Idealarc 250 welder

[torqueman2002]

I've been checking CL for a tombstone welder for a while. There are plenty everyday for $175 - $350.

I love a bargain and decided to not go above $100 for one in good condition.

Well, last week I spotted one for $80.

I checked with some friends and posted questions about it on a couple of forums to get an idea what to check before buying.

I sent the seller an eMail, and noticed the price was now $50.

I sent a 2nd eMail 2 days later and waited all weekend for a reply.

He texted me last night, but I didn't notice it until this morning.

Well, it is now in the back of the truck.

I found the manual on Lincoln's website. PDF pub date is 1987, but this could be older.

The cables are in good shape and have twist-loc connectors installed at the machine.

The power cable reads: "CDR 6 AWG TYPE SE CABLE STYLE U TYPE XHHW CDRS 600 VOLTS (UL) E34379"

It came with this stand. square tube legs w/ adj. feet, and 1/4" L for the top.

I've started a list of hardware to get to connect it at the sub. Then I can start to re-learn stick welding. I even have some scraps to practice on.

Oh, the seller ran a couple of beads for me, I didn't want to embarrass myself so I asked him to show me it worked.

Man I am living right. My son-in-law just texted me asking to borrow the truck!

He coaches HS football and runs the weight room. I'll have no problem handling my 75 lbs of the 350!

 

[jd_1138]

Wow, great deal. That table alone is probably worth $50.

 

[gearhead1]

Awesome! That's a great deal. I like those over the tombstone as they have the variable adjustment.

 

[johninct]

I have one about the same age. They are great welders!!! I have the wheel kit for mine.

 

[torqueman2002]

I am looking forward to getting some practice time on it.

What's a good stick to start with, for mild steel?

Thanks for the comments, BTW.

 

[Roberts210]

6013 or 7018 is what you need. Make sure the rod is specified for AC welding. or AC and DC neg and DC pos.

The thickness of the rod is dependent on what you are welding, and the amperage you set the machine to. Get some 3/32nds to start with.

Pay attention to the duty cycle specified. Don't want to overload it.

Love that ground clamp! That baby is worth $20 by itself!

 

[torqueman2002]

Thanks, that will get me started.

I have some 6013 3/32" coming from Grainger. I also ordered a 3-pin wall mount receptacle, but I'm wondering if I should 'upgrade' to a 4-pin grounded receptacle.

 

[johninct]

6013 or 7018 is what you need. Make sure the rod is specified for AC welding. or AC and DC neg and DC pos.

The thickness of the rod is dependent on what you are welding, and the amperage you set the machine to. Get some 3/32nds to start with.

Pay attention to the duty cycle specified. Don't want to overload it.

Love that ground clamp! That baby is worth $20 by itself!

If that welder is like mine, with 3/32" rod the duty cycle should not be a problem when you take in to consideration chipping / wire brushing and rod changing time .

 

[torqueman2002]

I pulled the covers off to see what size cable clamp was needed to secure the power cable. As luck would have it, I have one in 'stock'. I'm 90% sure it came from my dad's left-overs. Thanks dad!

The date on the schematic is 6-2-61.

I decided it is prudent to clean up the switch, connections, and some questionable wiring.

Oh yea, I cleaned out a unwanted guest house.

This switch should clean-up and operate like new.

The power cord terminals wil be changed to the proper size and style, with correct hardware.

First step in clean-up - stiff brush and vacuum.

A new cap is on the list, because it's cheap and easy while I'm in there.

This screw/strap is inside power cable 'knock-out' I'm thinking it is a 'strain relief' that the PO did not use.

The ground wire of the power cord bolted to the ground stud on the transformer, seen in the above picture.
Does this comply with the requirement: "FRAME OF MACHINE MUST BE GROUNDED. USE GROUNDING SCREW PROVIDED INSIDE." ?

So, I guess this is now one of my 'restoration-in-progress' projects!

At least it's a few pounds lighter and lifting it out of the truck will be a bit easier tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

Oh, I'm thinking of restore/repair/replace electrics, stripping the paint (outside at least), and repaint.

What do you think - restore or rat?

 

[drivesitfar]

Doc: I was going to say it looks quite a bit older than 1987 and 1961 sounds about right. I'd pop some popcorn and take a seat and just watch, but no Popcorn for me until I lose another 10 pounds so i'm just watching and learning.

I have a couple old torpedo Lincoln welders that are maybe 20 years or more older than yours and 3 phase and not sure I can power them up or have a big enough space to keep them. I still own them though.

good luck and nice that your son in law called before you strained your back.

also I agree the table was worth what you paid for it. congrats

 

[aircommuter]

Those are good like others have said. I bought one new in 1970 ac/dc with power factor correction. $415.00 lot of money in those days.