New (to me) Stick Welder

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Hey guys, as stated before, I'm just getting in to welding.  Hope to take Welding "101" at the local Tech school at some point.  I found an AIRCO "Busybee" 220V stick welder for $80.00.  The only reason I'm buying it is 'cause I'll throw eighty bucks away per week on Slim Jims (I'm saying I think the price is pretty cheap), and the guy says if it doesn't work, he'll refund my money.  Anyone have any insight on this welder?  Am I an idiot for buying it (wait; don't answer that).  I'm basically just wanting to mess around with some coupons.Opinions, as always, are welcomed.  Thanks"Never mistake education for intelligence."AIRCO Oxy/AccMiller Thunderbolt
Reply:Is that the 250A AC/DC one with the big pointer dial on the front?"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:Airco sold solid industrial quality machines. Most were rebranded and made by one of the major manufacturers. My guess is this is either a Miller or Linde made machine. $80 would make me think it's an AC only machine, but I could be wrong. If it's an AC/DC machine you stole it for $80. Older transformer machines have a reputation of being solid and hard to kill, even for the inexpensive home owner models. Industrial rated machines like your Airco are even better. There's almost nothing in them to go wrong, and those things that do with maybe the exception of the transformer should be easy to locate.Picts would help us better identify your machine..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:It's AC only.Model 2.25ADT-2-Ahttp://images.craigslist.org/5Kf5Mf5...a6604a1e81.jpg"Never mistake education for intelligence."AIRCO Oxy/AccMiller Thunderbolt
Reply:If it welds good, then good deal.  You might want to pop the hood and make sure it is clean inside.  The adjustment crank and mechanism might need a little lube after all these years.Judging from the CL picture, the lead wires don't look too bad.  They can cost more than the welder.Last edited by Oldendum; 09-20-2012 at 10:59 AM."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:That machine of yours has 2x the duty cycle of the box store Lincoln AC225's at 225 amps. The AC 225 is rated at 20% @ 175 amps and 10% at 225amps. Looks like your machine is rated at 20% @ 225 amps.Considering a new AC225 will set you back almost $400, you picked up a better machine for 1/5th the cost. Not to shabby..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:He said he had purchased it from a widow.  I figure it's probably in pretty good shape if it was owned by a little old lady who only used it on Sundays after church and never ran longer than 10%."Never mistake education for intelligence."AIRCO Oxy/AccMiller Thunderbolt
Reply:Remember a lot of those little old ladies built battleships, carriers, freighters and tankers....You might be surprised how much use it got. .No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Nice find ! I have one like that, except mine is AC/DC. I got mine for $75, but it isn't as "pretty" as yours. Mine has "Miller" on the inside, so obviously these are probably re-branded Blue machines. You got a great welder for the money.
Reply:It looks "kinda" like my miller thunderbolt 225. If i had to guess it prob a miller too. Mine wilds great and I paid 80 for mine 15 years ago. No regrets.Miller thunderbolt 250Decastar 135ERecovering tool-o-holic ESAB OAI have been interested or involved in Electrical, Fire Alarm, Auto, Marine, Welding, Electronics ETC to name a just a few. So YES you can own too many tools.
Reply:The guy sold it out from under me!!!"Never mistake education for intelligence."AIRCO Oxy/AccMiller Thunderbolt
Reply:Money talks, BS walks...   you snooze you loose...   good deals don't last long for used stuff.   Someone may have bought it just for the cables and scrap.When buying on CL etc. You gotta show up with Cash...  the guy offered you a refund if it didn't work, there was no reason to not leave with that machine.   So no reason to act like the guy owed u something or wronged youLast edited by soutthpaw; 09-21-2012 at 09:25 AM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by EspritThe guy sold it out from under me!!!