Lincoln Idealarc 250 DC

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Hello:I am a newby novice welder having only welded with a gas wire fed Miller type TIG? on my 65 Mustang... a bracket here and brace there buy nothing major, but that's not my question.My father recently passed and was a mechanic since I can remember and I inherited his Lincoln Idealarc 250 DC and would like to learn more about welding so I can complete small tasks around the farm and house.  My questions are:1.  What do I have? Is it a good welder even at 40+ years?2.  How can I test it to make sure it works?  Insulation is bare and cracked on leads so wouldn't   feel real comfortable just cranking it up3.  What would it take to restore to good working order if it needs it and where would I take it or is it something I can tackle myself?  I think I am pretty good mechanically.4.  When I asked Dad to teach me to weld he would just say, "get some metal out and start practicing"  which I guess is what I will have to do now that he's gone soooo, a little help from yall would be greatly appreciated.Ferrell AndrewsNewcomer Attached Images
Reply:Looks to me like an AC only model.  It has no polarity switch on the top right and no DC scale under the bottom pointer.  Still a good welder.If the input line wire is in good condition, you could probably tape up the output leads enough to give it a test.  You may need to pop it open and clean out years of accumulated dust and crud.  Not sure about lubricating the adjustment mechanism.  Member 7A749 can tell you all about that."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:Old transformer. No electronics inside. Open it up, hose it off, scrub it with a nylon brush... and let dry. Some guys here could talk you through a whole restoration procedure which will involve also painting and refurbishing the mechanisms as pointed out by Oldendum.Best of luck!Mikel
Reply:That is an AC only machine, bullet proof and will never let you down. Not so good for doing body work though, 6013 and lots of patience.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:1. What do I have? Is it a good welder even at 40+ years?  It's a good AC welder and unlikely it will ever let you down. 2. How can I test it to make sure it works? Insulation is bare and cracked on leads so wouldn't feel real comfortable just cranking it up.  If the fan is working and the adjustment wheel on the front is working, then it probably works fine.  To test it you'll pretty much have to know how to weld, at least just a bit.  Gloves, long sleeve cotton shirt and pants, helmet, and at least one welding rod for AC welders (6011, 6013, 7018AC).  Clamp the ground to a piece of mild steel, put a rod in the stinger, set the amps, turn it on, helmet down and strike an arc.  If it stinks to high heaven you may have an overheated transformer, but i doubt it.  I bet it works fine.3. What would it take to restore to good working order if it needs it and where would I take it or is it something I can tackle myself? I think I am pretty good mechanically.  You can tackle it yourself.  Unscrew the cover and blow it out, brush it out, etc.  If you use water, make sure it's BONE dry before you fire it up.  15-25 foot new leads will cost some bucks, but nothing you can't do yourself.4. When I asked Dad to teach me to weld he would just say, "get some metal out and start practicing" which I guess is what I will have to do now that he's gone soooo, a little help from yall would be greatly appreciated.  If you want the bare bones basics, Lincoln and Miller websites have that.  Read, read again closely, then see if you can strike an arc on a piece of steel.  Lot's of very basic questions have been answered here.  Scroll away to look at newbie threads asking about their welds.  Anything DSW posts is good stuff.  But, read the manuals and if you have $10 order Lincoln's New Lessons in Arc Welding.  Terrific book.My condolences on losing your father.  He will smile the first time you put your helmet down and scratch an arc.  Best of luck.Last edited by RodJ; 02-06-2013 at 09:15 PM.
Reply:What everyone else said and add 7014 rods to the list - one of my favoritesDave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:thanks to all who responded and for all the great info... it's good to know its such a hoss and I can take dad's welder with me as I move on...The wheel does not turn so it's gonna take me taking the cover off and cleaning and lubing her up before I do anything.  Not to mention BOTH sets of leads which are showing their age.  I'll put a few bucks in for the leads and paint and some reading material and give her a good home.  Will be following some of the newby threads to get started.  Thanks again for all the information.