Ideal Arc 250 questions

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So... I've been looking for a machine a little bigger than my handler 140 as I find myself doing way more 1/4" and 3/8" than I thought I would. All of my welding is on my own stuff around the house (small farm). The 140 will do 1/4" with a good bevel that I trust on a tractor implement but that's about it. 3/8"...forget it! two passes, huge bevel and still no penetration..time to move up.Was thinking about selling the 140 and getting a 210 MVP but ran into this:http://bloomington.craigslist.org/bfs/2562596671.htmlAn Ideal Arc 250 with spool gun asking $600. It's just down the road from me. He says it's 3 phase but looks like these can be wired for single no problem. I'm in the process of putting a dedicated 200 Amp service in the shop now so power shouldn't be an issue unless it realy does need 3 phase - that would be a problem.From what I've read this is a very capable machine that can also do scratch start TIG. I'm thinking buy this for stick, mig (with the spool gun) and TIG (in the future) to use on the heavy stuff and keep the 140 for the light stuff and I'd be in good shape. Seeing as I have no idea what the hell I'm talking about I figured I should ask the experts!Thoughts and opinions appreciated. Going to go look at it today.By the way, I have a pretty thick skin and won't start a thread about how mean everyone here is if you tell me this is a stupid idea especially if you tell me WHY it's a stupid idea.Thanks,Kelly
Reply:You cannot TIG or STICK weld with that machine. it is a Constant Voltage mig welder and you need a Constant Current machine for TIG Stick welding.  that is also not a spool gun its a wire feeder....  Being that it is a MIG machine It most likely is a 3 phase only as it was designed for industrial use.  3 phase machines are worthless used due to so few people having that source of power.   in the sub $400 range you should be able to find a dialarc 250 or ideal arc 250 AC/DC machine that is single phase....  too bad you are so far away else my Airco 300 would be perfect for your needsPS:  its a stupid ideaTiger 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:BTW...it isn't a spool gun...it's a big feeder that can handle 50 lb spools, plus a gun.
Reply:See, I told you I didn't know what the hell I was talking about! I thought this WAS an Ideal Arc AC/DC. After reading your reply I realize I am, in fact, a dumbass....As far as your Airco, I hear CO is really nice this time of year...Thanks again!
Reply:"BTW...it isn't a spool gun...it's a big feeder that can handle 50 lb spools, plus a gun."Thanks,I thought "Ideal Arc" was a specific machine and that this was the AC/DC version I was looking for. I now know that this is a BIG industrial MIG machine and the 50Lb spool feeder probably uses more current than my HH140...Have to quote myself here:"After reading your reply I realize I am, in fact, a dumbass...."I think I'm going to add that to my signature to save typing in the future!
Reply:Originally Posted by kmlSee, I told you I didn't know what the hell I was talking about! I thought this WAS an Ideal Arc AC/DC. After reading your reply I realize I am, in fact, a dumbass....As far as your Airco, I hear CO is really nice this time of year...Thanks again!
Reply:What your looking for is one of these..... Attached ImagesLincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Originally Posted by DemonSpeederWhat your looking for is one of these.....
Reply:Originally Posted by papaharley03That would do it.. and the link I posted was for a Dialarc 250 AC/DC... essentially Miller's version of the Lincoln Idealarc 250.I hope he jumps on it, because it's a nice price.
Reply:Originally Posted by papaharley03That would do it.. and the link I posted was for a Dialarc 250 AC/DC... essentially Miller's version of the Lincoln Idealarc 250.I hope he jumps on it, because it's a nice price.