ESAB Heliarc 250

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Hi everyone, I was wondering if any of you may have any experience with the ESAB Heliarc 250. It's an old, heavy, transformer style TIG/stick welder from 1994.My former boss is willing to part with his unit for $500 (I cover freight charges across country) with the following things included:1) external water cooler unit2) foot pedal3) grounding cable4) HW-20 torch5) flow meter (NO bottle though)I learned on a unit probably older than this one and then switched to a nice, new Miller unit.  That was 3+ years ago (while I was still in school) and so I'll essentially be relearning on this welder in my garage- for hobby and project use. I plan on using the welder mainly for steel (90% of the time) and likely nothing thicker than 1/4"- mainly tube and flat stock. - First off, is this a good deal for such an old unit?- Is it overkill for my needs and perhaps too much of a power supply burden in a standard home garage?- Does this unit have an auto start feature or will I be scratch starting?- With the simple square wave technology of 20+ years ago, will I still get good penetration and clean welds? Do new units have a true electrical (besides efficiency) advantage over this unit?Anyway, I'll stop here.  If anyone can provide some sort of feedback, I would much appreciate it.  Thanks guys! - Lukasz
Reply:What the heck...If it works then why not?There is nothing at all wrong with a machine built in the 50'S..No kiddin..You don't need every this and that with the newer machines..Go for it!...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:-That sounds like a good price.  Does it have AC too?-It will probly suck up alot of juice and want to be on a 100 breaker.  Check the info plate where it states the current draw for each voltage it will run on.  -It will put out more power than you need for what you intend to use it for.  -If it has AC, it ~should~ have high frequency, which you can use to start the arc in DC too.-You'll have to weld with it and find out if you like it.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Is that the yellow machine?  I think it is the same model as the Linde Heliarc 250 HF that I have, only painted yellow instead of green and sold as an ESAB after they bought out Linde.  If that is the case, I think it is a very good buy, especially with all the attachments.  The foot pedal alone can run a few hundred $$$ if you don't have one, and a new cooling unit will cost $500 and up, with used ones typically $250 or more.  The flowmeter and torch will cost about $100 used.  So the welder is practically free.  Here is a comparisons for you:http://www.surpluseq.com/detail.asp?ProdID=2789Of course it depends on the condition of the welder, etc, etc, but I certainly like mine.
Reply:Originally Posted by POLSKA...- Lukasz