Picked up my first welder today

[navy1]

Lincoln makes very good machines, and has been around for a very long time. 45 years ago I purchased a new 225 AC machine for farm shop use. The machine quickly paid for it's self, and I still have it. The 225 has never given me a bit of trouble. Over the years I purchased more Lincoln Machines, and consumables. The quality is good, and the Lincoln company backs what they sell.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

My little used one is still working out good, lots more scrap time to follow before I attempt to actually make something. I found two sealed 5# containers of 1/8" 6011 in the basement. I'm guessing it was my grandfather's from over 20 years ago, still good?

 

[k0ua]

My little used one is still working out good, lots more scrap time to follow before I attempt to actually make something. I found two sealed 5# containers of 1/8" 6011 in the basement. I'm guessing it was my grandfather's from over 20 years ago, still good?

When you chip the flux off of it, is it rusty?.. If not, I would give them a try.

 

[Shield Arc]

You never know until you try them. Here is some stainless steel rod that is pushing 40-years old, and never been in an oven. Doesn't look to bad to me.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

When you chip the flux off of it, is it rusty?.. If not, I would give them a try.

Not sure, haven't oped them yet

 

[ThomasH]

As long as the flux doesn't look odd (the flux blooming various compounds for example) and the rods aren't all rusted up, I would try some. I have plenty of old rods that work fine, it's all about where they have been stored. If they have been in a high humidity location, they are probably toast, if not, they may be fine.

 

[Arc weld]

Believe it or not, with 6011 they may have dried out too much. See how they weld. Being they're 6011 a little bit of rust wouldn't be a big deal. If they weld pretty crappy, dip them in water and shake or wipe them off and try again. 6010/6011 need about 5% moisture in the coating. Even when I took a course on getting my pressure ticket, the instructor said sometimes it helps to dip the 6010 in water if they aren't burning right and it won't affect the mechanical properties of the weld. Don't try this with any other rods than 6010/6011 though.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Thank you gentlemen, I'll give them a try

 

[Happy Gilmore]

I have a chance to buy a used Idealarc 250 tombstone for $325.00 on CL. He said he'd take $275.00. The seller doesn't have leads with it, but that's ok because I have them. It's about an hour ride for me. I could sell me little AC/DC and be into the 250 for little to no money. He currently doesn't have a spot to plug it in so I could test it out, but is going to get back to me over the next couple days in hopes he can find a friend who'll allow him to bring it to his shop, plug it in and run it. What do you guys think? Anything to look for in a 250 tombstone when buying used?

 

[eastexan]

Is the Idealarc 250 ac/dc or ac only? They are the Cadillac of big welders, but weigh around 300 lbs. Sounds like a fair price as they were very expensive when new.