Garage modified ARC Craftsman welder

[Rg2034]

Was given this welder after a neighbor passed away. At first inspection it looked a little rough and figured it needed a little tlc. I opened it up to see what it would take to update the welding wire and came across the low range rapped in copper and wonder if it is safe to use or will this be something that should be automatically scrapped. I have no welding experience and was looking to learn with this unit.

 

[alcorelli]

What about that looks like no other welder you've seen?

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[Lightning rod]

I'm not sure what you think is the issue or what part is garage modified
What I can see is
(a) 240v, single phase in. (typical)
(b) 240v circuit breaker on front (normal)
(c) variable plunger core range adjustment (normal)
(d) tapped output range (normal)
(e) burnt black input leg (not a good sign)
surprised that the white wire isn't also burnt
could the black wire be shorting against the green ground wire ?
(f) varnished copper wire on bottom jack output terminal (might be normal)

can you please take a clearer up close shot of what concerns you ?

one option is to plug it in and see what happens

 

[yatg]

l)
(e) burnt black input leg (not a good sign)
surprised that the white wire isn't also burnt
could the black wire be shorting against the green ground wire ?

Looks like a shadow.

But the cord doesn't look like its secured to the case.

I think he's just concerned about seeing the copper windings on the transformer.

 

[TractorJeff]

That is pretty typical as to what they "usually" look like!
I don't see an immediate problem?
I agree a zoomed picture of what you are concerned with.

 

[Rg2034]

Yes it is the copper wire which is making me question the condition of the unit. I know the model is from the 70’s or 80’s where things were built better and could be repaired if needed. But I also just curious is that a normal repair or normal problem having the original “conductor” replaced if it was used past its life and is it a sound way of repairing the unit.

 

[KenC]

I don't see any repairs. All the stuff I see looks factory, including the ties on the coil.
What specifically concerns you?

 

[Rg2034]

Ok I did not know that the wire wrapped around the transformer was original. I have never welded before or opened up a welder and at first glance it looked like it was out of place.

 

[Lightning rod]

I agree with KenC
this is normal factory stuff

can you confirm as per yatg if the wire is burnt or just a shadow?

if not burnt, you are good to go

 

[Rg2034]

From what I could tell it was a lot of dust and dirt on the wires. I will be able to take a closer look at it tomorrow.

 

[Lightning rod]

looks like dirt and shadow from the last pic
move the black and white wire apart just in front of the green wire
there looks like staining. I just want to be sure there is no spark-over marks there
if nothing there but dirt (between wires), you are good to go

 

[wayout]

I have one that I purchased new in the late 70's. Sits in the corner of the shop but I use it once in a while to run my twin carbon arc torch for special jobs.
The only problem I had with it is the fan wore out and needed replaced.

 

[Rg2034]

Here are some pictures of the wire. If y’all need more or different angles let me know. Thank you all for the help

 

[nadogail]

IMHO,those older buzz box welders are very close to being indestructible, cleaning with a vacuum cleaned and soft brush will extend the life of the welder.

You may want to replace the power cord and plug if you feel the rubber insulation has dried up and cracked.

Watch some U tube videos about welding. I particularly like those done by "Essential Craftsman". Arc Welding may seem "Old School" but if it is good enough to build the pressure hull of a Nuclear Submarine, IMHO, it is still "State of the Art".

Burn some rods and learn a valuable skill.

 

[Jarwop]

As Lightning Rod indicated "(c) variable plunger core range adjustment (normal)" The fine amperage adjustment is made by turning the dial on the top. The seventh pic looks like the slide in the channel is moved by the dial on the top and the slide then adjusts the plunger core. My welder has a locking dial where the first pic of this unit looks like the locking handle might be missing for the fine adjustment dial. Point being, there likely needs to be a way to lock the dial on the top so it does not move. Otherwise it will change when the arc is struck. Maybe the pic was taken after the handle was removed and the poster can reinstall. Id suggest google the model number and you might be able to get more information on this specific model.

 

[41plym]

Plug it in and start welding.

 

[wayout]

As Lightning Rod indicated "(c) variable plunger core range adjustment (normal)" The fine amperage adjustment is made by turning the dial on the top. The seventh pic looks like the slide in the channel is moved by the dial on the top and the slide then adjusts the plunger core. My welder has a locking dial where the first pic of this unit looks like the locking handle might be missing for the fine adjustment dial. Point being, there likely needs to be a way to lock the dial on the top so it does not move. Otherwise it will change when the arc is struck. Maybe the pic was taken after the handle was removed and the poster can reinstall. Id suggest google the model number and you might be able to get more information on this specific model.

The 'dial' is slid side to side for fine adjustment then the knob is turned clockwise pulling the movable core up jamming it in place. If you don't tighten it enough it will allow the core to slip and change amperage.