Best DC welder ever built

[Ultradog MN]

The Lincoln/Miller thread this weekend got me thinking about welding and what was the best machine you've ever used.
I think for DC the Lincoln motor-generator sets
laid the smoothest bead ever. About 440 three phase in and up to 400 welding amps out. Looked like a short torpedo.
I'm no electrical guy but I think that generated DC makes for a better arc than DC from a rectifier.
The gas or diesel engine driven version of that welder was probably the best of of it's class too.
More ships built with the Lincoln MG set and more miles of pipeline welded up with the Gas/Diesel set than any other welders.

 

[Anonymous-0]

A true DC generator does produce a better arc than a transformer rectifier however a high end inverter based machine is incredibly nice to weld with. It depends a lot on the application. Lincoln generators used to be the only machines allowed on pipeline jobs. I've got 50 year old Lincoln SA 200 Redface that burns really smooth.

 

[Puddles]

I've run some pretty good machines in my time, even own a few good ones. :wink:

 

[JOHNNYfromMI]

Lincoln welders are still THE welder to have on pipeline jobs. It's not very often you see anything but Lincoln sa200 or 300.
I don't weld pipe but spent several years as a pipeline operator. Retired for 2 1/2 years.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Beautiful work.
Never heard of anyone restoring a welder before but why not?
Great machines.

 

[Puddles]

Hey, those SA-200 have a cult following! I paid $200.00 for that Red Face, turned down $3,700.00 for it last year. Made the guy mad! :lol:

 

[Paul from MI]

WE had an old Lincoln motor-generator welder from the 40's or 50's at the shop. That thing and some 7014 rod could make a pro out of absolutely anyone. It was the best stick welder ever.

 

[Anonymous-0]

7014 is easy to weld with, with just about any machine. The Lincoln generators are good machines though.