Went To An Auction Today

[babzog]

A woodworking shop was being sold off and there were some very interesting items. Some stuff went high, some low. I resisted the "smalls" and waited for the gold to surface. A set of cutting torches - bottles and all - went for around $150, a Canox Migmatic (big sucker) went for $330 (I was humming and hawing over it and decided "not bidding higher at this time", even though I knew it was probably a great deal) and ended up with this Canox Sparkler AC welder and a pile of rods for $120 (now I just need a helmet and a clue on how to use it LOL):

35014 35015

There was no manual included with the welder - does anyone have any information they can share?

Then, I discovered this in the back of the building as the auctioneer was doing his walkaround and got this Dewalt biscuit joiner mounted in a custom made adjustable table with a foot actuated plunge mechanism for $40:

35016 35017

How'd I do?

[Diesel_Crawler]

Good deals all around, Shame its AC only machine. The only thing you have to make sure of is when you buy more rods you make sure you get AC rods. Other then that Plug it in and fire it up. You may find out why they call it "stick" welding though :lol:

[Nealcrenshaw]

You did good young man! You did good!!

[fatfillup]

you suck on the joiner!!!

Diesel, that's a good line about "stick" welding!

I took an adult ed welding class at the local Vo tech years ago. Learned the basics

[Diesel_Crawler]

If you want a "bible" On welding that is easy to under stand and learn out of, Larry Jeffus has the best.

http://www.amazon.com/Welding-Principles-Applications-Larry-Jeffus/dp/1401810462

I have not got mine all scanned yet and i can not find a free upload of it yet or i would give you that :headscrat


EDIT: This link has it and it kind of works http://books.google.ca/books?id=rSiHQf7bly0C&dq=larry+jeffus+welding+principles+and+application s&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=7spAy453xF&sig=wqfukLY1ZPbQqQ79spb9QuUnpAg&hl=en&ei=zAlQSuWKGYSXtge5wqWgBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1

[babzog]

Fatfillup: Thanks man; I've been wanting one of these for a while now. Another (nowhere near as good) went for $75 or thereabouts.

DC: Thanks for the tip and link. I've got a ton to learn as well as a few minor repairs to the leads (some cracked sheathing on the work lead) and I need to re-seat the electrical plug as the wire has pulled out some. I think I also need to install a larger breaker in the shop to power the welder - if I read the front panel correctly, I'd need a 50amp breaker? And I also need to move the existing wire (easy) and install a receptacle.

Then.. go find something to stick to something else! :)

Would it be worth replacing the leads entirely? They're nearly one big wrap of electrical tape from one end to the other. Is that normal for arc welders (to have the lead's sheathing crack and split)?

[Packard V8]

YES - Is that normal for arc welders (to have the lead's sheathing crack and split)? if it was used for high amperage in production.

NO - Would it be worth replacing the leads entirely?

MAYBE - use it for a while and experience the limitations; it's an obsolete machine which won't do the sort of welding most home shop general purpose users need most. If you learn well, like it, then watch for buys on used leads in better condition.

thnx, jack vines

[kbs2244]

For those into auctions this site is great


http://www.auctionzip.com/


You put in your zip code, how far you are willing to travel, and the kind of stuff you are looking for and it tells you all the scheduled auctions.

[fatfillup]

For those into auctions this site is great


http://www.auctionzip.com/


You put in your zip code, how far you are willing to travel, and the kind of stuff you are looking for and it tells you all the scheduled auctions.

+1 on auctionzip.com !!! Its like giving a crack addict 10 more reliable dealers.:lol_hitti

[babzog]

Ontario Auction Listings (http://www.theauctionfever.com/) for those in Eastern Ontario.

[babzog]

YES - if it was used for high amperage in production.

NO -

MAYBE - use it for a while and experience the limitations; it's an obsolete machine which won't do the sort of welding most home shop general purpose users need most. If you learn well, like it, then watch for buys on used leads in better condition.

thnx, jack vines

Hey Jack,

Thanks for the great thoughts. I'll just tape up the leads for now then and make do. Curious: Why would high current cause the leads to split and crack - heat? Hypothetical question: Can I make my own leads using similar gauge wire or would that not be a wise thing to do?

I do understand it's a bit of an older machine; my thoughts for this year were to pick up something with which to learn and experiment. I'd love a mig (and there's another Canox Migmatic 250mp coming up at a bankruptcy auction on Thu...) but I don't intend to do sheet metal work at this time (and it fit within this year's welder budget).

My first project will probably be to build a welding table and from there, a buddy and I have designs to build a large party tent for the annual summer bash next year (he's working an angle to get a band to play and so we'll want covered space for guests). So far, it's all heavy gauge material that we'd be sticking together. Maybe next summer I'll spring for the mig.

[Uncle Buck]

DC: Thanks for the tip and link. I've got a ton to learn as well as a few minor repairs to the leads (some cracked sheathing on the work lead) and I need to re-seat the electrical plug as the wire has pulled out some. I think I also need to install a larger breaker in the shop to power the welder - if I read the front panel correctly, I'd need a 50amp breaker? And I also need to move the existing wire (easy) and install a receptacle.

You are looking at more than changing a breaker, that is a 220volt single phase machine. If you do not have the proper wiring from the breaker box to the receptacle, you will need to make cahnges far beyond the breaker. Not earth shattering stuff, but the right sized breaker, the right sized wire, and the correct receptacle. That is all we are talking about.

Would it be worth replacing the leads entirely? They're nearly one big wrap of electrical tape from one end to the other. Is that normal for arc welders (to have the lead's sheathing crack and split)?

I would replace them, though if you cannot replace them yourself you will pay an arm and a leg to have it done. Changing the leads is worth the effort.

A 225 amp AC machine is a good general purpose machine, if you do not know anything about welding the machine is a perfect fit for you. With that machine you can do a great deal of general fabrication work. These days, many guys will poo poo a 225 AC machine, but pay no attention to them. As long as you are not trying to weld sheet metal, or 1" steel you will be fine. The AC is a great machine to learn basic skills on, and generally will do great for routine tasks. Get proper wiring, and if needed new leads, then plug and play, grab some 1/4" steel stock and some 6013 rods and have a ball.

[babzog]

I would replace them, though if you cannot replace them yourself you will pay an arm and a leg to have it done. Changing the leads is worth the effort.

A 225 amp AC machine is a good general purpose machine, if you do not know anything about welding the machine is a perfect fit for you. With that machine you can do a great deal of general fabrication work. These days, many guys will poo poo a 225 AC machine, but pay no attention to them. As long as you are not trying to weld sheet metal, or 1" steel you will be fine. The AC is a great machine to learn basic skills on, and generally will do great for routine tasks. Get proper wiring, and if needed new leads, then plug and play, grab some 1/4" steel stock and some 6013 rods and have a ball.

Hey Uncle Buck,

I don't mind replacing them myself if that's a wise thing to do. Is there a specific type of wire or should I just walk into my local Nedco and ask for X' of whatever matching gauge wire they have?

I have 70amp service to the shop so I think I'm fine there. I will have my SF check it over though (he's an EET) and advise me on how to adjust the wiring out there to support the welder.

[Uncle Buck]

Wire by the foot for welding machine leads is generally sold by most welding supply stores. I would just take a sample of my wire with me and go pick up some new wire there. I have no idea what a Nedco is, never heard of them.

[babzog]

Wire by the foot for welding machine leads is generally sold by most welding supply stores. I would just take a sample of my wire with me and go pick up some new wire there. I have no idea what a Nedco is, never heard of them.

Thanks for all the good thoughts!

Nedco (http://www.nedco.ca/)is an electrical supply house.. they have outlets all over the place.

So it's actually a specific wire for welder leads? Yeah, probably the simplest and best thing is to take a piece with me.

[Uncle Buck]

Thanks for all the good thoughts!

Nedco (http://www.nedco.ca/)is an electrical supply house.. they have outlets all over the place.

So it's actually a specific wire for welder leads? Yeah, probably the simplest and best thing is to take a piece with me.


I am sure electrical places might have it as well, but I would just remove all doubt and go to a welding supply store.

[Danglerb]

Welding cable needs to have many strands to keep it flexible, most normal electric supply won't have anything suitable.

[sberry]

There was no manual included with the welder - does anyone have any information they can share? There isnt much use for a manual with that machine and it requires 50A service.

[babzog]

I'm redoing the wiring this week. Picked up a 60A breaker (still looking for a 50A - might get one tomorrow when I get the wire) and the receptacle and have sourced the wire for the job: #6 2 conductor (red heating wire - guy asked if I cared what colour the sheath was, LOL). What was installed never would have done the job (20A breaker and some stove wire).

I found the manual for a Miller AC welder - you're right, there's nothing in there! LOL A handy chart of rods and amps and that's about it.

My Dad (a CET) is going to come over this weekend to inspect the installation and the unit and give me some pointers on how not to kill myself.

[ephotrod]

In a pinch you can use jumper cables for welding leads. Please note that you have to watch the amperage.
Josh

[babzog]

Well, Dad and I got the wiring done today... I did some panel re-arranging and the running of wire, he did the hookup. A buddy of mine popped by too (he's done some welding in his lifetme). Plugged in the unit, donned the helmets and Dad showed me how to lay a bead on a piece of steel strap.

I then proceeded to learn why (in about , oh, 2s flat) why it's called "stick" welding. LOL In the back of my mind, you buggers were all having a good chuckle as I wigged the rod free and tried again! :bounce:

Anyway, didn't get a chance to play much as I had to finish cutting the grass before the monsoon came again (it was already about a foot high) but it was fun. Looking forward to learning more of the art.