Which welder to buy?

[30yearoldjunk]

Hi all, I have a 40kw 3 phase generator, I'm wanting to run 7018 rods, maybe wash some old welds with an Arcair carbon arc gouge, nothing thicker than 1". I'm not that good so I need all the help I can get from my machine. Should I stick with my barn find Idealarc TM-500 AC single phase, or should I buy a big 3 phase Lincoln DC, several of which I can get delivered off e-bay for under a grand. (I think I need to buy a DC machine and keep the the 500, and weld with what works that day) My poor, ancient little Forney buzz box just ain't enough.Thanks, Zane.

[hobohilton]

1" and air arc..... That will spill the guts of many hobby / commercial grade machines. I always liked 300 - 400 amps when I air arced. Do you do enough air arc to have a designated air arc machine?

[30yearoldjunk]

Gouge 1/4"; weld with 7018's, maybe to 1".