Lincoln SP-125

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I am looking to buy a Lincoln SP-125. I have found one that is used, in good shape (one owner) but he wants $200 for it; without the gas tank or regulator - 350 with. Is this a good deal or should I wait around?Thanks,
Reply:That sounds pretty fair to me.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloThat sounds pretty fair to me.
Reply:With a skilled operator, its stretching the limits.  But Yes I think it could be done.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I've used SP 125's in my shop for 15 years-as the smallest size migs in my stable of 3. $200 is a bargain.They're highly versatile--if you set them up correctly:  -run 10 gauge cabling for the 110v power cable, revise the power connections inside the unit--these suffer mightily from voltage drop. Running over 50' length of cord will give you noticeable voltage drop with loss of weld power.  -Use Airgas Steelmix gas (it runs like a 90/10 or tri-mix)---this gas costs no more to buy than rot-gut 75/25 (with all of its splatter & and nasty-looking bead), since you're getting 1/3 more in the bottle. I am too poor, to afford cheap gas, that creates extra work, like 75/25.....which is what almost all 'professional shops'.....use--since it's cheap and creates lots of splatter removal work. (go figure!)  -Steelmix-lowers the voltage required for short arc and spray--by 1/2.--IOW, it can double the power output of any welder. Additionally, it welds virtually splatter free, it's an all purpose steel gas. 26 gauge sheet to 1" plate in spray. With the Sp 125, I run a gas flow of 15 CFPH.-Trim the copper torch cone back enough to let the front be flush to the contact tip, or even have the contact tip exposed 1/8". The Lincoln Magnum torch on this unit, is not adjustable for this cone position-Make sure your ground clamp and its lead, are in nice, clean shape. A good ground is essential for high output welding-for 1/4 or whatever, welding--use branded (not generic Radnor wire) .023-.025 steel wire.-ensure that the feed rolls are in primo shape or replace them--these are consumable parts, just like tips, etc.-The SP 125 only has a 20% duty cycle--and as it warms up, on extended welding you may notice a drop in the weld power, before it shuts down for a 6-8 min. cool-off break. This rarely happens to me.-on 1/4" stock, I probably would do both a root pass and cover pass--especially in long welds.
Reply:Thank you for the post. As it turns out I did buy the unit, used it for a few minutes over a couple of days, and it is dead in the water. No drive motor etc. After a lot of troubleshooting it appears to be 2 diodes ( the ones on the bottom of each bar). You can catch up by visiting these two threads - it would be great to get your input!http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?p=134241http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=15577  Originally Posted by dave powelsonI've used SP 125's in my shop for 15 years-as the smallest size migs in my stable of 3. $200 is a bargain.They're highly versatile--if you set them up correctly:  -run 10 gauge cabling for the 110v power cable, revise the power connections inside the unit--these suffer mightily from voltage drop. Running over 50' length of cord will give you noticeable voltage drop with loss of weld power.  -Use Airgas Steelmix gas (it runs like a 90/10 or tri-mix)---this gas costs no more to buy than rot-gut 75/25 (with all of its splatter & and nasty-looking bead), since you're getting 1/3 more in the bottle. I am too poor, to afford cheap gas, that creates extra work, like 75/25.....which is what almost all 'professional shops'.....use--since it's cheap and creates lots of splatter removal work. (go figure!)  -Steelmix-lowers the voltage required for short arc and spray--by 1/2.--IOW, it can double the power output of any welder. Additionally, it welds virtually splatter free, it's an all purpose steel gas. 26 gauge sheet to 1" plate in spray. With the Sp 125, I run a gas flow of 15 CFPH.-Trim the copper torch cone back enough to let the front be flush to the contact tip, or even have the contact tip exposed 1/8". The Lincoln Magnum torch on this unit, is not adjustable for this cone position-Make sure your ground clamp and its lead, are in nice, clean shape. A good ground is essential for high output welding-for 1/4 or whatever, welding--use branded (not generic Radnor wire) .023-.025 steel wire.-ensure that the feed rolls are in primo shape or replace them--these are consumable parts, just like tips, etc.-The SP 125 only has a 20% duty cycle--and as it warms up, on extended welding you may notice a drop in the weld power, before it shuts down for a 6-8 min. cool-off break. This rarely happens to me.-on 1/4" stock, I probably would do both a root pass and cover pass--especially in long welds.
Reply:Originally Posted by dave powelsonI've used SP 125's in my shop for 15 years-as the smallest size migs in my stable of 3. $200 is a bargain.They're highly versatile--if you set them up correctly:  -run 10 gauge cabling for the 110v power cable, revise the power connections inside the unit--these suffer mightily from voltage drop. Running over 50' length of cord will give you noticeable voltage drop with loss of weld power.  -Use Airgas Steelmix gas (it runs like a 90/10 or tri-mix)---this gas costs no more to buy than rot-gut 75/25 (with all of its splatter & and nasty-looking bead), since you're getting 1/3 more in the bottle. I am too poor, to afford cheap gas, that creates extra work, like 75/25.....which is what almost all 'professional shops'.....use--since it's cheap and creates lots of splatter removal work. (go figure!)  -Steelmix-lowers the voltage required for short arc and spray--by 1/2.--IOW, it can double the power output of any welder. Additionally, it welds virtually splatter free, it's an all purpose steel gas. 26 gauge sheet to 1" plate in spray. With the Sp 125, I run a gas flow of 15 CFPH.-Trim the copper torch cone back enough to let the front be flush to the contact tip, or even have the contact tip exposed 1/8". The Lincoln Magnum torch on this unit, is not adjustable for this cone position-Make sure your ground clamp and its lead, are in nice, clean shape. A good ground is essential for high output welding-for 1/4 or whatever, welding--use branded (not generic Radnor wire) .023-.025 steel wire.-ensure that the feed rolls are in primo shape or replace them--these are consumable parts, just like tips, etc.-The SP 125 only has a 20% duty cycle--and as it warms up, on extended welding you may notice a drop in the weld power, before it shuts down for a 6-8 min. cool-off break. This rarely happens to me.-on 1/4" stock, I probably would do both a root pass and cover pass--especially in long welds.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldgaultJust one question, how do you get 1/3 more gas in Steelmix that in 75/25.
Reply:Rot Gut 75/25?  Welcome aboard Dave. 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:1/3 more gas in the bottle was the question.SMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Originally Posted by weldgault1/3 more gas in the bottle was the question.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldgaultDave, welcome aboard and a very good start.  Just one question, how do you get 1/3 more gas in Steelmix that in 75/25.
Reply:Originally Posted by olddadHe's refering to the argon content. While it's not a third it is a large improvement. But since you've been around welding so long you already knew that from the numbers he mentioned. Airgas is my dealer but I still choose to run the "rot-gut".