Buying a used AC/DC welder?

Geo-TH,In · Feb 25, 2016

Put an ad on crazy list for a used AC/DC welder. Besides taking the welder apart and testing each component, how would you know if the DC welder is good? I got a used mig and it had a bad diode. Welder worked, but not like it did after replacing an open diode.

What part usually goes bad in a DC welder?
geo

Geo-TH,In · Feb 25, 2016

FYI, Scammers on crazy list. Their posts will look funny, something like this:
요***요**Lincoln Electric Ranger 225 DC Welder/AC^^요요. As soon as they get flagged, another post will pop up with different symbols to repost. geo

I used search tempest, 200 mile radius, found nothing but scams. geo

M-MAN · Feb 25, 2016

I would be looking at the used machinery places on searchtempest. That's where you'll find the old industrial tombstones. I found mine a few years ago when an industry decided to remove all the welders from their plants and outsourse for liability concerns. $100 for an old idealarc 250 so I was happy.

Bill in IL · Feb 25, 2016

I would narrow my search for a used Ideal-arc like M-man says or a Dialarc. Those machines were light industrial machines are were built to last. They are very reasonable on the used market.

I would assume like you found on your MIG machine that the semiconductors would be the long term wear item vs the transformer.

I did buy a dead Invertec 10 years ago. I had to put in a new input rectifier 80 bucks from Mouser vs 300 from Lincoln and has been great ever since. I would steer away from those inverter machines in general but you seem to be pretty handy on the electrical/electronics side.

Geo-TH,In · Feb 25, 2016

Not worried about diodes, I have about8 huge diodes on shelf and a lot of smaller ones.

Oregon Tractor Jack · Feb 25, 2016

I would also look at the connections for the transformer and the transformer itself. If it isn't a commercial machine it will have like a 40% duty cycle at rated output. It's easy to get into the rhythm of welding till the stick is done and reach for a new one and repeat. Lots of inexperienced welders will ruin a welder with out even realizing it. If you see any evidence of over heating keep on walking...

MikeinKy · Feb 25, 2016

I have an old Lincoln Idealarc Tig 300 that I would part with. It works great, I just hardly ever use it. It is hooked up and you are welcome to try it out. I don't know where in In. you are, I am just across the border in Ky. 812-599-1790

Jerry/MT · Feb 27, 2016

I sold my Lincoln 225ac/140dc machine for $400 and bought a Miller Dial Arc 250 AC/DC for $250. A great welder for our ranch. Wish I had more time to use it. I tested it before I bought it. The previous owner needed a more portable machine and wanted to get rid of it. Got about 50 pounds of assorted rods also.

Buying a used AC/DC welder?

Geo-TH,In

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Geo-TH,In

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M-MAN

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Bill in IL

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Geo-TH,In

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Oregon Tractor Jack

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MikeinKy

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Jerry/MT

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