High School Lincoln

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Im A newbie, I have a millermatic 140, and in a short time ive figured out that it powers out with some thicker repair jobs...pipe fence, Squeeze chutes and panels. There is one of two, 8 year old Lincoln 255 power mig machines coming up for sale/replacement at a local highschool shop.  Would you just stay clear of them because they are coming from a school? OR what would you be "leary" of when considering such a make and model coming from that environment?
Reply:Would have to see what kind o shape there in. might need a new miggun , work clamp and lead.If it welds, should be good for many more years. Are they being auctioned or sold for a as is price? All used equipment come with some risk.
Reply:sold via local classifieds.  The nozzles are  a little melted, and the 220plugs have been removed, likely cuz it fits the drop down twist lock plugs. The cases are not too bad, no big dents mostly scratched. If the guy gets plugs on them and I can try em what indications are there that big things are wrong? Are things like liners and drive rollers a big deal? are they considered consumables? Is the Board? like and alternater when it goes... no good indications until it just dies?
Reply:You should be able to rebuild the miggun for around $20 if you do it your self. Just don't cut the liner to short or to long. Use side cutters and not a cut off tool. Measure the liner against the diffuser before cutting.  A drive roll kit will be a little more. But may not need replacing right away. With feeding problems, you change the tip first then the liner, and the drive rolls. Just make sure the wire has not become knotted or the spindle brake is to tight.Control pcb: yes is like an alternator runs until it dies or gets killed.Ask that they put the plug back on so they can prove the welder is working. Then they can have their plug back. Line plugs can be very pricey, that's why they want theirs.My local ACE hardware has 50 amp 250volt plugs for $18.00  Heavy duty plugs go for upwards of $60 to $80. Have seen one style twistlock plug go for $400.
Reply:The  power mig 255 is an excellent machine. Very robust and a great welder. You will be happy with it. Change the plug to match your shop plug and weld away.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:We use em every day in production .045 Outershield 71 M Elite buy it.
Reply:We have two at our shop that have been in use since 1997 (16yrs) and still do what they were built to do.  They are not babied, treated rougher than they should by various employees and still get the jobs done 8hrs a day, day in day out.  If you can get it for a decent price, you shouldnt be disappointed.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:We have had two of these machines in our shop at work. First one was giving us regular drive problems. Ended up swapping it for a new one after about 8 months. Second one has behaved well. Don't recall pricing details so some research might be in order on your behalf.