Tri Star 230 AC/DC. Worth $75-$100?

admin

I believe this is a re-badged Century. She looks a bit used but I hear the older the better for these stick machines.   Just figuring the DC option would make this a decent deal since I've been on the hunt for one.
Reply:If it welds well, it's a very good deal. It's frequently hard to find AC/DC machines that low. If it has a crank on the top, it sort of looks like the old Miller Thunderbolts, but I wouldn't rule out the Century's either. The face looks very similar in shape to the old Century made Craftsman I used to own.Most basic Transformer stick machines have very little to them so there's not much to break and if they do, they are easy to repair..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:I really couldn't find any real reference to the Tri Star's so wanted to make sure it wasn't a cheap masquerader. I've already placed a shout out to the seller.Thanks again for your input DSW!
Reply:It's a Century.  Sears, Montgomery Ward and Dayton had the same thing in different colors."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:I just got a Miller thunderbolt for $150 and that looks just like it. I'm guessing it must have a crank on top to set the amperage. It's a good deal if it works well. The old transformer machines with copper windings last forever.Millermatic250Miller Spoolmate 200Miller Spoolmatic 1Lincoln tombstone with century DC converter1945 K.O. Lee company stick welder (looks like R2D2)Miller 30E feederHobart AH27 FeederMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC
Reply:Thanks for the replies!The gentleman selling this item on Craigslist was the epitome of a perfect seller in every way. To make a long story short, I picked it up this morning soon after he contacted me. It was exactly as he described; Paint is a bit rough but otherwise in very good lightly used condition. It was complete with the original ground and electrode holder/cable while also including a Tweco electrode holder and nearly 20ft of 2/0 (just needs a proper plug). Couldn't see a need for any bargaining so met his asking price of $100.I've taken it apart to blow it out and while there I cleaned and lubed the on/off switch contacts, cleaned the fan and lubed the bearings/bushings. I'd like to know is there anything else I could/should take attention to?Thanks again for everyone's input.click for larger images
Reply:The most important thing is to lubricate the sliding shunt and all of the moving parts associated with it, esp. the adjusting handle/lock mechanism.Also, check the tightness of all the electrical connections on the primary and secondary sides. A loose connection can generate enough heat to damage wires and connectors.Clean and check the tapered-pin plugs and sockets where the cables plug in to the welder. If the pin ends of the cable look bad or get hot while welding, the pin plugs can be replaced. Lenco part # UP-10 will fit that machine, as I know from experience. It's a nice welder and you got a deal!JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Right on the bottom front in fine print it says made by Century."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:@Silicon-basedThanks a bunch for the itemization. You hit on the one thing I was really unsure of, that being the shunt. I had already lubed all the lever mechanisms but remain unsure as to what could/should be done (if anything) to lubricate the Mica-like material of the shunt. I'll also double check that all electrical connections are secure. The sockets are all quite well fitting still, they should be good for quite some time. This welder truly does look to have been used very little. Thanks for the heads-up on the Lenco part # for the plug. I'll pick up one of those and put the Tweco holder to use.@OldendumYup, couldn't be any more clear than that. If the seller had put the model # in the ad that would have told the whole story as it seems that kept constant through all badging.If this could come of help to anyone out there I'm attaching the owners manual for the model # 110-114 welder (Century 230, Tri Star 230, Sears, Montgomery Ward, etc).Manual  >  http://home.comcast.net/~golem/temp/...l_110-114).pdf
Reply:[QUOTE=golem;1782541]Thanks for the replies! It was complete with the original ground and electrode holder/cable while also including a Tweco electrode holder and nearly 20ft of 2/0 (just needs a proper plug)./QUOTE]You should be able to take the plug off the OEM rod lead and put it on the Tweco lead.  Looks like a great welder, should do anything you need.
Reply:Originally Posted by copeYou should be able to take the plug off the OEM rod lead and put it on the Tweco lead.
Reply:Originally Posted by golemThanks for the reply.Both holders and cables are in very good condition so I'm thinking I'd like to have each in ready-to-run mode. Your suggestion though does provide me opportunity to ask about the plug removal/installation. Does the sleeve of the plug screw off? I couldn't, simply for curiosity reasons, get any movement of it. Wasn't too pressed about it as I figured after purchasing a new plug I'd have the answer.
Reply:Originally Posted by copeSome have a slide on jacket, but I have never seen one that screws on.
Reply:Yep, the plugs that come with the welders are crimped on. They tend to develop problems due to the cable flexing near the plug, i.e. they get hot. That's when you replace 'em.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:I just bought one a few minutes ago with a small Husky pancake air compressor for $75.00. I only bought it cause it was ac/dc