So I just got my rims last night, the centers were jigg'd and tach'd up. I proceed to finish welding them. My welder is a craftsman 220V 230AC/140DC and I think its lowest duty cycle is 20%/140DC. I was burning 90-100'sh straight polarity. I kept hearing a pop noise or what sounded like a volt spike. So I say maybe she's a little warm and let it sit for 30 minutes. Came back to finish welding and was in for a big surprize. I get about half way through my 14" rod and wham. Lights are dimmed real bad in the shop and I look over and my welder is going crazy...shooting sparks everydamnwhere. I turned the switch off and it went away. I damn sure do not want to be in the market for another welder (I've been out so long I wouldnt know what brands etc. to buy). I glanced at Harbor Freight welders, got some cheapies but judging by there duty cycles I'd probably burn one slap up. So I guess my question is, is my welder salvagable or should I just buy another one? I know it may be hard to diagnos it with internet binoculars but I figured maybe somebody has went through the same thing or knows what I'm talking about.
So I just got my rims last night, the centers were jigg'd and tach'd up. I proceed to finish welding them. My welder is a craftsman 220V 230AC/140DC and I think its lowest duty cycle is 20%/140DC. I was burning 90-100'sh straight polarity. I kept hearing a pop noise or what sounded like a volt spike. So I say maybe she's a little warm and let it sit for 30 minutes. Came back to finish welding and was in for a big surprize. I get about half way through my 14" rod and wham. Lights are dimmed real bad in the shop and I look over and my welder is going crazy...shooting sparks everydamnwhere. I turned the switch off and it went away. I damn sure do not want to be in the market for another welder (I've been out so long I wouldnt know what brands etc. to buy). I glanced at Harbor Freight welders, got some cheapies but judging by there duty cycles I'd probably burn one slap up. So I guess my question is, is my welder salvagable or should I just buy another one? I know it may be hard to diagnos it with internet binoculars but I figured maybe somebody has went through the same thing or knows what I'm talking about.
its only a 50amp breaker? I thought my welder was at 40amps, when I was at lowes the guy told me 10amps would still cause it to flick.
Anyways, my buddy said he has a 220AC/125DC licoln stick welder that has maybe 2 hours on it. Asking a couple of benjamins so I figure I'll go with that welder. I guess everybody seems to like lincolns a lot? My welder put up a good fight for about 3-4 years so I cant exactly complain.
Millers and Lincolns...who cares! If a guy will sell you his Lincoln AC/DC 225 for 200 and it's in near new condition, go for it. They may be old school in design but they are basically first class in long term reliability.
word...the ole lincoln tombstone is just that, a tombstone, lasts forever. You might check with a motor shop to see how much it costs to rewind your transformer if it isn't to bad you can get it fixed and have a spare or sell it.
A buddy of mine had the same exact thing happen this summer. REALLY old lincoln tombstone. Don't know exactly which wire but one of the wires inside came loose and fell into contact with the body. He thought it was done for but after opening it up and reconnecting the wire, it worked fine and continues to do so.
You are an idiot. Just cuz you are a welder by trade doesnt mean you can make such a bold statement. :shaking:
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