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I am a Lincoln man by the machines I have used, but I am building a new shop and want to put a good stick machine in it. I am not a pro, but I can stick steel together and weld fractures and breaks on equipment. I am going to buy new, but which is better out of the box, the Lincoln Idealarc or the Miller Dialarc? I don't envision a need to do anything but stick weld due to my interests and what I do. Thanks for the information; this is my first posting.
Reply:I have no real preference but I like Dialarcs in general - dumb reason but I like turning the little dial instead of cranking.If you like Lincoln, how about the Invertec v275-s welder?I have the v250 and it welds real nice.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:i like my idealarcs over my dialarc. i think i have more control w/ the arc as for depositing filler while going from long to short arc. The miller seems more mushy to me. Its easier to set the amperage where you want it on the dialarc, and know where to set the crank on the idealarc is difficult for me
Reply:The Idealarc has a smoother arc but the Dialarc is still a good machine.
Reply:I have a dialarc from 1979 that I wouldn't trade for anything. My high school and welding school both used dialarcs and they are fantastic machines. I learned to stick and tig(scratch start) on them. I bought it for $475 on CL and it is just as good as the brand new ones we had in high school. The ones at my welding school were 90's models and were also fantastic machines. I've never used an idealarc, just thought I'd speak up for the dialarcs haha."If you ain't making mistakes, it means you aren't learning anything."
Reply:i probabaly shouldn't have used the word mushy. I think as the lincoln being crisper. I think of the idealarc being a brand new sharpie marker, and the dialarc being a slightly used sharpie marker, and I'm trying to sign a check
Reply:1937 Idealarc, still going strong. Do I need to say more? Attached ImagesDont pay any attention to meIm just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I have used both and I would buy whatever one was the better deal. I don't like the switching cable thing on older dialarcs, but the newer style is nice. I don't like the cranking thing on an idealarc, reminds me of a silo unloader. To me they both weld the same, its either hot, cold or right on, doesn't get much simpler. Myself, I would buy a used XMT.
Reply:i take my idealarc that i figured had the hardest life of the 3 i have to const. sites. Its got compaciters, and 230v primary. I hook it up to 208 power all drawn out from long runs of cord. When I flick the switch on, you can hear it takes longer for the welder to turn on. Gotta crank the dial up to 150+ to get 100 output. When I weld w/ it, i can hear the machine making inconsistant noises, sounds like trouble. One would think it's going to burn up, but it takes great abuse. Still works good
Reply:The school I went to had some older Idealarcs and got some new Dialarcs. The instructor even commented he liked the Idealarc better. I think you get a more precise current setting with the Idealarc but it's not as fast. With a TIG torch you notice the Idealarc gets the nod.
Reply:Do not buy either new! Used ones are cheap.An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:If I go the used route, what is the best method to ascertain whether the machine is pumping out the amps it is set out? How would I test the settings?
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BDo not buy either new! Used ones are cheap.
Reply:The reason I ask, is that I will buy used equipment, but I don't really like ragged out machines and I would want to make sure I am not buying a junk or something neglected to where it is full of trouble. Buying new takes care of that. I know what has been done to it and who did it. The Craigs List offerings in my part of Texas have the appearance of worn out machines, mostly. And they are in Houston and Austin which is not terribly close to me. That is my logic for leaning towards buying new.
Reply:I am a hardcore Miller guy here. Sigh. The Dial Arc is a decent machine..... But for a plain jane stick machine the IdealArc will bury the DialArc any day. If I were you, I would look for a Dialarc HF or a Tig 250, I cant remember what Lincoln's HF version of the IdealArc was off the top of my head. Both machines are good machines, the DialArc has a wet, kinda sloppy puddle whereas the Lincoln has a defined crisp but buttery puddle. If that makes any sense.Miller Big 40GMiller HF-251 D High FreqVictor OA Lincoln 135 MigMK 3A CobramaticBridgeport J HeadCronatron OxylanceRadnor ACAG TorchWeldcraft TIG Torches1 blown knee and two 5 Gallon pails away from being a hero.
Reply:Do you prefer red or blue? Both are good units. You won't be sorry you purchased either one. Hold out for a used machine in nice shape. Same some $.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:i , and i think we, understand your logic on buying new, but in this case old is better. not alot goes wrong w/ them, and you can get them for a good couple hundred dollars, which is nothing, if you keep your eyes open for a while. even if its ragged looking, you need top get over that, look ats cep 1937, that thing isn't beautiful, but will weld better than anything you can get new. one thing to consider if your going ideal arc, is whether you want one w/ a c after the code #, which stands for capacitors. get over the looks part, you can paint it up, and make it look like a classic. do exactly what what 7a749 suggested, and forget the rest of your worries.
Reply:I am building the shop new and will have 200 amps on the shop side. If I understand the capacitors concept for the Idealarc, I would need the capacitors if I cut it close on the amperage. Is that a correct assumption?
Reply:I bought a used DialArc on Ebay a couple of years ago. It had a tag on it showing it was originally part of a Maintenance/Weld area, consequently it looked tired. The guy I bought it from made me try it out before I paid in full for it. He said that the Rheostat may have a couple of flaky spots but I have never found it to cause an issue. Why Miller? No big reason, I have Red machines and Blue machines.
Reply:It's a shame that used units are scarce in TX. In these parts, decent ones are occasionally available from $200. to $400."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:If you find a used machine in the Houston area that you want, driving from the College Station area is a small price to pay. One of the great things about buying one of the old workhorses used is that you can usually get your money back out of them when you are ready to sell.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:yea, your assumption is good. I'd think you might save a lil on your elect. bill if you get it w/o C |
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发表于 2021-8-31 22:11:09