Lincoln IdealArc 250

1. Some of the older (tombstone shaped top) models were copper wound, some aluminum.

2. Lincoln switched between copper and aluminum windings often during the production period, based upon the price of copper at that time.

3. There is no way to tell, based upon serial number, or even weight, which a machine is, as the internal design also changed during the production period.

4. While not true of other machines, or even within other Lincoln models, as far as this particular model is concerned, the user should experience no difference in welding performance or durability and life, whether the machine is copper wound or aluminum.

So as far as the IdealArc 250 AC/DC machine is concerned, and that machine only, you get what you get . . . but it doesn"t make any difference.

Thanks for taking the time to do that, as well as for sharing your findings. Are all of your comments specifically about Idealarc 250 AC/DC welders? When you use the word "tombstone" it introduces the issue of which model that is. Even though it seems reasonably clear that you're only talking about Idealarcs, because of the recent confusion about it I don't want to make any assumptions.

All the best, Stan

Sorry, I should have been more clear on that. Yes, this information applies only to the older models of the Lincoln IdealArc 250 AC/DC welders. When I spoke with the Lincoln tech service rep, I specifically referred to the "rounded top" generation of these machines. I did not use the word "tombstone". I wish I had thought to ask him about the "tombstone" nickname to get clarification upon how to apply it properly.

By the way, the fellow I spoke with sounded like he had many years of experience, and was more than happy to answer my questions. There"s nothing more reassuring than a product that is backed by good technical support.