Know anything about this Airco Welder?

[ejkuhl]

My Grandpa gave me this welder the other day. It is an Airco MCM 180. Not sure when it was used last but it needs a new cord and plug that will fit my outlet. The leads are in good shape.

Does anyone know how old it is? Or where to find any other information about it? I can't seem to find any information or pictures anywhere on the net. I assume it will still work. It looks very simple. AC stick only?

 

[American Locomotive]

It's an old AC stick welder. Pretty much indestructible.

Airco was eventually bought up by Miller, so they might be able to provide more information.

 

[sberry]

Not much else to know about it.

 

[laser3kw]

Old iron and heavy copper windings - winner! Great for smooth arc stability, the arc seems to whisper.

 

[Cope]

It's an old AC stick welder. Pretty much indestructible.

Airco was eventually bought up by Miller, so they might be able to provide more information.

IIRC, Miller made units for Airco. In any event, that's a stout welder.

 

[bulldogr6]

Good machine , can't beat free. Get yourself some e6011 & e6013 and enjoy.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[JimDon]

Don't forget to get a fresh box of 7018AC for that welder. You'll ditch the 6011s and 6013s after that.
JimDon

 

[ejkuhl]

I have some 6011 on the way. This will be my first time stick welding. I have a 110v flux core that I use to put some light weight stuff together. Hopefully I can do a little heavier with this. I was also going to try some 7014 and maybe the 7018 if I get adventurous.

 

[ejkuhl]

I know the welder has plenty of fine adjustment, 75 full 10" diameter turns to go through the range. And smooth as butter the whole way.

 

[sberry]

There is the temptation to want to try every electrode ever invented, resist at this point. 1/8 6011, 10# of 3/32 7018AC and same in 1/8. They used other options back in the day because they had to, the advent of the 7018ac has made them less appealing.
A little out of practice but its a little loose on vertical compared to DC, you have to weave to make it hang in there.

 

[bulldogr6]

True about the 7018ac good call. 6013 is still good to dig through rusty stuff tho.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[wagon]

Seconded on that being a Miller.

Not my pic - took it from google.

If you need new plugs/receptacles, Miller still has them available.

 

[ejkuhl]

Seconded on that being a Miller.

Not my pic - took it from google.

If you need new plugs/receptacles, Miller still has them available.

Thank you very much. I found where you got the picture. http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?339261-1953-Miller-Restoration

So it is a twin to a Miller 61F from the 1950's. I may need that thread if I decide to do my own restoration.

 

[wagon]

You're welcome! I remembered seeing that at Miller HQ in Appleton, and had to start on google to make sure I wasn't crazy!

Do start a thread, that'd be sweet.

 

[Johnmcgowen]

I just got the same Welder! It was my father In-laws. It has been sitting for years, but adjustment handle turns smooth, all cords are shot. I am giing to give thus ol’ gal a try.

 

[ejkuhl]

Good luck. I have used mine a bunch since I first posted. Works great. As far as my poor skills are concerned.