Old AC225 welder needs TLC

[Shootinok]

I found an older Lincoln AC 225 welder and couldn't pass up the price of $60.
Bought it unable to test it and it is in obvious need of some care.

There is no back sheet metal on it. During my clean up and rework to get the old toombstone working again I was thinking I could just cover the back with a piece of expanded metal.
My question here is this... would that affect the cooling of the transformer?
At first it seemed to me that it could help, but (I may be over thinking this) if the air is allowed to enter from anywhere, it may not effectively come from underneath, pulled by the fan and cool as well.

Thoughts please.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... I'd say go for it,....

The draw-back might be that it'll allow grinder bits, 'n debris into the welder,....

 

[bczygan]

Throw some sheet metal on it. Keeps bugs out.

 

[Shootinok]

Both excellent points THANK YOU !!
Bugs and bits, enough bad reasons for me.

Love this place !

 

[Roberts210]

Air is pulled in through upper side vents on the Lincoln tombstones and exits out the bottom of the unit. I would not put mesh of any kind on the back or you'll disrupt the air flow. Get a piece of sheet metal for it.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

I mean no offense, but for a $60 buzz box does it really matter. I think either sheet metal or expanded metal would be fine. Those things are bullet proof. I am sure you will get your $60 out of it either way. Use twice and you got your money out of it.

 

[Shootinok]

Air is pulled in through upper side vents on the Lincoln tombstones and exits out the bottom of the unit. I would not put mesh of any kind on the back or you'll disrupt the air flow. Get a piece of sheet metal for it.

I had that thought last night ..."wonder if the air is actually pulled down and exits the bottom..."
As I said - I'm probably overthinking this, but thanks so much. I'm convinced to will make a new back for it.

I know it only was $60, but to use it twice and be happy does not fit into my modus operandus. No - typically when I find what I perceive as a great deal, I pay a good price. Then spend much more energy, time and sometimes parts to make the item two or three times the cost of what a new one would have cost me in the first place