Can someone make a trip for/with me? So Cal.

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Hey guys I'm looking to get my first welder but since as of this moment I know nothing of welders I want to buy new unless I can find someone willing to check out a used unit with me or for me. I currently live in El Monte, CA and was wondering if anybody here would be willing to lend a helpful hand. I would be much appreciated. Here's the link to the idealarc on craig;s.Valencia, CAhttp://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant...772390719.htmlNewport Beach, CAhttp://orangecounty.craigslist.org/tls/2769225517.htmlInland Empirehttp://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/2790034668.htmlNear LAX, Dialarc 250http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...789453482.htmlLast edited by WeldnNoob; 01-10-2012 at 03:56 AM.
Reply:The first one is a pretty good deal. The machine looks like it was well cared for and those things are almost bullet proof. I bought and restored one last year. The restore part was mainly cosmetic because the welder had been outside in a pole barn.The last one is a nice deal also. Can't go wrong with a Dialarc 250. With the included leads, the price is fair in my opinion.Avoid the second one as it's a DC only welder. Although DC stick is used most of the time, having AC will be handy in a few scenarios.If you can have the owner demonstrate those other units running in DC, you should be okay. The rectifier stack sometimes fails and that would cause the DC output to fail. Make sure the current adjustment can be moved throughout its entire range, and that the pointer moves along with it. Inspect the condition of the leads for cracks in the insulation. Welding cable is pricey, so don't be fooled by included leads if they are in crappy shape.Good luck,PapaLincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:Thank you for the advice.
Reply:The IE seller says he bought it new in 1983 and everything works.
Reply:I'm voting for the DialArc 250, although I guess my choice is mostly due to liking blue machines. I have a DialArc HF and although it's not exactly the same model it's been an excellent welder for us. With the leads and the clean condition that the listed one is in I think it's a good buy for that priceCharleyMiller MM252Miller Bobcat 225NTMiller DialArc HF / DIY Cooler2 Victor O/A TorchsetsMilwaukee 8" Metal SawMilwaukee Dry Cut "Chop" Saw 5 Ton Wallace Gantry Various Grinders, Benders, etc.
Reply:Ok. Do you guys think I should go through with a stick or a mig, I want to work up to making myself a trailer mounted custom BBQ pit out of 1/4" steel. I know it will probably take quite some time and a few training courses to get to that level, but what do you guys recommend? Guy at Airgas says go Mig, if I go Mig I'm thinking of picking up a new Lincoln 180 dual to take advantage of that rebate where you get the free gear.Immediate project at hand is a log rack for my bbq wood, I just bought a nice Lang BBQ pit that burns wood and my wife and I want to clean up the wood in the backyard and I want to get into welding. 2nd project would be to build one of those oversized pull wagons, the ones with the big pneumatic tires. I think it would help my dad move his yard tools from the garage with his bad heart.
Reply:I just got off the phone with a guy who says he's selling a never used Lincoln 216 for $1400. Says it was purchased to be sent to mexico but that it was never taken/sent. Seems a bit shady to me but thought I post it for anyone looking near Corona CA its on Craigs.Last edited by WeldnNoob; 01-10-2012 at 01:19 PM.
Reply:I would take a look at the TA 181i. I know you mention the promotion that Lincoln has going but with the 181i you have the ability to use three different process, mig, tig and stick. Tigging can be handy if you plan to do stuff out of SS. What city do you exactly live in? I live in La Habra.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jay OI would take a look at the TA 181i. I know you mention the promotion that Lincoln has going but with the 181i you have the ability to use three different process, mig, tig and stick. Tigging can be handy if you plan to do stuff out of SS. What city do you exactly live in? I live in La Habra.
Reply:I'm familiar with La Habra, I used to live in Hacienda Heights. I saw the thermal arc 181i last time I went to ask questions at Airgas. I'm kind of worried it does a lot of things good and not really one great. I did like the dual for the promotion and the 110v capabilities while I learn. Since I don't have a 220 outlet yet and my dryer is about 5' away from my water heater. Not sure if I want to be welding so close to that.
Reply:that's what they make extension cords for.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:jbmprods,Ya missed it, don't know why. Weldnnoob you should do a search for the 181i since it has gotten a lot of good feedback and also go to the Thermal Arc site they have video on the 181i.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jay Ojbmprods,Ya missed it, don't know why. Weldnnoob you should do a search for the 181i since it has gotten a lot of good feedback and also go to the Thermal Arc site they have video on the 181i.
Reply:Originally Posted by jbmprodswhat did i miss? did they call my lotto numbers again. dang i ain't never gonna get rich. i gotta get me a dual power thingy.
Reply:Thanks Ed  ya i missed the ya missed it. signs of getting old. Naw, i ain't admitting to it. it's the drugs that dang doc wants me to take. must be. no other signs yet of getting old....that is that i can remember anyway225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:WeldnNoob,I'm in El Monte also,I  just picked up a Miller 211 at Matheson 5 Star Gas and Gear over on Garvey and Merced. They have a package price for the welder, 50 cu. ft.  cylinder , 10 lb. roll of .035 wire and Tillman gloves for $1320 out the door. The sale was supposed to end on Dec.31, but the manager gave me the sale price a week ago.Ask for Joe, older guy, very patient,answered all my dumb questions.Sounds like you've been to the Airgas on Peck Road, I've been in there a few times,didn't care for their service.
Reply:Originally Posted by CamWWeldnNoob,Sounds like you've been to the Airgas on Peck Road, I've been in there a few times,didn't care for their service.
Reply:Originally Posted by CamWWeldnNoob,I just picked up a Miller 211 at Matheson 5 Star Gas and Gear over on Garvey and Merced. They have a package price for the welder, 50 cu. ft.  cylinder , 10 lb. roll of .035 wire and Tillman gloves for $1320 out the door. The sale was supposed to end on Dec.31, but the manager gave me the sale price a week ago.Ask for Joe, older guy, very patient,answered all my dumb questions.
Reply:Joe at Matheson said the Miller 211 has pretty much killed the sales on the Miller 180,same size box with more capability for a few bucks more.Have you been over to Industrial Pipe and Steel? They're on Rush and Merced, pretty good steel yard with lots of remnants.They get 55 cents per pound for flat steel rems and .65 for tube rems.There's also Advanced Pipe and Steel on Durfee if you like your steel a little rusty!
Reply:Originally Posted by CamWJoe at Matheson said the Miller 211 has pretty much killed the sales on the Miller 180,same size box with more capability for a few bucks more.Have you been over to Industrial Pipe and Steel? They're on Rush and Merced, pretty good steel yard with lots of remnants.They get 55 cents per pound for flat steel rems and .65 for tube rems.There's also Advanced Pipe and Steel on Durfee if you like your steel a little rusty!
Reply:Sounds like places I've seen.  A guy came by the shop today for parts, he was pulling a Lang behind his van. Nice looking cooker, I am sure it was mig welded together. That is the first one I've seen, but have heard a lot about them over the past summer.I have been using stick welders for the vast majority of my work these days. And any of the machines in your original post would do a fine job, that is ... if you make a suitable extension cord, of course!  Are the DC machines constant current only? I am thinking of some old constant voltage machines they had at school. There are lots of old machines on the market these days, keep your eyes peeled. City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Originally Posted by tanglediverSounds like places I've seen.  A guy came by the shop today for parts, he was pulling a Lang behind his van. Nice looking cooker, I am sure it was mig welded together. That is the first one I've seen, but have heard a lot about them over the past summer.I have been using stick welders for the vast majority of my work these days. And any of the machines in your original post would do a fine job, that is ... if you make a suitable extension cord, of course!  Are the DC machines constant current only? I am thinking of some old constant voltage machines they had at school. There are lots of old machines on the market these days, keep your eyes peeled.