Is this thing dangerous?

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I found this old arc welder in the back of my fathers shop. I really don't know much about it. I want to plug it in and get it fired up. However I have a few things I need to learn first. Is this thing dangerous? Any special instructions required? How old is it? What's it worth? I've done a little arc welding in the past, so I understand a little how it's suppose to work.I'll wait for a response before I do anything foolish.Funny thing is I've been filling welding mixes for 30 years and I know nothing about welding!!Thanks in advance for your response.
Reply:Well, by looking at all that iron surrounding it I'd say it must be dangerous.  They didn't want it to escape!!  Look it up here on this sight, your not the first to have one.  Just plug it in and fire away.  Best regards Bob
Reply:That looks like a pristine Lincwelder AC180C, though I can't see the fine print. Maybe someone repainted it along the way, but still ...The Lincwelder 180s were made from about 1948 to maybe mid-1950s or so.  My AC180C was made in 1952. A couple years later they had the AC180K. Yours is early, as the low line voltage switch on the right was later changed to a plug-in, so people wouldn't inadvertently switch it on. Post a closer up picture of the faceplate.  That one is definitely a wee bit different than others I've seen. I would guess 1948-1950 or thereabouts.What it is worth is that it was in your Dad's shop.  A real collector might give you a couple hundred as it is a rare example.  Mine is intact but nowhere as pretty, and I gave $50. for it. But mine is a real dull red and never repainted. I got mine from an old fellow who listed it for about $150. on Craigslist.  I emailed him back and said I had no need for a stick welder (see my signature line) but I didn't want it to go for scrap and wanted to preserve it for posterity.  Got an email back with the $50. price.  Adoption fee. Done deal.Edit:  I would put that one about 1948, based on a pic I saved.  Maybe a year or two later due to the label and the two receptacles in the lower front. Last edited by Oldendum; 02-14-2015 at 05:01 PM."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:Thanks for your reply.. Very informational!! Here's a picture of the face plate with serial number and code number. This thing has been sitting around for years, maybe twenty or so. I actually plugged it in today and played with it for a little while. It seemed to run fine.
Reply:It's really nice. Keep it and pass it on to your grandkids. It's a 1951 year model. Here's the manual for it:http://www.lincolnelectric.com/asset...oln3/im124.pdf
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Reply:Cruzee51It must be dangerous - someone built a 'jail' around it.Great welding, and family artifact - keep it as is.Opus
Reply:Of course its dangerous.Are there any welding machines or processes that are not dangerous?old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Dangerous? Only to your wallet - because the addiction will begin soon 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:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDave... the addiction will begin soon ...