Buying a welder

[Luis]

Hi guys, this is my first post in this board. I have been reading this board for couple of week and WOW what a great site. I have been welding for a couple of year with a MIG (Lincoln 175), usually bodywork and some light fabrication. I want to purchase a stick welder so I can learn how to use a stick. I went by pawnshop yesterday and saw a Lincoln 235 amp a/c for 100.00. Is this a good buy? What do I need to look for when buying a used welder? How expensive is to fix this old machine? TIA for any information that you can provide.

Luis

[Jim314]

Luis, it's probably not a bad price, but what do you mean by "fix" it. Is there something wrong with it? I'm sure most here would advise on an AC/DC machine, but I've only got an AC and it works for me. If I had it to do over again, I'd opt for the AC/DC machine too, but AC will also work, especially for learning.
And by the way, welcome to the board.

[Franz]

2 things are questionable here, 235 amp and Fix it.
Toumbstones are 225 amp as I recall, and if that's what the machine is, does it have a metal or plastic amp selector?
What needs to be fixed?
Can you test drive the machine?

[Luis]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I guess I was confuse the welder is a Frank stated 225. I can try it out to make sure that it works. My concern is if it brakes down soon after purchase, how expensive is to fix this type of machines? I don't want to spend the money and be and couple of month been without a machine, but I guess that is the risk you take when you buy used machine. :D

[Sberry]

They are pretty reliable. If its working it will likely stay working. I have heard of the of/ o switch failing but I have never repaired one and dont recall ever seeing a broke one.

[Franz]

Toumbstones are either working or they ain't.
If some fool overcooked the duty cycle, you can generally tell by pulling the back, and looking at the insulation.
Unless you plan on dropping it off a truck, or using it for a submarine, those are hard to hurt machines.

[7mmmag]

Check the amperage adjustment switch. I had one to come apart there and not snap to the detent for each setting. I took it apart and fixed it for free. Otherwise they seem to hold up well. I bought a well-used 225 for $100 in 1987 (with 40 lbs of rods) and it is still going strong.