A is OUTPUT, not input. You should be able to get a manual emailed to you free by calling Hobart customer service. If you do, kindly email me one for my collection.http://www.hobartwelders.com/contact/
Reply:Make sure the unit is not a 3phase machine. If it is a single phase machine that will run on 230v, it will need atleast 100 amp breaker/circuit feeding it to run full out.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:you couldnt buy a torch and pedal and cooler for three hundred. and that beast is full of copper..
Reply:It's single phase. Ours ran on 480 single, but could be re-linked to 240V. I kept a copy of the manual when we retired ours, and can e-mail it to anyone who needs one, just PM me.If the machine being discussed is the TR-300-HF it doesn't have many bells and whistles. Amps, Range, Polarity,HF Intensity and Postflow are about the only adjustments on it.If you run off a 70A breaker, you can probably get all you need for beginner/hobby welder needs.
Reply:so i looked at the machine today and you guys were not kidding when you said it was a beast. The thing is on a 6.5'x49" cart made out or 1/2" wall box tube, over kill I think so. The cart must weigh near 500#, but the seller is going to throw in a 90# (I think) tank, a box of cups and tungsten, he swears everything works and never had a issue with it. All and all i think my $300 is going to be well spent.