When doing some cleaning in my dad's garage (he passed in 2009), I came across this old Craftsman stick welder hidden behind his table saw. I don't recall ever seeing this as a kid and I doubt he used it even once. It has a patent date of 1969 on it and a manufacture date of 71. Anyone else have one like this? It's very unique. Sorry, pics will take a few posts due to inability to resize from iPad quickly.
I have the same welder, built 04/1972:
My uncle used it to build a few bridges back in the day. Don't know if it was civil or commercial/residential, but that is what I was by my father.
IMO, its a good machine. I've used it to build a large reverse flow smoker, 12'x3' cooker with a 2'x3' firebox set on a double axle car trailer.
Was just using it the other night working on a smaller, more reasonably sized smoker, more on the range of 2'x3' cooker body.
I was able to pick up a Lincoln Pro Core 125 at Lowes for a riduculous price because they said it was missing parts...a $7 part they actually carry in-store.
Haven't gotten a hang of the mig yet, but I am working on it.
Back to the Craftsman...only issue on mine was that the amperage adjustment handle would slip down in power, especially if the electrode stuck. Just had to tighten down the nut/bolt and it works like a gem.
Of course, hang on to it, use it, and make a smoker for some ribs/pulled pork.
