Does anyone know what this is???

[DJF3]

I'm not sure where to post this, but I'll try here. I've had this in my shed for the last 14 years. It was there when I moved in. I have no idea what it might be. I thought someone once told me it was a 110V welder. But the plug is not right for 110V. And it's not 240V. A google search of plugs leads me to believe this is 220V. This thing is 8" square and 12" high. And weighs 52 lbs!! There is a wing nut on the top where you can slide it from "HI" to "LOW". Others thought it could be a forklift battery charger. The welder theory makes sense as the previous owner was a welder, and there were about 400 lbs of welding rod in the shed as well. Does anyone have any insight as to what this boat anchor might be?

 

[driftpin]

I don't know what its specific use is, but:

That's a 15 amp 220/240/250 V plug, I believe (NEMA 6-15). The weight suggests it's a big, heavy transformer, with a low range and a high range.

https://www.stayonline.com/product-resources/nema-straight-blade-reference-chart.asp

 

[laser3kw]

flip that switch back and forth and see if any of your lights blink

 

[DJF3]

flip that switch back and forth and see if any of your lights blink

I don't have a funky plug like that to plug into......

 

[didit]

Looks like a 220 buzz box with a sliding shunt for stick welding to me.

 

[BillK]

No other numbers anywhere ? I would have to go with welder too. The three prone connector on the front looks like the sizes for welding cables to plug into.

 

[James-W]

You guys could be right, it may be a welder, but I have never seen a welder that looked like that. Every welder I have ever seen had a way to adjust the heat range.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I would also guess a welder. Any names or country of origin?

 

[garfunkle24]

RE: The plug, IDK if the manufacturer uses the same end plate for various plugs, but the slots in a cross direction to the hot/neutral prongs make it look like you might be able to re-orient them to a typical 110 configuration,

 

[kaymccampbell]

I think Mechanix Illustrated had a DIY welder like that in the encyclopedia of projects.

 

[didit]

I used one similar to that. It has a plug like that so that it could only be used in a like 220 receptacle. The one I had, had the typical squeeze handle locking shunt but it slipped when using it quite often. That one requires tightening the wing nut to lock it in place. The one I had worked great and I still have a few things here that I built with it, including my workbench and a safety stand I built for a bus. I brought mine home with me after a trip to the dump 30 years ago. I gave it to my nephew and he might still have it. They were quite common in the '50s & '60s.

The use of Robertson screws indicate "Canadian" built. Probably the low line welder available from CT in the day.

 

[Dagny]

I vote welder a charger would need a rectifier for DC.

 

[laser3kw]

Do you have any connetion with a machine shop?
First thing I thought of was a power supply for a magnetic chuck for a surface grinder

 

[corvette43056]

Looks like it could be for welding Nelson studs to bridge beams

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[Sevenhills1952]

Wish you were close to me, I'm a retired electronic technician and we could check it out here, see exactly what it is and does.
You could take it apart, then submit pictures of the internals.
I'm working on a Lionel electric train supply right now. It's pre WWII and has that same hi low slot which inside is a transformer. The copper windings have a clean area underneath slot that goes to a wiper arm. You control voltage by moving the know.
That's I bet same principle.
That's one heavy duty high amp transformer!

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[Sevenhills1952]

Spellchecker "moving the know." Moving the KNOB

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[DJF3]

There is/was a tag of some sort. Oval shaped. I'm afraid of obliterating any markings, but I'll have a closer look on Wed.

 

[didit]

I'm not an electrician but it looks to me, there are 4 wires and the panel has 3 hole positions, 1 for the ground and 2 for the welding cable, giving the machine some additional power adjustment along with the sliding shunt. I am inclined to agree with garfunkle24's thoughts.

Today I tested an old bowling ball polishing motor that has 4 wires, can run on 110 or 220. Only 3 wires are used to run it on 110. Made me think about this welder.

I remember those receptacles being sold as part of the welder package. My neighbor still has one in his garage. He didn't know what is was for.

 

[like2wheel]

14 Years?

 

[DJF3]

14 Years?

It was in the shed when we moved in 14 yrs ago lol

 

[nadogail]

Looks like it possibly might be a welder. The High / Low slide might be the current adjustment.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

My guess is an autotransformer, step down 240v to 120v. Adjustable so you could output 120v or what you wanted.
The 3 prong receptacle looks like this to me. You may get more clues inside it.


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[555]

It reminds me of an old buck and boost transformer. They were used to step up or step down voltage.

 

[egdinger]

The socket reminds me of a bates connector (used by the stage/movie industry), but it's not an exact match. Makes me wonder if it isn't a dimmer meant for stage lighting though.