Linde 250 AC/DC Welder

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Hi,Total beginner here.  I want to pick up a welder for home use and small projects.I have found a Guy selling a Linde 250 AC/DC welder for $300.  I have done a little research online and found out a few things, but these are my basic questions.  Experienced opinions would help a lot.1. For the moment, I'd like to hook this up to my range outlet by changing the plug on the welder.  The circuit currently has two 35AMP fuses, for a total of 70 AMPs.   Is this adequate ?  ( I suppose I could just keep the power turned down. Doubt I will be doing heavy welding. )2. I've heard that DC draws more current than AC.  Is this true?  Maybe then I would keep it on AC for heavier stuff.3. I've heard that DC is nicer to weld with.  That's why I was thinking of it, as a beginner and hobbyist.4. Is the Lincoln 225 a better overall choice for my needs ?Thanks.
Reply:really need to know the model.  the max current draw should be printed on the machineTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Two 35's doesn't equal a 70.  35 is 35."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Hi there TedB100 1. For the moment, I'd like to hook this up to my range outlet by changing the plug on the welder. The circuit currently has two 35AMP fuses, for a total of 70 AMPs. Is this adequate ? ( I suppose I could just keep the power turned down. Doubt I will be doing heavy welding. )With 230 volt circuits, you need a double breaker or two fuses, one in each hot line (there is no neutral wire).  The two 35AMP fuses will give you 35 amps at 230 volts.2. I've heard that DC draws more current than AC. Is this true? Maybe then I would keep it on AC for heavier stuff.You loose a tad more output watts because of resistance caused voltage drop and heat loss in the diodes and arc stabilizer (inductor).3. I've heard that DC is nicer to weld with. That's why I was thinking of it, as a beginner and hobbyist.That is true - easier arc starts and smoother welding.  Plus, you can run speciality electrodes like aluminum electrodes that will not run on AC - period.4. Is the Lincoln 225 a better overall choice for my needs ?It depends what power output/features you want for the money.e.g. $100 = Lincoln AC225s, $250 = Lincoln AC/DC 225/125, $300 = Linde 250 AC/DCI've owned 7 Lincoln AC225s, 3 Lincoln AC/DC 225/125s and 3 Linde 250 AC/DCs.The Lincoln AC225 is a good, solid welder... only drawback is it's AC only.  They sell used for $50 - $200, average deal price is maybe $100 or less.  They draw 50 amps for full output and less at lower output.The Lincoln AC/DC 225/125s on AC is the same as the AC225; on DC the output is 1/2 that of AC but it's reasonably smooth.  They sell for $200 - $400 used with $250 being a good deal price.  They draw 50 amps for full output of 225 amps on AC and about 35 amps for 125 amps output on DC.The Linde 250 AC/DC is (in my opinion) way more machine that the Lincoln AC/DC 225/125.  Inside the transformer is bigger, the arc stabilizer (inductor) is twice the size (needs to handle 2X the amps) and the diodes are the size of your thumb instead of your little finger.  They are often hard to find used and sell for about $300 with decent leads and power cable - make darn sure the power cable is at least #8 gauge cable (I got one with #12/3 cable on it!).  The Linde draws more input amps than the Lincolns - 70 amps for the full 250 amps output - either AC or DC.  Still, I rarely exceed welding at 135 amps DC and I run mine on a double 40 amp breaker - never popped.I'm biased, sold off the 10 Lincolns and kept one of the Lindes as my main transformer machine.  I have a second Linde for sale right now - but at more than $300! Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:Hi,Thanks a lot for the info.  A very good breakdown.Guess my main problem is that I have a 35AMP circuit.  Not knowing much about electricity, I thought a fuse on each hot meant you could add them together for the total.Sounds like the welder could easily max this circuit. I have a feeling I better hold off on trying to mess with it.Dissapointing. That Linde machine had me excited.