Vintage vs Modern welders -- advice for a novice.

[russkat]

With all the repairs around the homestead that requires a welder and the desire to build "stuff", I've decided to buy a welder.

Coming from a woodworking background, I much prefer the old, heavy iron (table saws, lathes, drill press, etc...), but I'm not sure if that philosophy carries over to welding equipment, especially when the user is going to be a beginner/novice.

Sure... I love old equipment/machinery.
Take these old Lincolns for example...

I've seen a number of these available lately, but are they the best choice for a novice, that's my dilemma.
Being that it's 2014 and not 1955 or 1975, are the modern welders (let's stick to arc welders for this discussion) easier to become proficient with than the vintage machines ?

I've heard some machines are very forgiving and can make a novice look good (not sure exactly what that means), but in a way I would think that if a machine demands proper techniques in order to obtain a good result, that's a good thing... at least the way I prefer to learn things.

So... we have vintage transformer based machines like the Lincolns pictured above vs a new PowerArc 200.
Possibly even a PowCon 300ss (there is one a neighbor has that he wouldn't mind selling). Tempted by this one because everything is in good shape and I can probably get it for under 150.

For those of you who have used vintage machines and also current models, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the subject.


Thanks
Derek

 

[Big Barn]

russkat, you will get lots of valuable advice and opinions here. I would just like to say that regardless, if budget allows I would certainly grab those two Lincolns pictured if they were available.

Terry

 

[russkat]

russkat, you will get lots of valuable advice and opinions here. I would just like to say that regardless, if budget allows I would certainly grab those two Lincolns pictured if they were available.

Terry

Terry, those two Lincolns were just a photo I found online to use as an example, but those 2 models do show up frequently for sale locally.
At this point, I'm not so nostalgic about welders like I am woodworking equipment, but that might change.

 

[Wolfy]

I love old machines, and the idea of something like the 225 Lincoln "Tombstone" welder like my dad has. But I can weld decent with my dad's Miller 250 wire feed, and -just barely- with the stick. I wish I had really learned the stick way first. It is hard learning it second.

 

[Big Barn]

Terry, those two Lincolns were just a photo I found online to use as an example, but those 2 models do show up frequently for sale locally. At this point, I'm not so nostalgic about welders like I am woodworking equipment, but that might change.

I'm betting on change.

Terry

 

[muddstopper]

The old transformer machines will last a lifetime and more and are extremely reliable if cared for properly. With that said, I am liking what I have been reading about the new inverter type machines. How well the inverter machines will last hasnt been established just yet, Check out the technology 20 years from now to get an answer. For just hobby welding and normal project building save the money and find a used machine like in your pics above. If you plan on intricate tasks, involving precision welding, then I think the newer machines are the way to go. The newer machines can be bought that do muti process welding, stick/tig/mig, and allow you to weld metals like aluminum, copper, brass as well as steel. Those things can be done on the older machines, but the process isnt as simple and requires more addons to get the job done. I have a older machine that was expensive when new, but if I found myself in need of another replacment welder, I wouldnt even consider the machine I have now.

 

[aczlan]

The old transformer machines will last a lifetime and more and are extremely reliable if cared for properly. With that said, I am liking what I have been reading about the new inverter type machines. How well the inverter machines will last hasnt been established just yet, Check out the technology 20 years from now to get an answer. For just hobby welding and normal project building save the money and find a used machine like in your pics above. If you plan on intricate tasks, involving precision welding, then I think the newer machines are the way to go. The newer machines can be bought that do muti process welding, stick/tig/mig, and allow you to weld metals like aluminum, copper, brass as well as steel. Those things can be done on the older machines, but the process isnt as simple and requires more addons to get the job done. I have a older machine that was expensive when new, but if I found myself in need of another replacment welder, I wouldnt even consider the machine I have now.

I dont know, if you just want to do stick, a Powerarc 200ST (dual voltage) can be had for $400, the Powerarc200 is $350 (probbaly a little less if you PM Mark and get a quote from him).
Both will do a good job and (as I understand it) the PowerArcs are easier to start and keep a nice arc going than an older transformer welder.

Aaron Z

 

[russkat]

It's probably a lot like woodworking..."you can't have too many routers" for example.
I have 12-15 of them.
I can see having multiple welders depending on your task, 3 or more.

The PowCon welder I mentioned earlier... I called my neighbor and he wants $100.00 and it includes 2 50' leads, ground clamp, and chipping hammer, and yes it's working fine.
Probably a no brainer !
I guess it could even be considered vintage (at least a vintage inverter box).

 

[russkat]

the PowerArcs are easier to start and keep a nice arc going than an older transformer welder.

Aaron Z

I've heard that as well Aaron.
I don't just want to do stick, but it seems a good place to start for now.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

It's probably a lot like woodworking..."you can't have too many routers" for example.
I have 12-15 of them.
I can see having multiple welders depending on your task, 3 or more.

The PowCon welder I mentioned earlier... I called my neighbor and he wants $100.00 and it includes 2 50' leads, ground clamp, and chipping hammer, and yes it's working fine.
Probably a no brainer !
I guess it could even be considered vintage (at least a vintage inverter box).

"No brainer" is a drastic understatement at $100.

I say start there and let your next question be about your second welder.