Airco 300MTS for $700? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

zeekinohio · 05-23-2012, 05:14 PM

I'm still trying to decide on a welder that I can afford and is simple enough to teach myself to weld with. What's everyone's thoughts on an Airco 300MTS for $700? It's owned by an 80 year old man that can't see to weld anymore. The tig part of it needs a new foot pedal but he says everything works great and it has the big argon bottle that is full.

Wyoming9 · 05-24-2012, 01:13 AM

The thing is one never knows how long a old welder like that will keep working. With the earlier combo units like this it seems one loses something on all the process.

Is it hooked up so you can fire it up and make sure it works .

Just look at all the cables and input cord as these things do dry rot and go bad with age.

A new foot pedal may be had from SSC controls or they could custom build you one.

zeekinohio · 05-24-2012, 04:08 AM

Here's a couple pictures

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55...28e23c15f0.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55...5afdc21321.jpg

i_eat_glue · 05-24-2012, 10:57 AM

i have one just like that. bought back in 1994, and cost $3000 then. i never had the tig stuff for it but i have welded a shitload with the mig and the stick. that thing is 18 years old and i have never had to buy anything but cosumables for it.

btw, those are basically esab machines.

zeekinohio · 05-24-2012, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_eat_glue

i have one just like that. bought back in 1994, and cost $3000 then. i never had the tig stuff for it but i have welded a shitload with the mig and the stick. that thing is 18 years old and i have never had to buy anything but cosumables for it.

btw, those are basically esab machines.

That's what i wanted to hear. So I guess $700 is a good deal. Any tricks that I should know about it? I'm picking it up Saturday.

i_eat_glue · 05-24-2012, 02:47 PM

i noticed when i go through the settings, type of metal, wire, gas, etc. i would usually have to turn the voltage up a little higher to get it to burn right for the mig. the stick works great, probably one of the best stick welders i have used. if its in working condition then its a steal at $700, especially with the tig stuff with it. when i priced the tig stuff about 5 years ago it was gonna cost me almost $300 to get set up. and if you need to get parts for it then any place that deals with esab should be able to help. good luck with the new toy!!! any questions just pm me

i_eat_glue · 05-24-2012, 06:16 PM

here is a pic of mine

zeekinohio · 05-24-2012, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_eat_glue

here is a pic of mine

That's sweet. I hope mine does as well as yours!

zeekinohio · 05-26-2012, 05:34 PM

Brought the baby home today.

05-23-2012, 05:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
zeekinohio Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Member # 205440 Posts: 392	Airco 300MTS for $700? I'm still trying to decide on a welder that I can afford and is simple enough to teach myself to weld with. What's everyone's thoughts on an Airco 300MTS for $700? It's owned by an 80 year old man that can't see to weld anymore. The tig part of it needs a new foot pedal but he says everything works great and it has the big argon bottle that is full. Last edited by zeekinohio; 05-23-2012 at 05:19 PM.

05-24-2012, 10:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
i_eat_glue Wheeler Join Date: Apr 2008 Member # 112826 Posts: 450	i have one just like that. bought back in 1994, and cost $3000 then. i never had the tig stuff for it but i have welded a shitload with the mig and the stick. that thing is 18 years old and i have never had to buy anything but cosumables for it. btw, those are basically esab machines. __________________ supporting single mothers, one dollar bill at a time!!!

05-24-2012, 02:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
i_eat_glue Wheeler Join Date: Apr 2008 Member # 112826 Posts: 450	i noticed when i go through the settings, type of metal, wire, gas, etc. i would usually have to turn the voltage up a little higher to get it to burn right for the mig. the stick works great, probably one of the best stick welders i have used. if its in working condition then its a steal at $700, especially with the tig stuff with it. when i priced the tig stuff about 5 years ago it was gonna cost me almost $300 to get set up. and if you need to get parts for it then any place that deals with esab should be able to help. good luck with the new toy!!! any questions just pm me __________________ supporting single mothers, one dollar bill at a time!!!

05-24-2012, 06:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
i_eat_glue Wheeler Join Date: Apr 2008 Member # 112826 Posts: 450	here is a pic of mine __________________ supporting single mothers, one dollar bill at a time!!! Last edited by i_eat_glue; 05-24-2012 at 06:18 PM.

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05-24-2012, 01:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
Wyoming9 Rock God Join Date: May 2008 Member # 113418 Location: New Tripoli Pa Posts: 1,469	The thing is one never knows how long a old welder like that will keep working. With the earlier combo units like this it seems one loses something on all the process. Is it hooked up so you can fire it up and make sure it works . Just look at all the cables and input cord as these things do dry rot and go bad with age. A new foot pedal may be had from SSC controls or they could custom build you one.

05-24-2012, 04:08 AM	#3 (permalink)
zeekinohio Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Member # 205440 Posts: 392	Here's a couple pictures http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55...28e23c15f0.jpg http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55...5afdc21321.jpg

05-26-2012, 05:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
zeekinohio Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Member # 205440 Posts: 392	Brought the baby home today.