Buying used ?...

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Local guy has a Power-Kraft 295 for sale asking 150.Never heard of the brand So wanting some input.Looking for a welder to practice my beadsaround a pipe. Either this option or a cheap one from Harbor Freight. Input welcomed.Thank you.
Reply:From memory, so take it for what it's worth...I believe PowerKraft was the name Montgomery Wards used for their welding line. $150 sounds a bit high for a buzz box, but the 295 is larger than the stand 230 model.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Yep thats the one in the pick. But looks in better condition. Yea was worried it was over priced.
Reply:Might not be a bad buy...don't know your location over availability. Much better choice than a Harbor freight model due to duty cycle. You will need a fairly large breaker to run it though.EDIT: From that picture it appears that there may be a third lug. If so, it is probably an AC/DC model and priced quite attractively.2nd Edit: Could also just be a hi/low too.Last edited by WyoRoy; 04-07-2012 at 09:01 PM.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:this is the pic the guy has on craigslist, can anyone tell if its a 220 outlet or standad?Thats a big factor I wouldn't be able to get a 220.Yea I was thinking the same with the duty cycle. Was thinking if i get a harbor freightits going to be a the 80amp and I'm sure I would be running it at the 80 the whole timesince I have it at about 85 in class.Last edited by D14BLO; 04-07-2012 at 09:06 PM.
Reply:It is a 220v model. Any reason, such as living in an apartment, that you can't run a 220 circuit?BTW, hi/low instead of AC/DC.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:No I have no idea how to install a 220 volt.hahaOh really Hi/low? My thought was all welders ran AC/DC. Learn something new everyday.
Reply:Installation of a 220v circuit isn't rocket science by any means and will afford you far more options when it comes to welders. If your panel is accessible to your shop/garage/whatever, you have space in your panel for a 220v breaker, own a digital camera and can follow simple instructions, I'd be happy to walk you through it.Most cheap buzz box welders are AC only. To obtain the DC option they need to have a diode, which often raises the price the buying public is willing to pay for a basic welder...thus fewer AC/DC models out there. Get an AC/DC machine and leave the AC side to gather dust.Last edited by WyoRoy; 04-07-2012 at 09:25 PM.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:I bought that exact model on C/L last fall for $50, but the paint was much uglier.It draws 72A at 230V, you'll need a 60A circuit to run it. Ask an electrician, it may not be as expensive as you think.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Thank you. I will be taking a 220circuit into consideration now.
Reply:Remember what I said about the breaker/service panel being accessible.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Originally Posted by Silicon-basedI bought that exact model on C/L last fall for $50, but the paint was much uglier.It draws 72A at 230V, you'll need a 60A circuit to run it. Ask an electrician, it may not be as expensive as you think.John
Reply:Originally Posted by WyoRoyRemember what I said about the breaker/service panel being accessible.
Reply:Should look like this......and not like this...Take a picture and we can go from there.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Another option for 230v power is your electric dryer ( 30 amps) or electric range (50 amps). All you need is to make up a 230v extension cord to get the power to where you want to weld. The standard 50 amp buzz boxes will usually let you run 3/32" rods off a 30 amp dryer receptacle. 1/8" rods like 7018 usually will trip a 30 amp breaker..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I like DSW's power option.Normally a good shape used 230 amp AC welder (no name) sells here for  $100.  A Lincoln AC225 might sell for $100 to $200.  An AC/DC welder usually sells for $200 up.  In this size of welder, I prefer Lincoln because they are a quality machine, have parts available, are well known = in demand and are easy to resell later.Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:Yea I was hoping to find a Lincoln ac225 for 150 but everyone has them at like 250-350. If I have the money next month I might just buy a new lincoln AC/DC225.
Reply:Add your location to your User CP and someone might know of a deal near you on one.If you aren't using a CL agregator like Searchtempest or Crazedlist to search , you probably want to give it a try. It allows you to search a larger area for "deals". I usually use the term "welder" and search the list manually to sort out things. This catches machines that might not pop up other wise most times..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:A Lincoln AC/DC 225 around here is about 450 to 500.00 a straight AC machine is bout 300.00
Reply:Originally Posted by 74hotrodA Lincoln AC/DC 225 around here is about 450 to 500.00 a straight AC machine is bout 300.00
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tDambit, I'm gonna start imorting to that third world state known as Alabama!Right now in the PNW, there's 2 Miller AC/DC buzz boxes for $50, and you can find AC buzz boxes all day long for $100!