need help to ID a vintage welder

admin

I'm pretty new to welding. When out sifting garage sales this last weekend, I picked up this welder for $1. Don't really know anything about it. I'm hoping someone can give me a hint, or at least point me in the right direction.It is almost completely devoid of markings, just marks on individual parts: "to raise", "gage," that kind of thing. I can't find any name brands. It's dusty, a bit rusty, but still seems pretty solid. The original finish looks like a flat gray, possibly with yellow markings. It weighs probably close to 200 pounds, it's a beast. The guy I normally ask this type of question (he's a general contractor who does a bit of welding, not a dedicated welder) was stumped.Any thoughts as to manufacturer? (or even model)Would anyone have specific concerns or things to look for before I fire it up? Attached Images
Reply:That is Awesome. NO Nonsense....  Pickup hooks built in... Someone is going to be able to identify it....I will bet it was designed for outdoor construction site...  totally utilitarian.....Ugly......LOLI would certainly open it up and take out any mouse nests that might catch fire when it gets hot... or dirt dauber nests....Last edited by GBM; 07-13-2011 at 04:14 PM.Weldandpower Lincoln 225 AC,DC with Briggs 16hp gas engine.WW2 era Miller TIG.
Reply:That ain't no home shop buzzbox! Very cool and you can't beat the price!
Reply:Now thats whats called a welding machine!!!!!!wbolden
Reply:With the age and grey paint color, it wouldn't at all surprise me if this isn't an old WW II vintage US Navy machine..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Take the top off and there may be a wiring diagram or parts with a name on it.would be a good idea anyway to make sure all the wiring is up to snuff and blow out the crap,bird nests mousenests etc before you fire it up.Felonps  hobart brothers liked to use the wheel type amperage adjustersLast edited by Felonyass Monk; 07-13-2011 at 04:57 PM.Caution lurker lives here" hmmm That is serious,pass the ganja and pick up a  24 of MGD"
Reply:Checked the inside of the lid and both of the little doors in the side. No dice on wiring diagrams. And you bet i will clean out the cobwebs before firing it up. No mice (that I can see yet). The guy I asked mentioned possible military as well. If anyone needs other pics, I can supply.
Reply:Can you slide a digital camera under it to look for numbers or names ?Or use a mirror at 45 degrees....Weldandpower Lincoln 225 AC,DC with Briggs 16hp gas engine.WW2 era Miller TIG.
Reply:The only thing that looks familiar about it to me is the steel wheels. If they are original to the machine my best guess is it was built by Hobart Brothers of Troy Ohio.   That's all it is though a guess.IF IT WORKS, DON'T FIX IT2 Lincoln CV-300 / LN-7 GMALinde-VI 253,400 & 450 w/MIG35 feedersCNC Table with Oxweld O/A & Hypertherm 1250G3Lincoln Ranger GXT 250Hobart-MicroWire 300ESAB Heliarc 161ESAB-Mobilemaster 2 CC/CV Feeders& more
Reply:Try the Oldest welder thread...http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=3572Very cool unit you have there... BTW want to triple your investment
Reply:Looks similar to a Marquette machine I saw once.
Reply:Nice find!!!  I have no idea what it is, but I would be willing to give you $10 for it
Reply:Ok, So I went over it a little more closely this morning. Here are a few findings. I had only checked one door and missed a wiring diagram. On the ground clamp, most of the writing is obliterated, but you can make out 'jackson.' On the other there is a logo for 'quality jackson parts'. Attached Images
Reply:Jackson makes things like electrode holders so that's what that probably represents not the machine itself.That thing sure is clean inside for being as old as it is... I'm surprised there isn't any indication of the maker inside it although mine has nothing other than a small brass plate with a name on it and if it was missing it would be an orphan machine too.Since you live close to the Navy shipyard and there is grey paint on it I'd have to think that's where it originally came from. It probably helped build WW2 ships and from the looks of it maybe even WW1 ships.Give it a few days and someone might look at these threads and offer up some more info. You did good on the price so plug it in and play around with it... I bet it welds great too.
Reply:That is totally cool. I bet when you plug it in and turn it on, the whole block's lights dim!"Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Before you close it back up you should "gently" blow out the inside Don't just start blowing around in there with 100PSI from the compressor though.Then grab the wifes bright red nail polish to re-paint that dial indicator tip back red. The outside is up to you leave it antique or restore & repaint. You must have some intention of using it so enjoy it . You'll never ever get hurt at a dollar for it (unless you stick your finger in it--that might hurt)
Reply:Howdy, Nwood1982I scratched around a bit online, with the keyword  "Ampac" as seen on the connection data sheet.With that, I found that in all likelihood your welder is an Allis-Chalmers built Ampac 200.That'd make a nice trophy for an AC nut.Courtesy of Google, take a look at the Allis Chalmers ad on page 113 of:  LIFE Nov 22, 1943http://books.google.com/books?id=Alc...page&q&f=false
Reply:Now that's amazing detective work... It does look just like that unit ,but danged if I can see how you could see that in that little picture...Collectively we usually seem to find the answers and this one wasn't easy by a long shot. Very good Denrep.
Reply:ha i just scraped one! westinghouse 450A AC only welder.mid 50-late 60s vintage buzz box on steroids.and this looks like its baby brother ...worth about $200 bux in copper. .....  if you dont have anything else to weld with it will workLast edited by bravofab; 07-16-2011 at 10:21 AM.
Reply:Lots of Allis forums out there if you want to off it for a profit.
Reply:Found this by accident... The welder in the center of the page looks pretty close to this machine..http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1960-MUR...item2c598529c7
Reply:Thing is an "Allis Chalmers welder on CL, Milwaukee, WI right now.He says it is AC-DC, but not sure