Dad had only this machine for 50+ years and we built anything and everything we ever needed to except for aluminum of course. He was a true artist with that thing but he welded for a living for 70years. Had to give it up a few years ago due to getting a pacemaker. Broke our hearts seeing him have to stop welding. He gave the machine to an old buddy's grandson who is a pro welder and it will likely last another lifetime.
@@patron84fs22 Your question as it relates to your assumed skill level leads me to believe that you should rather use a Harbor Freight cheap mig machine
I bought that machine when I was 19 years old, paid $125.00 new for it. Still works perfectly and I'm 68 years old. Runs 6013s the best. You have to use an AC version of the 7018s to run them. Love this machine and much thanks to Allen for all his great videos.
@@51-FS I started with 6013, tried 6011 which stuck a lot and penetrated deep so went back to 6013 on slightly higher power. Picked up some 7018's have yet to try them. Welding from 15-42 yrs old twice a year, I should take a welding class.
I'm 50, just quit the company I worked at for 20 years, thinking of going and welding - I have one class from a local tech school and looking to take the 2nd one. Last change of life :)
My Lincoln 225 is a (circle 75) that I’ve had for years and years.... When I was in high school growing up in the cornfields of Illinois in shop, this is what we learned how to weld on...! They are great machines I am 65 now and my Lincoln 225 will certainly will outlive me....!
Allen! After my dee-vorce I had to leave my Florida shop and hit the road. I watched several of your other videos and as always - amazed by your expert skills welding and torch work. So when I was skunking around looking at Lincoln reviews, I ran into this video! Seeing you on your property was like running into an old friend! I really like your common sense approach to fabrication. Enjoyed this video. I have a 250 - ACDC and just got my No.6 wire and 50 amp breaker set up. Keep up the good work, man!
Damn. The AC 225 came out in 1961 and it's like the Remington 870 that came out in 1949 and Browning Ma Duce .50 cal. machine gun that came out in 1934. They all have something in common. They are still in production and are great machines even in 21st century. A tribute to the mechanical age. I've been welding on an old Craftsman since 1971 and it still works but may upgrade to the Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 after 47 years. Been thinking bout it.
I'm buying one in the morning, my welder buddy has fixed my coal stove and tons of tractor favors and I saw it on a classified site. Sent him a link and he said thats what he learned on and it's a good learner. So him and you both helped me out, been long overdue for me to start. Ill run it on my beast generator I guess and get some practice on vintage tractor junk, then tackle the grand Wagoneer floor and IH truck.
I got one in 1978 or 9 for $125 (had a connection at the welding supply house!), and the box included the hood you mentioned, sample electrodes, a welding guide book, and a receptacle to plug it into! Just recently got a new one, and all the extras are a thing of the past! Still, it’s a good machine, and I’ve spent the last 40 + years as a certified welder, so I’m hard to please! Ha!
@@gigel99324 Oh yes, and I consider it a much better value than those little wire welders the big box stores sell! In my home shop I’ve got a 250 amp wire welder and ac/dc stick/TIG machine, but I bought the AC225 as kind of a retirement gift - and in remembrance of where it all started for me! Breaking news: I find myself using it all the time now! Tip: if you buy one, get it at a big box store because the welding supply places are as much as $200 higher for the same machine! Lowes, where I got mine, was like $365. Welding suppliers get in the $500 - $600 range!
Love those Lincoln Tombstones. I had an AC/225 and now have a AC/DC 225. Great machines and will do anything around the homestead. Also, it's nice to have the DC capability, but I find myself using the AC at least 90% of the time.
Allen, I use to build trailers with a machine just like that.... And I have run big rods with them , I welded cast iron, 304 and 316 stainless with them.. So I agree, They are great little machines as long as you have power.. Anyway Great review, God Bless and have a great day... Steve
And how long is the Chinese Vulture Commander going to last ? Same money buys a used Lincoln AC/DC/DC- 225 with COPPER windings. Newer transformer types are going to aluminum windings.
I think they're the best buzz boxes for the price ever made. We ran one built in the 70s? through about a million rods and it still works like new. 3 new lead repairs and a few new clamps, plus a new fan. I started on a tiny little 90 amp buzz box and thought I just sucked but the lincoln made everything 100x easier.
Thanks for making this video. I am planning on getting this machine and was fixing to run it off the 30amp dryer plug. Now I know i need to work on getting a 50amp breaker.
Got one and tried it after watching your video. The welder will run 3/32 6011 at 75 amps just fine (90 amps seemed to be too hot), it welded great with 1/8 6013 at 120 amps for about half a stick then popped the 30 amp breaker. I need to up the breaker and I'm going to get some 3/32 6013 and see how it runs. I got mine used for $85.
They are some great welders buddy I can't tell ya how many years this one has been around here I have fixed and welded on so many different heavy equipment and keeping these farmer's going around here, keep the awesome videos coming buddy.
Good info. My husband writes this; the 225 (like you have) works excellent for all farm fab and repair work. In about 1975, I bought a used (1945) 4 cyl Lincoln for field work. That beast will weld 1/8 inch angle iron together, or rail road tracks using a 1/8 to 3/16 6013. In 2020, still runs like a champ. No electrical modules and such, just a carb an alternator and the old air cleaner with clean motor oil in it. I've thought about getting a wire welder, but propane/oxy seems to braze all the smaller jobs. (sometimes I use oxy/acetylene). We've had a sign on the barn for years (about a foot high and 3 feet long). All it said was "WELDING'. Replaced the sign several times over the years because it fades. Otherwise, there hasn't been too many things I couldn't weld back together in over 50 years.
My parents got me one for Christmas when I was 16. They put in in the closet. They laughed so hard when they got it out Christmas morning. Because , I had been hanging my coat up right over it for months. It has and still serves me well. BTW, your welding looks very good!!
@@RedRider763 John I'm pretty sure they are all 220 volt only. Mine was made mid 1970's. I had a uncle that was a electrician. He advised me on how to run a 220 to my little make shift shop I had at that time.There are welders that run on 110. I have a horbart 140 handler mig. Set it up with argon/CO2 shielding gas. It's runs on 110 volts. It makes very strong welds. Doesn't have near the learning curve that arc welding does. However, if your welding things say 3/16 and thicker. The Lincoln 225 is a exellent choice. If you can manage a 220 Line capable of handling 50 amps. You can fabricate just about anything. I have built trailers, gates, repaired all kinds of stuff around the farm with my now almost 50 year old machine 👍
we have Miller Bobcats on trailers at work for mobile welding within the plant, but in the shops we have Lincoln AC225 and one AC/DC225. It's what my dad taught me on in the 80's and for what they cost, they can't be beat.
sjeverett75 Well that may not be true for long. Harbor Freight is coming out with the Vulcan Commander 225 ac/dc welder with infinite amperage control for $399.00 The Vulcan is positioned to compete directly with the Tombstone.
I started with a 225AC welder long ago and the welder could weld thick metal with multiple passes. People think that just because the welder specs says a certain thickness doesn't mean it can't go thicker. My next machine was an AC/DC Tombstone welder and I still have it today as a backup welder in case my other welders are not available. Just get the AC machine and convert it to AC/DC and you can't go wrong.
Thanks Allen! Quick and to the point. Just bought one yesterday. Started welding last year at my training Ctr and wanted something to practice at home with
They are good. The people who say the machines are bad are people who are not welders. They are hobiest. The machine is capable. That's all a real welder needs. If you can't stick metal together with a machine capable of pushing 225 amps and you need all the bells and whistles to run a good bead then your a hobbiest not a welder.
You can't just change the Breaker... You also have to run the larger size wire that can handle that many amps... The Breaker trips to keep the wiring in your house from burning it down...
I bought the same exact AC-225. I had to run a 250 volt line to a 50 amp circuit. That’s what this machine requires. It doesn’t tell you in the manual. I had to call Lincoln Electric customer service to find out what power it need to run off of. Great machine in my garage. Built an awesome welding table from scrap metal.
That's similar to the first machine I learned to weld with in high school. I believe ours were the Lincoln 250 Idealarc tombstones with the exposed lead connectors. I went to a career center and we had a whole bank of those against one wall of the shop. They must have had some pretty good juice going to those things. You could get in your welding booth and if you needed to you could run the crap out of 1/4" 7018 rod. Great memories!
They used to be $100 but that was years ago and if the new ones are HALF as tough as the old ones, they're well worth it. I've seen them building tracks up (welding grouser bars) on dozers and have to dip the stinger in water to cool it down and still it just kept on going. I know it's not a 100% duty cycle but they've done it in the past within reason. They're tough!
I bought some rods and few yrs ago and then had to have back surgery and I’m having a time with starting these rods,7018,6011,6013 on the same box.I can braze and mig but can get these rods to cooperate,do I just need new ones?they’ve been in containers all this time
Good review. Curiosity prompts me to ask if your mig machine is a 140 or 180. I recently purchased a 180 but I can only outside and its -22 today and I'm sticking close to the wood stove.
Good video Allen. Your right, the welder is perfect for the average guy not pipeline welding all day. I’ve run into the same thing with the 30 amp breaker not being enough.
50/60 Amp 120/240 VAC Circuit wired with # 6-2 w/ground cable is what those Lincoln Arc Welders require. How do I know this ? I'm a State Licensed Journeyman Electrician with 50+ years experience in the Trade and My Dad and my late beloved twin brother were Welders. My Dad went through a State Vocational Trades Welding School and My late beloved Twin Brother was a Aircraft TIG Welder in the USAF for 10 years and an Independent Aircraft Welder in the Dallas / Fort Worth area for 25 years But he was trained at Chunute AFB in IL and learned basic welding with an Electric, and also TIG welding , etc; I have installed many Circuits for those Electric Welders and I always install by the CODE Requirements !!!
I agree. Easy to change the breaker but if the line is gauged for 30 amp then those wires are going to get awful hot inside your walls before that breaker trips. They eventually will replace your breaker and your wires become a fused breaker and burn in two likely causing a fire. Be Safe.
Because it's cheap insurance also 6/2 is correct the machine draws 50 amperes specially while starting the arc. Yes There's a difference between starting and constant but safety and cheap insurance is better than a house or shop fire.
Your welds are nice. I like your angle control too, it seems like your angle increases as you pull towards you. One question: I was taught to keep my head back. You seem to lean right into it. Does that work better for you?
well said . American made. Ac welding slightly different than dc. Slightly different than ac. A little pulse do to ac slightly less penetration. Steady hand see your puddle and don't get excited. Machine does not make the weld a welder does. You rock..
Im having some issues with mine, im running 1/8" 6011 and i could not get it to weld at the right amperage, i had to bring it all the way to 175 amps just to keep from sticking, the rods catch on fire and the stinger keeps melting and wont grip the rod, do you know what might be wrong? I have constant power with a 50 amp breaker on 240v, could it just be a shitty stinger?
I picked up a ac/dc tombstone for about 50.00 from the pawn shop, its a great welder for the money, I was under the impression if its ac you have to use odd numbered rod, 6011, 7013 and such, but that 7018 looks great. thanks for the video.
great review bro ive owned one of them and it worked great for me also flawless i love the old stick welding thats where i think most of us cut our teeth on welding thoes wire machines are great but they will spoil a feller for sure im guilty also but an old veteran stick runner also hehe
I learned to weld 32 years ago on a blue 225 ac machine of my gramps. I've used a lot more welders, and burned a lot of wire, but I busted out gramps old ac for the boy this year when he asked me to show him how to weld. Never could figure out why those buzz boxes get such a bad rap.
Good review. Did you know they make that machine in a AC/DC configuration? I think it runs about $100 to $200 morel. You can get on at Home Depot or Lowes.
I just bought one of these at lowes, what do yall do bout the short power cord? Its only like 3ft to 4 ft long. Theres no place in town where i live that sells 220v extension cords for some reason and i need one to run this machine at my house
Both. Buy 50' of #6 copper cable (2 wire w ground) and a plug & receptacle. With a screwdriver and a utility knife install plug & outlet. There is your extension cord. At a welding store you can buy lead connectors and longer leads. That's what I did to make it more practical. Lowes sells 50 feet of #2 copper lead wire by Lincoln.$228, which is pricey. Remember, you dont have 240 volts in the leads.(40 volts ?) My 625 amp welder has 60' long 1/0 leads.
Man I wish I could actually see the welds but your phone video is just not that clear. Thank you for sharing I have the same welder and I’m going to weld for the first time in my life tomorrow and I need it to go good because it’s on my sons trailer wheel stabilizer shaft.
I see someone who has one for sell of Facebook. Serious question for you, I just want if (for now at least) to make an Ark Furnace, made out insulating silica fire brick, I need to know if it can handle a dead short on carbon electrodes long enough to melt copper at least, stainless later on I'll need to melt.
So 9 rods to do that short a stretch... wow.. Is capping really all that important if it's not for something that requires a lot of strength,, like say repairing the leg of a table that will never hold a lot of weight, or art work...? (obviously I'm just learning this stuff..) Great vid... thanks.
Not a good idea to arc weld with short sleeves! Your inviting Melanoma Cancer if you keep doing it! Never expose the skin while welding even for a tack or two. I lost a best friend to that style of welding and he would never listen until the day they told him he had Melanoma and then he only lasted a few months.
Short tacks are probably fine... if you don't weld often! It's all about cumulative exposure, just like sun exposure. But it's just simpler to wear long sleeves whenever you're welding. Always protect the eyes, even for occasional tacks.
You are too funny I had both and they both welded good... Funny you mentioned that, When I went on my first pipeline I had a Miller, Got ribbed the whole job... Went and bought me a Lincoln with a Deutz diesel right after that job, Used it for 20 years and sold it for what I paid for it new...
I just bought the ac dc version for $650 I don’t have the first clue on how to weld but we’ll see I guess... waiting for electrician to swap my breaker to 50 and wires
If you’re talking about a Miller Thunderbolt, they weren’t nearly as reliable as the Lincoln. I knew several guys who bought them in the 80’s and 90’s that got maybe 4 years out of them before they quit. The tbolts were also notorious for a loud, obnoxious vibration noise when welding. Miller quit making them a few years back, and replaced them with an inverter tbolt that will fit in your lunch box. They’ve been fraught with problems though!
I live in Crowley, I have a machine just like it,many farmers have saved the day during cutting season with those little Lincolns,,by the way may I ask what part of the state you live..?
Kinda making an investment with my welder. Could anyone tell me if I can weld supports to my F250 no problem? A lot of rust damage I am gonna take care of. I need a solid machine I can count on to being able to weld my truck and potentially a few shipping containers within a couple years.
Amps x volts = watts, so 50 amps (breaker) x 220 volts = 11,000 watts. But remember, that’s with the machine on the highest setting, so if you’re only running a 3/32” or 1/8” electrode you’ll be needing less than that. But how much less I don’t know.
Chase All those new to welding should first learn arc/stick. it's a much more basic process. You'll find that after learning to strike and hold a tight arc with a stick electrode, mig will be a cake walk.
![ILLSLICK - THE KING'S LANDING [Freestyle]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/feIJJnNkTfk/mqdefault.jpg)
Dad had only this machine for 50+ years and we built anything and everything we ever needed to except for aluminum of course. He was a true artist with that thing but he welded for a living for 70years. Had to give it up a few years ago due to getting a pacemaker. Broke our hearts seeing him have to stop welding. He gave the machine to an old buddy's grandson who is a pro welder and it will likely last another lifetime.
I bought one of the AC225 units when I was 18 years old and I'm 67 now. It still works!
Adna Craigo hey old goat, I just bought one and you were my inspiration 👍
There really isn't much inside to go wrong with it.
@Zachary Rife can u weld car sheet metal with it ?
@@patron84fs22 Your question as it relates to your assumed skill level leads me to believe that you should rather use a Harbor Freight cheap mig machine
Rolando Crisostomo why it’s good. Lol
I bought that machine when I was 19 years old, paid $125.00 new for it. Still works perfectly and I'm 68 years old. Runs 6013s the best. You have to use an AC version of the 7018s to run them. Love this machine and much thanks to Allen for all his great videos.
I use 7018.would 6013 be better?
I bought one in 1978 , and it works great still!!!!!!
@@51-FS I started with 6013, tried 6011 which stuck a lot and penetrated deep so went back to 6013 on slightly higher power. Picked up some 7018's have yet to try them. Welding from 15-42 yrs old twice a year, I should take a welding class.
I can't stick weld to save my soul, my MIG is improving, and I'm trying to go to welding school next month. The new career path at 57.
Never too old to be a contortionist.
right there with you almost, 48 here in the same boat!
I'm 50, just quit the company I worked at for 20 years, thinking of going and welding - I have one class from a local tech school and looking to take the 2nd one. Last change of life :)
@@nglshbiker Sea Bee Uncle always said you can't learn too much.
I’m 27 in the same boat
My dad bought one when I was 19...I'm 43 now and burn rods on it when he wants something welded at his house.....very reliable machine
My Lincoln 225 is a (circle 75) that I’ve had for years and years.... When I was in high school growing up in the cornfields of Illinois in shop, this is what we learned how to weld on...! They are great machines I am 65 now and my Lincoln 225 will certainly will outlive me....!
Allen! After my dee-vorce I had to leave my Florida shop and hit the road. I watched several of your other videos and as always - amazed by your expert skills welding and torch work. So when I was skunking around looking at Lincoln reviews, I ran into this video! Seeing you on your property was like running into an old friend! I really like your common sense approach to fabrication. Enjoyed this video. I have a 250 - ACDC and just got my No.6 wire and 50 amp breaker set up. Keep up the good work, man!
Damn. The AC 225 came out in 1961 and it's like the Remington 870 that came out in 1949 and Browning Ma Duce .50 cal. machine gun that came out in 1934. They all have something in common. They are still in production and are great machines even in 21st century. A tribute to the mechanical age. I've been welding on an old Craftsman since 1971 and it still works but may upgrade to the Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 after 47 years. Been thinking bout it.
I'm buying one in the morning, my welder buddy has fixed my coal stove and tons of tractor favors and I saw it on a classified site. Sent him a link and he said thats what he learned on and it's a good learner. So him and you both helped me out, been long overdue for me to start. Ill run it on my beast generator I guess and get some practice on vintage tractor junk, then tackle the grand Wagoneer floor and IH truck.
I bought one of those in 1980 for $150 and it came with a welding helmet, I learned to weld on it, I think they are awesome machines.
Back then companies weren’t cheap as sin. You’re lucky to get a cheap face shield you gotta hold
I got one in 1978 or 9 for $125 (had a connection at the welding supply house!), and the box included the hood you mentioned, sample electrodes, a welding guide book, and a receptacle to plug it into! Just recently got a new one, and all the extras are a thing of the past! Still, it’s a good machine, and I’ve spent the last 40 + years as a certified welder, so I’m hard to please! Ha!
@@tomt9543 holy smokes, are they still selling these?
@@gigel99324 Oh yes, and I consider it a much better value than those little wire welders the big box stores sell! In my home shop I’ve got a 250 amp wire welder and ac/dc stick/TIG machine, but I bought the AC225 as kind of a retirement gift - and in remembrance of where it all started for me! Breaking news: I find myself using it all the time now! Tip: if you buy one, get it at a big box store because the welding supply places are as much as $200 higher for the same machine! Lowes, where I got mine, was like $365. Welding suppliers get in the $500 - $600 range!
@@tomt9543 I checked and apparently they aren't selling it in Europe :(
I am leaning towards a 165SX inverter for my first machine :)
Love those Lincoln Tombstones. I had an AC/225 and now have a AC/DC 225. Great machines and will do anything around the homestead. Also, it's nice to have the DC capability, but I find myself using the AC at least 90% of the time.
Allen, I use to build trailers with a machine just like that.... And I have run big rods with them , I welded cast iron, 304 and 316 stainless with them.. So I agree, They are great little machines as long as you have power.. Anyway Great review, God Bless and have a great day... Steve
Sounds like the chickens approve. For what they cost, you can't beat an AC225 machine.
Jesse Wright Tell that to the Vulcan Commander 225 amp ac/dc welder with infinite amperage control for $399.00 from Harbor Freight.
And how long is the Chinese Vulture Commander going to last ?
Same money buys a used Lincoln AC/DC/DC- 225 with COPPER windings. Newer transformer types are going to aluminum windings.
I think they're the best buzz boxes for the price ever made. We ran one built in the 70s? through about a million rods and it still works like new. 3 new lead repairs and a few new clamps, plus a new fan. I started on a tiny little 90 amp buzz box and thought I just sucked but the lincoln made everything 100x easier.
Thanks for making this video. I am planning on getting this machine and was fixing to run it off the 30amp dryer plug. Now I know i need to work on getting a 50amp breaker.
Got one and tried it after watching your video. The welder will run 3/32 6011 at 75 amps just fine (90 amps seemed to be too hot), it welded great with 1/8 6013 at 120 amps for about half a stick then popped the 30 amp breaker. I need to up the breaker and I'm going to get some 3/32 6013 and see how it runs. I got mine used for $85.
They are some great welders buddy I can't tell ya how many years this one has been around here I have fixed and welded on so many different heavy equipment and keeping these farmer's going around here, keep the awesome videos coming buddy.
Good info. My husband writes this; the 225 (like you have) works excellent for all farm fab and repair work. In about 1975,
I bought a used (1945) 4 cyl Lincoln for field work. That beast will weld 1/8 inch angle iron together, or rail road tracks using a 1/8 to 3/16 6013. In 2020, still runs like a champ. No electrical modules and such, just a carb an alternator and the old air cleaner with clean motor oil in it. I've thought about getting a wire welder, but propane/oxy seems to braze all the smaller jobs. (sometimes I use oxy/acetylene). We've had a sign on the barn for years (about a foot high and 3 feet long). All it said was "WELDING'. Replaced the sign several times over the years because it fades. Otherwise, there hasn't been too many things I couldn't weld back together in over 50 years.
My parents got me one for Christmas when I was 16. They put in in the closet. They laughed so hard when they got it out Christmas morning. Because , I had been hanging my coat up right over it for months. It has and still serves me well. BTW, your welding looks very good!!
do u know if it comes with 120 plug in or 220
@@RedRider763 John I'm pretty sure they are all 220 volt only. Mine was made mid 1970's. I had a uncle that was a electrician. He advised me on how to run a 220 to my little make shift shop I had at that time.There are welders that run on 110. I have a horbart 140 handler mig. Set it up with argon/CO2 shielding gas. It's runs on 110 volts. It makes very strong welds. Doesn't have near the learning curve that arc welding does. However, if your welding things say 3/16 and thicker. The Lincoln 225 is a exellent choice. If you can manage a 220 Line capable of handling 50 amps. You can fabricate just about anything. I have built trailers, gates, repaired all kinds of stuff around the farm with my now almost 50 year old machine 👍
Make sure when you change your breaker you make sure you had 6 (or 4 for long distance) gauge wiring, you probably have 10 gauge.
we have Miller Bobcats on trailers at work for mobile welding within the plant, but in the shops we have Lincoln AC225 and one AC/DC225. It's what my dad taught me on in the 80's and for what they cost, they can't be beat.
sjeverett75 Well that may not be true for long. Harbor Freight is coming out with the Vulcan Commander 225 ac/dc welder with infinite amperage control for $399.00 The Vulcan is positioned to compete directly with the Tombstone.
Man, you are an amazing welder.. putting down a bead so neatly.
I started with a 225AC welder long ago and the welder could weld thick metal with multiple passes. People think that just because the welder specs says a certain thickness doesn't mean it can't go thicker. My next machine was an AC/DC Tombstone welder and I still have it today as a backup welder in case my other welders are not available. Just get the AC machine and convert it to AC/DC and you can't go wrong.
Thanks Allen! Quick and to the point. Just bought one yesterday. Started welding last year at my training Ctr and wanted something to practice at home with
I like your property chickens and stuff! I just hooked up 50 amp now I can use my lincoln 225. Thanks for your video!
My brother lives in Ventress, LA! Thanks for this video! -Great people in Louisiana!
I bought an Lincoln AC/DC buzzbox at an auction for $125.00. My point is, check out Craigslist, auctions, estate sales. They are a good machine.
They are good. The people who say the machines are bad are people who are not welders. They are hobiest. The machine is capable. That's all a real welder needs. If you can't stick metal together with a machine capable of pushing 225 amps and you need all the bells and whistles to run a good bead then your a hobbiest not a welder.
nice video.. my lincoln AC 225 was made in 1976 and its still running good.
Your confidence in that machine helps my confidence in mine. Thanks man. Later.
I have one of those welders for about 10 years is a good machine i run that thing with 50 amps bracker❤
You can't just change the Breaker... You also have to run the larger size wire that can handle that many amps... The Breaker trips to keep the wiring in your house from burning it down...
6 gauge no less machine will run better and smoother MUCH lower risk of burning down mommas house.
I bought the same exact AC-225. I had to run a 250 volt line to a 50 amp circuit. That’s what this machine requires. It doesn’t tell you in the manual. I had to call Lincoln Electric customer service to find out what power it need to run off of. Great machine in my garage.
Built an awesome welding table from scrap metal.
There is intelligent life left on this planet after all.
I ended up reconfiguring my breaker to 50 amps and no. 6 wire. Going to use ie first time on Mon pm.🤩
There good welders thats for sure we have one on the farm and you can weld anything back together with one of them
That's similar to the first machine I learned to weld with in high school. I believe ours were the Lincoln 250 Idealarc tombstones with the exposed lead connectors. I went to a career center and we had a whole bank of those against one wall of the shop. They must have had some pretty good juice going to those things. You could get in your welding booth and if you needed to you could run the crap out of 1/4" 7018 rod. Great memories!
The tomb stone can't be beat!
Good to see you atill have your ryobi grinder, just bought mine and hoping it last me at least 2 years.
Ryobi is garbage
They used to be $100 but that was years ago and if the new ones are HALF as tough as the old ones, they're well worth it. I've seen them building tracks up (welding grouser bars) on dozers and have to dip the stinger in water to cool it down and still it just kept on going. I know it's not a 100% duty cycle but they've done it in the past within reason. They're tough!
Thank you for your honest straight forward opinion.
I bought some rods and few yrs ago and then had to have back surgery and I’m having a time with starting these rods,7018,6011,6013 on the same box.I can braze and mig but can get these rods to cooperate,do I just need new ones?they’ve been in containers all this time
Good review. Curiosity prompts me to ask if your mig machine is a 140 or 180.
I recently purchased a 180 but I can only outside and its -22 today and I'm sticking close to the wood stove.
Good video Allen. Your right, the welder is perfect for the average guy not pipeline welding all day. I’ve run into the same thing with the 30 amp breaker not being enough.
Welding that good on a choked down power source, Think of how nice those welds would be on a 50A breaker! Yes, input power does play a major part!
50/60 Amp 120/240 VAC Circuit wired with # 6-2 w/ground cable is what those Lincoln Arc Welders require. How do I know this ? I'm a State Licensed Journeyman Electrician with 50+ years experience in the Trade and My Dad and my late beloved twin brother were Welders. My Dad went through a State Vocational Trades Welding School and My late beloved Twin Brother was a Aircraft TIG Welder in the USAF for 10 years and an Independent Aircraft Welder in the Dallas / Fort Worth area for 25 years But he was trained at Chunute AFB in IL and learned basic welding with an Electric, and also TIG welding , etc; I have installed many Circuits for those Electric Welders and I always install by the CODE Requirements !!!
I agree. Easy to change the breaker but if the line is gauged for 30 amp then those wires are going to get awful hot inside your walls before that breaker trips. They eventually will replace your breaker and your wires become a fused breaker and burn in two likely causing a fire. Be Safe.
The technical manual for the welder calls for 8/3 wire. So why go 6/3?
BearStar1 we get it, u know your stuff.
Lance Hanson that should be with a 40 amp breaker
Because it's cheap insurance also 6/2 is correct the machine draws 50 amperes specially while starting the arc. Yes There's a difference between starting and constant but safety and cheap insurance is better than a house or shop fire.
Thank you for the video Allen, I like the way you talk!! Total respect from SLC, Utah to you SIR in Louisiana.
I found a used ac Lincoln stick welder in my area for $100 they say it works and hasn’t had a lot of use do you think it’s worth it??
Thank you, just bought one today. Life’s too short, get busy living
Thanks for the tutorial, excellent video. Very helpful. I damn love it.
That first pass looks real good. Well done.
Your welds are nice. I like your angle control too, it seems like your angle increases as you pull towards you. One question: I was taught to keep my head back. You seem to lean right into it. Does that work better for you?
Thanks brother!! Coming from a Louisiana guy it means experience.
That machine been around a long time. I'm 66 yo and I learned to weld on one.
61 here, and same story! The first step in a long, enjoyable career as a certified welder!
I learned how the basics of stick welding on those machines. Can you weld make a barrel pit with a stick welder? Challenge video for you Allen?
Lincoln ac welding machine is good for lots of small jobs if you can get the ac fleet and low hydro they run fairly smooth.
well said . American made. Ac welding slightly different than dc. Slightly different than ac. A little pulse do to ac slightly less penetration. Steady hand see your puddle and don't get excited. Machine does not make the weld a welder does. You rock..
Im having some issues with mine, im running 1/8" 6011 and i could not get it to weld at the right amperage, i had to bring it all the way to 175 amps just to keep from sticking, the rods catch on fire and the stinger keeps melting and wont grip the rod, do you know what might be wrong? I have constant power with a 50 amp breaker on 240v, could it just be a shitty stinger?
So it's a single pole breaker at 110 volts or wires double pole 220.
I learned a little on the same welder when I was a kid. Thanks for the video Allen.
Where did you get that cart for your tombstone?
I picked up a ac/dc tombstone for about 50.00 from the pawn shop, its a great welder for the money, I was under the impression if its ac you have to use odd numbered rod, 6011, 7013 and such, but that 7018 looks great. thanks for the video.
I really have to unsubscribe and stop watching this channel. the man is too good with any kind of welder. makes me wanna quit welding.
anyway man i think its a good machine...just my thoughts on it! awesome video bud!
great review bro ive owned one of them and it worked great for me also flawless i love the old stick welding thats where i think most of us cut our teeth on welding thoes wire machines are great but they will spoil a feller for sure im guilty also but an old veteran stick runner also hehe
That's cool man. I plan on buying me my first welder tommorow. I'll post me failing a bunch.
So did ya get it?
I learned to weld 32 years ago on a blue 225 ac machine of my gramps. I've used a lot more welders, and burned a lot of wire, but I busted out gramps old ac for the boy this year when he asked me to show him how to weld. Never could figure out why those buzz boxes get such a bad rap.
that machine built America
Good review. Did you know they make that machine in a AC/DC configuration? I think it runs about $100 to $200 morel. You can get on at Home Depot or Lowes.
These welder's have been around for decades. If they weren't any good, they would not have been around this long.
I love my 225 ac welder I started to weld pipe OMG such a good welder
I just bought one of these at lowes, what do yall do bout the short power cord? Its only like 3ft to 4 ft long. Theres no place in town where i live that sells 220v extension cords for some reason and i need one to run this machine at my house
You need longer work leads 1/0 wire
Both.
Buy 50' of #6 copper cable (2 wire w ground) and a plug & receptacle. With a screwdriver and a utility knife install plug & outlet. There is your extension cord. At a welding store you can buy lead connectors and longer leads. That's what I did to make it more practical.
Lowes sells 50 feet of #2 copper lead wire by Lincoln.$228, which is pricey.
Remember, you dont have 240 volts in the leads.(40 volts ?)
My 625 amp welder has 60' long 1/0 leads.
Man I wish I could actually see the welds but your phone video is just not that clear. Thank you for sharing I have the same welder and I’m going to weld for the first time in my life tomorrow and I need it to go good because it’s on my sons trailer wheel stabilizer shaft.
I see someone who has one for sell of Facebook. Serious question for you, I just want if (for now at least) to make an Ark Furnace, made out insulating silica fire brick, I need to know if it can handle a dead short on carbon electrodes long enough to melt copper at least, stainless later on I'll need to melt.
Thankyou I appreciate the help.
So 9 rods to do that short a stretch... wow.. Is capping really all that important if it's not for something that requires a lot of strength,, like say repairing the leg of a table that will never hold a lot of weight, or art work...? (obviously I'm just learning this stuff..) Great vid... thanks.
Nice video. I have one on a 50 ampere circuit and it works great.
On what voltage?
What kind if generator could you run the welder off of??
Buddy can u tell me what type of helmet u where using.. or is there some who can tell why type of helmet is better for stick welding..
J R Just get you a good auto dark helmet and you'll be fine
Total respect, man. Great vids - all of them.
3/32 is a thin rod for 1/4"+ steel, no?
excellent, no bs right to the point
great machine I had one for years but the ac/dc one
can you use a step up invert-er to help stop the breaker tripping
No, than your input voltage would be too low.
Great videos man,no bull straight to the point, keep em up😃
Not a good idea to arc weld with short sleeves! Your inviting Melanoma Cancer if you keep doing it! Never expose the skin while welding even for a tack or two. I lost a best friend to that style of welding and he would never listen until the day they told him he had Melanoma and then he only lasted a few months.
thanks for sharing this info, had no idea, although i do wear sleeves because of spark risk
Sad, but many people just learn about running beads, and have no idea of the great peripheral body of knowledge in welding. Much of it is safety...
Wow
Rip
Short tacks are probably fine... if you don't weld often! It's all about cumulative exposure, just like sun exposure. But it's just simpler to wear long sleeves whenever you're welding. Always protect the eyes, even for occasional tacks.
Thank You for answering my husbands questions!!
I just picked up the ac/dc version today. Couldnt pass on the price. Cost me what the ac model would have cost.
does it come with 120 plug in or a 220 plug in
Everything metal from 1975 and older has been kissed by the Lincoln buzz box....and the occasional Commie Miller Thunderchicken 225.
You are too funny I had both and they both welded good... Funny you mentioned that, When I went on my first pipeline I had a Miller, Got ribbed the whole job... Went and bought me a Lincoln with a Deutz diesel right after that job, Used it for 20 years and sold it for what I paid for it new...
Wait, you cant run this welder with a generator, not even if you have a plug adapter?
I just bought the ac dc version for $650 I don’t have the first clue on how to weld but we’ll see I guess... waiting for electrician to swap my breaker to 50 and wires
Great video!
Can a Tombstone run 6010?
Not with the AC version.. if you get the more expensive one, the one that has AC, DC-, and DC+, then you can run 6010 rods..
Like you video and thank you very much for the info.
I just got a old miller M 225 ac welder free with cart , should it do about the same ?
If you’re talking about a Miller Thunderbolt, they weren’t nearly as reliable as the Lincoln. I knew several guys who bought them in the 80’s and 90’s that got maybe 4 years out of them before they quit. The tbolts were also notorious for a loud, obnoxious vibration noise when welding. Miller quit making them a few years back, and replaced them with an inverter tbolt that will fit in your lunch box. They’ve been fraught with problems though!
Ive got my Dad's he bought in 1959.
I live in Crowley, I have a machine just like it,many farmers have saved the day during cutting season with those little Lincolns,,by the way may I ask what part of the state you live..?
Dude I wish I could weld that good!!
Nice weld.
Kinda making an investment with my welder. Could anyone tell me if I can weld supports to my F250 no problem? A lot of rust damage I am gonna take care of. I need a solid machine I can count on to being able to weld my truck and potentially a few shipping containers within a couple years.
Thanks for your explation it is a pretty good machine
Where did you get that dolly
great review good for a back up
Can you run it off a generator if you don’t have the 220 outlet
I would like to know that to I have that some welder machine. I have a 8750 generator would it work with the machine
Amps x volts = watts, so 50 amps (breaker) x 220 volts = 11,000 watts. But remember, that’s with the machine on the highest setting, so if you’re only running a 3/32” or 1/8” electrode you’ll be needing less than that. But how much less I don’t know.
So as a highschool noob welder,would this machine be a good first welder or should I get a mig welder?
Chase All those new to welding should first learn arc/stick. it's a much more basic process. You'll find that after learning to strike and hold a tight arc with a stick electrode, mig will be a cake walk.
Chase That machine would be a great first welder for a high school student.