First Welder...

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As you can see, I'm new to the forums. I've been lurking for a while, and although I have ZERO welding experience, I think I've pieced some things together through search. I would like to learn to arc weld first (stick), as I think it will give me a good background for future projects/can be done easily "in the field" if needed. I will not be doing this for a profession, but as a hobby. I currently do a fair amount of both wood working and automotive work (4x4 type... not body work). My immediate projects will be: A.cutting 1,000 coupons and just practicing (I literally plan on buying 2 sheets of 3/16 steel- one just for practice, one partially for project C)B.a desk combining some tube (maybe pipe instead) and wood (I'm trying to match a live-edge sinker cypress and pipe bookshelf I built, but would like to learn tube-bending for the 4x4 stuff) C.building a front bumper suited for a winch and a good beating...To the point: I have the opportunity to buy a Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DC on craigslist for ~$200 (OBO). Based on the serial number, it's a 1972-73 model. So: be honest with me. It won't come with any leads, but the seller is willing to hook it up and let me see it run. Good idea or bad idea?Thanks in advance!
Reply:You can't go wrong at that price. A 50 amp breaker will run it fine. Lead isn't very expensive and can be purchased at any welding supply.Take a meter along with you and check the poles for open circuit voltage. Should see it on the nameplate. If you got OCV, it's likely going to work with no issues.Post up how you make out. Lots of ppl here to give you a hand learning how to use it. Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:I would probably jump on it for that price, so long as he proves it welds on DC. You don't need much of an investment in leads to start out with. You can buy 2 gauge leads on the net for roughly $1/foot. Per Lincoln, 2 gauge wire is good up to 200 amps and up to 150 ft. I would say for just starting out you don't really need leads that are much longer than 12 feet each. Throw in a stinger and a ground clamp and you should be under $75 total for leads and hardware. $275 for a functioning idealarc is a steal IMHO.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Very good price for a classic welder that will provide years of serviceSent from my iPad using TapatalkSteveLincoln IdealArc 250Lincoln SA200 1966 RedfaceSteve1990 Miller Dialarc 2501993 Miller Maxstar 140 STR2015 Lincoln MP2101966 Lincoln SA200 Redface
Reply:The welder in question: I've tried to find an answer, but just keep going in circles... I've determined that to test the OCV, take a voltmeter, stick the positive to the end switched to + and negative to -. However, does it matter which way I should test it (DC + vs DC -)? Also, what amp setting should I be using for this?The nameplate says "Max OCV 72 Volts". However, what is the low number I should be ok with?Thanks in advance! Trying to go look at it Fri/Sat...
Reply:Originally Posted by BusinessHippieRHThe welder in question: I've tried to find an answer, but just keep going in circles... I've determined that to test the OCV, take a voltmeter, stick the positive to the end switched to + and negative to -. However, does it matter which way I should test it (DC + vs DC -)? Also, what amp setting should I be using for this?The nameplate says "Max OCV 72 Volts". However, what is the low number I should be ok with?Thanks in advance! Trying to go look at it Fri/Sat...
Reply:It's a 1970 model. Obviously since it says obo I'd offer less, but even at $200 it's a great deal. Don't get too worked up over a test drive; if it strikes an arc just load and go. It will be the first and only stick welder you'll ever need. With minimal maintenance your grandkids grandkids will inherit it. And it should be mentioned, be prepared for 360 lbs of awesome. Three grown men can load one on the back of a Chevy truck, but at least two will be walking funny for a few days and the third won't be able to wipe his...well, you know.
Reply:The number 4 stenciled on the front makes me think it came from a school or industrial setting in it's previous life.  Before you weld with it, download the manual from Lincoln, remove the side panel above the power cord entrance hole and verify the welder is wired for 230V. There are various ways to hook them up, if yours was wired for 480V and you plug it to 230 it will not weld correctly at allSent from my iPad using TapatalkSteveLincoln IdealArc 250Lincoln SA200 1966 RedfaceSteve1990 Miller Dialarc 2501993 Miller Maxstar 140 STR2015 Lincoln MP2101966 Lincoln SA200 Redface
Reply:Thank y'all for the advice. It was certainly helpful, and I feel like it will help me when I find the next "one". Unfortunately, I just talked to the seller, and he sold it yesterday. I'm sure I'll post next time something good comes available near me, but until then, I'll be lurking on the forum trying to learn as much as possible so that I can understand more and ask better questions next time.Thanks again.
Reply:Keep looking at your local Craig's List and other for sale listings. Many good high quality stick welders out there that are a much better value than new off bred junk. Keep looking for Lincoln Idealarc and Miller Dialarc machines, both are 250 amp AC/DC machines and both are great welders. I've welded with both and it just a personal opinion call on what you like.  I sold my Idealarc and now have a Miller Dialarc, here they areSent from my iPad using TapatalkSteveLincoln IdealArc 250Lincoln SA200 1966 RedfaceSteve1990 Miller Dialarc 2501993 Miller Maxstar 140 STR2015 Lincoln MP2101966 Lincoln SA200 Redface
Reply:I told you I'd be back!!! So: this one seems to be AC only (and isn't one of the big 2 brands). I know the welds won't be as pretty, but: it looks like it will still get the job done, and it comes with a bunch of extras... I've been signed ip for welding updates with CL, but somehow missed this one. He's asking 400. I may try and offer $350 (as I'm cheap), but with all the extras, $400 doesn't seem like a bad price... Let me know what y'all think (and: thanks again!)http://okaloosa.craigslist.org/tls/5253970749.html