If it’s isn’t all beat to hell , I would take it , parts alone are worth more than that

 

Leave it.

 

Why would you leave it?

 

Where could I get replacement parts for it if I decided to rebuild it?

 

Unless you have a parts machine to cannibalize, you're not going to just go buy parts for it. Those very early 200's are totally different animals than the stuff that came along post 46'ish.

Go have a read here on this 7 year old thread if you want to see how much fun it will be:

https://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?258611-1936-SA200-Restoration

Better off spending money on something built 1949 or later.

JMHO

 

So unless I can find another parts machine I can't fix the magneto? If the donor's magneto works.

 

I'm going to bet if you're patient and search the right places you can find those parts. Hercules engines were very popular on farm equipment in that era.

 

Do you want it to use as a machine for work or just think it would be cool to have an old short hood? Having one would be cool but I wouldn't have one to make my living with. The entire machine may have to be completely disassembled and wiring replaced and re-insulated etc., etc. It could be a years long project and get expensive. If you want an older SA200 look for a red face. They're generally the best overall for 6010 or 7018 of the SA200's. Parts are more readily available too.

 

I'm not thinking that if I get this machine I'll be able to go mainline. Trust me I'm not gonna jump in that puddle with both feet, I'm looking for a motor driven welder that will work long enough to make a little money on piddley jobs. The only rods id be using would be up to 1/8th 6010 and that'd be for welding thin metal, and 3/32 for any kind of structure or repair job that needs to hold up to shock or weight like trailers or if some farm equipment breaks. I'd probably use some 6011 and 6013 too but I'm more familiar with 6010 and 7018. But basically I need a "beater" that will run beads long enough to get by so I can upgrade. I was told it was running and welding till the magneto went out, but if that's all that's wrong with it why didn't the owner fix it? I plan on talking to him in person to discuss the details on the machine.

 

That is NOT the machine for you. You don't buy an old SA200 as a beater machine to get by until you can get something better. It will cost a lot more than finding a better machine for your needs. Do you want to be welding next week or in the next 2 years? You answered your own question, if it was a simple fix why didn't the owner fix it? A Miller Bobcat or an older Legend with a power plant would be a lot better option. It doesn't sound like you have a lot of experience. 3/32" is smaller than 1/8". Forget that 6013 even exists and please don't be welding on trailers people will pull down the highway until you get some more experience. Having ambition is good but you have to know your limitations. Right now might be a good time to look for a machine as a lot of people are short on money because they can't work.

 

My bad I didn't include the 7018 after the 3/32 I tend to think faster than I type, I appreciate the comment. I have pretty much come to the same conclusion about the machine now after I've researched into it more thanks to the internet this site and connections. I see how much of a headache it'd be to try to get it going considering the parts are as common as the machines themselves, that is probably why its up for $400. I know I'm young and don't know much, especially about how the welding machines function mechanically. I see now that welding machines are more complicated than I even thought they were. I probably am overly ambitious and don't know my limitations, but you can do anything if you put your mind to it. I just assumed that parts would have been at little more common than they are since it's a Lincoln Sa. As for my welding experience if you're curious look at Panola College's most recent welding competition.

 

i would get the welder , just to restore in your spare time and over a period of time, i would also get another welder like the other fellas say to use to start your welding adventure

 

Don't waist what little money you have on a basket case welder. Use it to get the best machine you can afford and actually use. That machine is for someone retired who may want to restore it with mega bucks.