Old Lincoln AC225 and

[mike93lx]

So early in 2015, I bought an old Lincoln AC225 through craigslist. The gentleman had no idea how old it was and didn't know if it worked, so I got it for $50 along with a ton of old rods. He said his father bought it a while ago to do repairs around their business but didn't know how much it had been used.

After I got it home, I pulled the cover to inspect and clean everything. The original leads had some cracking in the insulation, so I replaced them and added some Lenco quick disconnects along with a new stinger as the original's plastic handle had some cracks.

I've only run a couple beads, but it works great great.

I didn’t look through them right away, but I eventually sorted through the rods that I received with the welder and this is where it got a little more interesting. Some of the rods are in their original packaging and many are branded “Certanium”. Mixed in with a bunch of loose rods, I found a packing slip dated in June 1969 with a bunch of different types of rods listed. Based on this, I am assuming that the welder is from around that time, or earlier. There was also some marketing materials from Certanium, in good condition.

I wanted to share this mostly to see if there was anyone here that would have an interest in some of the old Certainium stuff. I doubt the rods are any good (maybe some time in an oven could bring them back?) but I thought that they could maybe compliment an existing collection. I'm not looking to sell, it would just be nice to see them go to someone that might want them instead of just hitting the trash.

 

[CNGsaves]

That's a great score for $50 you have there OP . . . .

That's model of tombstone Lincoln my dad had on farm and it welded many a broken farm implement, etc. Once I get lots of "juice" out to garage, that's kind of deal on CL or estate sale that I'll be scouting for.

 

[1930]

I sure would like to have that original packaging you show in pic. 3 and some rods, I would display them in my shop.

No problem though if you decide youd like them to go to someone else. Its a nice offer.

 

[slip knot]

Those little welders have fixed tons of problems and built lots of projects over the years. I wonder how many of those sold over the years? Just about everyone I know started with one of those. I still have one or two.

 

[zkling]

I don't think it is all that old (maybe 70's) due to the white plastic tap selector knob. It should have a serial number you can look up. I had a VERY old one, that was of a slightly different construction, but had a stamped metal tap selector knob. IIRC that was a 50s or 60s version.

Those little welders have fixed tons of problems and built lots of projects over the years. I wonder how many of those sold over the years? Just about everyone I know started with one of those. I still have one or two.

I bet they have one of the highest sales. You see them everywhere from homes, farms to even industrial maintenance shops.

 

[Outlawmws]

Those rods will weld better if you bake any moisture out for them in an oven for several hours at say 200 for a couple of hours. leave the door cracked to let out the steam. Then seal them against moisture.

Nice score!

And agree, I bet they sold more of those and the AC/DC version over the decades than any other base welder design from any company. Everyone I know that welds had or has one; I still have my AC/DC unit...

 

[Provincial]

The first outfit I worked for out of college was just completing the biggest fabrication job of their life when I came on board. They built a 3-unit (three 40-ft.-long trailers) mobile rock crusher from structural I-beam, channel, and angle using one Lincoln "Tombstone" AC welder! They bid the job thinking they could buy or rent a bigger welder, then found that their credit was too far overextended.

By stopping to fit pieces after burning a few sticks, they kept the duty cycle low enough to work steadily. That is when I found out the these old Lincolns drop off in power before they burn up. If the machine drops off in output (acts like you have reduced the amps) stop and let it cool off. After it cools, it is good to go again!

You can't get away with doing this to a more modern machine, especially an Asian import.

 

[thehorse13]

Our metal shop in high school had about a dozen of these welders. They stood up to endless abuse over the years. I wish I would have bought one when the metal shop bought new gear.