Mac ws1300 mig welder help

[bls2dpj]

I have an opportunity to trade some unused tools for a Mac ws 1300 mig welder. I cannot seem to find any info on the internet. So, if any of you have experience with this unit please let me know. Just looking for general info, like specs, parts availability, manufacturer, etc. I have been told it needs a new tensioner and it is a 110v machine, which is fine with me I do not weld enough right now to justify a new machine.

UPDATE:
I decided against the machine due to lack of parts. I contacted my local welding supply and they could not get the parts I needed. Ended up with a Hobart 125.

DJ

 

[briggsguy17]

I have seen the MAC 110v units and they look like re-badged Clarke welders to me. You should probably check on parts availability first. Post this question on a welding forum and you will probably get better answers...

 

[crewchief888]

call or email mactools.

might be worth a shot.

 

[bls2dpj]

Found out it is made by Astro ???? I have never heard of them. Anyone else?

DJ

 

[crewchief888]

Found out it is made by Astro ???? I have never heard of them. Anyone else?

DJ

you may be able to find repair parts for the astro on the web.

some stuff is available, some never seem to be in stock

i'd have the parts it needs in my hands before i made a trade for the welder.

just my $0.02

 

[Arnie C]

Unless you are trading under $100 worth of tools for it, sell the tools outright, skip a few meals at McDonalds, and get yourself a Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln. Brand new, with a warranty. Welders are one of those things where a tool truck brand is undesirable, but people think that because it has a tool truck name on it it is worth big bucks. Usually they are the cheapest pieces of **** around with a fancy sticker job.

 

[auto mech 1]

Hi! I bought a ws1300 new about 20 years ago and it has allways worked great, I have changed the liner and it was standered size, it is made in Italy, it is not a heavy duty machine I think it is rated for up to 3/16", like any tool if you don't abuse it it will treat you well.
Thanks Rick

 

[Pyroboy]

I understand it is a re-badged Cebora Pocket Turbo 130. I have had mine for 24 years and it works great. I mostly use it for sheet metal (body work and floors) and light structural shapes (1/8" to 3/16"). All the consumable parts like tips, wire, liners, nozzles, etc. are standard sizes and can be bought at most welder and hardware type stores that carry such things for other brands.

You can still buy this unit new under the Cebora and other brands.

 

[diy570]

Welders are one of those things where a tool truck brand is undesirable, but people think that because it has a tool truck name on it it is worth big bucks. Usually they are the cheapest pieces of **** around with a fancy sticker job.

with the older snap on units made by century, i'd agree with you, but the new snap on migs (not the blue point junkers) are made by a company called ck systematics in west chester, pennsylvania and they are a high quality welder. they are pricey, like anything else from snap on, but they are good.

here's a link to their site:

http://www.800abcweld.com/

 

[Lhorn]

As said above, I think it was made by Cebora (Italian) and sold under many names including Astro, Mac etc. Cebora made a lot of the stuff sold in Europe. I got a Mac ws1100 for next to nothing on CL. That's about what it's worth since parts are so hard to come by. On mine, the unit that holds the drive motor and tensions wire against the drive wheel was cracked (made of plastic). All I could find was one on england's version of Ebay for more than I wanted to spend. My gun is also screwed up so I may try to rig a HF gun to it just to see if it will work. I don't need it since I have a Millermatic but I just want to see if I can get it working cheap and use it for sheet metal.
I think daytonamig used to sell parts but I'm not sure they are in business anymore.

I've heard that they actually work well but I'd onlt get one if you are sure you won't need parts anytime soon.

this is why I tell people to be careful about buying those Chinese welders. If you can't get parts for a welder sold by reputable companies like Mac and Astro, what are the chances you will be able to get parts to repair a Longevity (or whatever brand you choose) welder in 15 years?

 

[back2class]

I had that same machine. TOTAL PIecE OF ****! Literaly fell apart and parts are not available, welds like **** and everything is plastic. Just about the worst purchase I ever made.