Looking at a n Idealarc AC/DC 250.

[Sedanman]

What to look out for? The machine looks like hell but that doesn't matter. It's on Craigslist locally for $100. I asked the seller about leads but didn't get an answer yet, l only saw the ad about 1/2 hour ago.

[hillbillyfab]

Best thing to do is round up some leads and go put it through its paces. I've used battery cables in a pinch when testing machines. Try it on all 3, DC-, DC+ & AC.

[buckkillr8]

for $100 there's nothing to look out for. You should already have it home.

[Sedanman]

I made arrangements with the guy to see it first thing Sunday morning, the first opportunity he will have to show it to anybody. I also found a buyer for my AC225 for $100.00 so, free upgrade!

[albrightree]

You might want to hang on to that tombstone. I have an Idealarc 250acdc and its on steel wheels. It must weigh over 300 lbs. , not very portable. Its a great stick welder. I think its worth more in scrap weight, that's why they're disappearing

[Sparkie]

Be there bright and early with the $100 ! If it turns on your good to go. Take sheet metal off top when you get home. Blow it out and lube the amp adjustment gears in the front and your set for another 20 years or so. Go on Lincoln's website and download your manual and parts lists just for fun and you can download a service bulletin that will tell you the age of your welder. You can keep the AC225 if you want, after you weld with the 250 you won't ever want to use it again.


Steve

Lincoln SA200 (1966 Redface)
Lincoln IdealArc 250

[Pipeliner]

for $100 there's nothing to look out for. You should already have it home.

Bingo

[Ypop]

I paid 300 for mine over 10 years ago just blew it out and changed it from 575V to 220V yes its a Canadian one! Only thing to check is to make sure it can be changed to a voltage you can use, and Not a 3 phase one!

[snoeproe]

The 250 ideal arcs were single phase machines. They can be wired to run on a single phase of a 3 phase power supply but they are a single phase only powered welder.
Mine is a 230/460/575v machine, single phase only.
As stated, once you weld with the 250 Idealarc you will get rid of that ac225 faster than you can blink your eyes. The Idealarc will last longer than you will live.
Happy welding.

[DSW]

You might want to hang on to that tombstone. I have an Idealarc 250acdc and its on steel wheels. It must weigh over 300 lbs. , not very portable. Its a great stick welder. I think its worth more in scrap weight, that's why they're disappearing

Even considering how much they weigh, at today's scrap rate, you probably won't cover gas to take it to the scrapper.

They aren't disappearing because guys are simply dumping them, it's because so many are out there being scrapped because industry is dying in this political climate and economy as business who have survived for decades simply can't stay open any longer under the growing tax burden. Many newer machines offer more options for the same or slightly more money. The days when places strictly do stick welding is quickly disappearing. For those who do only need an industrial stick machine, they really are still hard to beat even with advances in new technology. Advanced inverters may give you a lot of options, but the way they weld isn't the same as an old transformer machine or DC generator. That's why so many guys still love them for whip and pause and so on. Sure you can modify wave forms and so on to mimic those traits in top of the line inverters, but you still can't beat the cost and ruggedness of a simple transformer machine.

[snoeproe]

You might want to hang on to that tombstone. I have an Idealarc 250acdc and its on steel wheels. It must weigh over 300 lbs. , not very portable. Its a great stick welder. I think its worth more in scrap weight, that's why they're disappearing

Lincoln still makes these machines today and there's a reason for that. They are still being bought.
It's hard to beat the durability and simplicity of these machines. I do a lot of scratch start DC tig welding with mine also, it's very good at that.
The 250 ideal arcs are quite possibly one of the best single phased powered transformer stick welders made.

[Sedanman]

I went and got it. She's been rode hard! It was hard wired when in use and was in storage. The seller rigged up some romex and hot wired it to his panel. He (l ain't stupid) fired it up and ran a little bead, good enough for me. Got it home and blew it out. The amp dial was very stiff but is getting better with some WD-40. The seller gave me some leads but they are in very bad shape, I'll get mew ones. There's a date on the schematic of 2-11-66. The model number is 250-250 code is 6686-C serial number is AC-262923. Does anyone know when it was built? Also there is what i beleive is a capacitor that looks kinda sketchy. See picture. Also the polarity switch is very tight. I lubed the switch with WD-40 for now. I want to give this machine a once over before putting to use. It's not getting restored, just want to be sure there are no major issues.

[Sparkie]

It's a 1970 and its equipped with power factor capacitors. The code 6686-P, the P indicates the capacitors. Take your time and lube everything up get it working free then put white grease on the amp adjust gears. The capacitor in your picture in not one of the power factor ones. They are behind that panel on either side of the fan. We run 6-3 SO power cord on the ones we recondition. Take your time and have fun enjoy your classic


Steve

Lincoln SA200 (1966 Redface)
Lincoln IdealArc 250

[Oldendum]

Lincoln serial # reference:

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us...of_Machine.pdf

[Sparkie]

Just in case somebody has never scene power factor capacitors in an Idealarc 250 here is what the look like



Steve

Lincoln SA200 (1966 Redface)
Lincoln IdealArc 250

[Ypop]

Looks like a Mouse or Ground squirrel was taking up residency!

[Sedanman]

I found 2 mummified mice in mine.

[Sparkie]

It's amazing what gets in those welders over 30 years or so.


Steve

Lincoln SA200 (1966 Redface)
Lincoln IdealArc 250

[snoeproe]

Looks like someone's wife was storing bags of black oil sunflower seeds in the shop for the bird feeders.