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Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / Need Help / Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC Welder
- - By Robert Turney (*) Date 02-09-2009 00:52
I was given a idealarc 250 ac welder by a friend of mine.  I don't know a lot about this machine.  I just wanted to know some info about this welder.  I have never had much experience with ac welding just dc welding on pipe.  Any help is good.  Thanks.
Parent - By DaveBoyer (*****) Date 02-09-2009 04:39
http://content.lincolnelectric.com//pdfs/products/navigator/im/IM206.pdf

This is the manual for Your machine. They are good ones, but You will have to use AC rods.
Parent - - By 357max (***) Date 02-09-2009 16:30
With the machine plugged in and turned off connect an AC voltmeter across the work and electrode cables at the electrode holder and work clamp. Turn the machine on; Check the Open Circuit Voltage. If it is above 70 VAC you should be able to use any of the AC/DC classification electrodes. If it is lower than use the Low Open Circuit Voltage "AC" electrodes.
Parent - - By Robert Turney (*) Date 02-11-2009 01:03
Thanks for the manual.  I need to figure out how to wire the plug.  It doesnt have a cord.  Any AC/DC electrodes?
Parent - By TozziWelding (**) Date 02-11-2009 01:40
I know they will weld till the next coming with out asking for much in return.
Parent - - By DaveBoyer (*****) Date 02-11-2009 04:01
    You could use a kitchen range cord, or a piece of #6-2 conductor w/ground [3 wires].  The power wires hook to the on/off switch, ground wire to the housing.

    I grew up using 6011 & 6013 rods with an AC machine. 11s where You want penetration, and 13s where You dont. For stainless, the number will end with -16 for AC.
Parent - - By Robert Turney (*) Date 02-11-2009 12:09
Dave,

Thank you for the info.  It is very helpful.  The range cord idea sounds good to me.  All I need then is the cord and an outlet.  I weld at work with a Bobcat 250 or a Lincoln SA 250, so Im not really familiar with AC machines.  Im looking forward to getting it hooked up!
Parent - By 357max (***) Date 02-11-2009 14:49
As the manual shows you will need 70 amps input for a power factor corrected model and 90 amps input for a non power factor corrected model. Pop the covers and see if there is a bank of capacitors. That is a power factor corrected model. Recommend using a #6 AWG input cable. Make arcs & sparks!
Parent - - By DaveBoyer (*****) Date 02-12-2009 03:14 Edited 02-12-2009 03:19
   The amperage in the manual that 357 mentioned is for operation at "rated output". If You only have 50 amps available don't worry about it, You will still be fine with 5/32 rods & smaller.
Parent - By Robert Turney (*) Date 02-23-2009 02:58
Well, its been a few days but I got my machine wired up.  It powered on just fine.  Now I need to see if it welds. 
Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / Need Help / Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC Welder

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