Old GE arc welder

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I've been clearing out my dad's garage and would like to get some info on this old General Electric welder model 6WK1831.  It does work, but I know nothing about it.  I have all the leads.  Google provided me with nothing.  Is it an AC or DC arc welder?  Any guesses on what year it was manufactured?  What would be a reasonable value?  Pretty sure it would have to be a local sale as this thing weighs 350 pounds.  Any info would be appreciated. Attached ImagesLast edited by Kdmount; 09-09-2015 at 10:25 AM.Reason: grammatical errors
Reply:Very cool looking welder. Probably AC only.
Reply:Nice welder! My guess is mid 40's and it is AC only. Here is a GE video from 1944 with a welder that looks a lot like yours.My "collection":Homemade Stick WelderVictor O/A TorchAC 225Ideal Arc 250HF 90 Amp Flux CoreHF Mig 170Solar 2020 Plasma CutterPower i-Mig 140EHarris O/A torchHF Dual Mig 131140STAlpha Tig 200x
Reply:With the war, everyone and their brother was making welders during that time too...Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I would guess it was manufactured prior to 1950. Worth depends on location and if someone wants an old AC welder.  $200. maybe?  It is a bigger beast than a Lincoln ac-225."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Super cool old beastie You better not live near me...I'd probably have to buy it Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Thanks for the replies.  That video was really interesting!  Not sure if I will keep it or try and sell it.  It is a bit unwieldy and it would take up a fair amount of my limited garage space.  If you are in East Texas and are interested, give me a shout (MinnesotaDave you're lucky!!).
Reply:Originally Posted by KdmountThanks for the replies.  That video was really interesting!  Not sure if I will keep it or try and sell it.  It is a bit unwieldy and it would take up a fair amount of my limited garage space.  If you are in East Texas and are interested, give me a shout (MinnesotaDave you're lucky!!).
Reply:they don't make welders (or anything) like that anymore.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:I'd say you could probably get a bit more for it than a typical AC buzzbox goes for on Craigslist because of the cool factor. I'd get as much info as you can on it and put it up for $350 or so.
Reply:Originally Posted by Sharon NeedlesI'd say you could probably get a bit more for it than a typical AC buzzbox goes for on Craigslist because of the cool factor. I'd get as much info as you can on it and put it up for $350 or so.
Reply:Originally Posted by mad welder 4Or even better, put it on ebay, then everyone all over the country can find it. Never know someone in dallas or even on the east coast might be willing to pay a premium for it or drive all night to come get it.
Reply:Yours is in impressively good condition. If it was my dads machine, I'd be keeping it for sentimental sake.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:It is a industrial 200 amp ,they did make 180 amp farm welders. It is the small model ,they went up to 500 amps. I would keep it , same as a Idealarc 250 AC!
Reply:Thanks for all the replies and info. I will probably hang on to it for a while since it was the first welder I learned on, as well as the first welder my son learned on.  I'll keep digging for more info.  Thanks again!