So I know a guy who is selling an AIRCO tig welder. It is about 15 yrs. old or so. 220V can be wired for more - was used in Industrial environment. The company he worked on upgraded all their machines in 1999 and offered the older ones to the employees. Each one was gone through to ensure it was working properly before being sold to employees. He has had it in his garage ever since - never used in the last 9 years..... I am calling him tonight to hopefully get some model information. It has a water cooled gun and foot pedal. He is looking to get around $500 for it.
It can be wheeled around and has a spot on the back for a cylinder. Anyone have a clue if this is worth pursuing?

thanks,
Joe

220V can be wired for more - was used in Industrial environment.

Is it 3-phase?

Is it 3-phase?

hmmm.....not sure.... I will have to ask tonight....

My guess is that if it can be wired for more than 220V - 480V and such - and that it came from an industrial setting it is likely 3-phase and not worth the effort unless you have a shop with 3-phase. The fact that it has been sitting for the past decade also leans toward it being something he cannot plug in and use himself.

Good point! As a home user, 3 -phase is out of the question...

Just talked to the guy - it is single phase - set up for it now - can be switched to 440 if needed....

Ok - Here is the MODEL# 3A/DDR-224HPA/B-D
Serial#HG040075

Anyone know anything?

I found this on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/AIRCO-WELDER-300-AMP_W0QQitemZ320250169021QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3 286.m20.l1116

same model #

If at all possible set it up and weld with it. Some of these use old ones will draw like 100 amps on 240 volts.

Thing is it could work for years or quit the first time you use it.

If they upgraded back in 1999 it is time to do it now again

I have one even older then that. Does draw a shit pot on 220. Good welder over all. FOr 500 I dont think you are gonna be hurt. You can weld anything you want with it if you have enough juice going into it. Hook up stick leads to it and can also weld AC on Alum. with high freq. For whai I use mine for it is a good machine just takes up alot os space compared to the new ones. If i was in the market I would get it for $500.

Toddy

That machine is made by Miller. Think it is the same as a 330 A/BP.
Link to operators manual (http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o340p_mil.pdf)
Input current at rated load is about 96 amps @ 230VAC :eek:

And FYI...all old transformer based tig welders are single phase.