Garage sale deal..... (or not) ?

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picked up this Miller Thunderbolt today for 200 bux.   hardly used, the guy said he bought it to run some 5/32 hardfacing rod and kept blowing his breaker (30A) and found he had only 12 ga. wire to the receptacle so he gave up and just put it away and forgot about it . It's not as big a welder as I wanted, but for $200 I figured I could'nt go wrong.  So..... is it a good deal or not ?...never owned a buzzbox before, only engine driven.
Reply:200 for an AC/DC thunder bolt is pretty good from what I've seen round here.I am curious as to what that switch or pot post is sticking out of the label.
Reply:I think you did ok it's older model but those transformer welders last . I have the Hobart version it works well use it in my shop so I don't have to fire up my engine drive .
Reply:Originally Posted by npg170200 for an AC/DC thunder bolt is pretty good from what I've seen round here.I am curious as to what that switch or pot post is sticking out of the label.
Reply:Look like stove bolts to me. Must have gotten tired of scratching his hand on the top one and broke it off. My question is what did he bolt on inside or maybe just the switch mounting bolts in back to front?---MeltedmetalLast edited by Meltedmetal; 01-21-2014 at 08:17 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by MeltedmetalLook like stove bolts to me. Must have gotten tired of scratching his hand on the top one and broke it off. My question is what did he bolt on inside or maybe just the switch mounting bolts in back to front?---Meltedmetal
Reply:I see he had to replace the switch.  I had to do the same thing.  It came with a heavy duty light switch.  I attempted to tighten the cord and then 1/3 of the switch housing broke off.   Miller is still using the same things.
Reply:Originally Posted by deafmanI see he had to replace the switch.  I had to do the same thing.  It came with a heavy duty light switch.  I attempted to tighten the cord and then 1/3 of the switch housing broke off.   Miller is still using the same things.
Reply:I have the newer version and I would buy it again for $200.
Reply:Lucky, I'm looking for that exact machine and have not found one for under 300. Good job, enjoy
Reply:Sounds fair to me . It looks like it's a 1994 by serial number. If it works on all settings you did good . http://www.millerwelds.com/service/s...reference.htmlHere's the manual, http://www.millerwelds.com/service/l...erial=KE694633
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Fair enough price.I would replace the screws with pop rivets. That or some button head cap screws.IMHO of course
Reply:I've got a good assortment of buttonhead screws and I'll use nylox nuts to prevent vibration loss.  Good idea, thanks, guys.  And I'm just particular enough about my stuff to see if I can find some new decals for the face too.
Reply:I hope the switch isn't just some 15 Amp light switch he used to replace an original."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 bought the same welder from craigs list a few years ago for 250.  I like it and feel I've already got my money back.  When you pull the cover check to be sure the shunt is moving freely.  I've seen several that had hardened grease making it difficult to move the shunt.  It'll be obvious if there's a problem.
Reply:i had one till i burned it out. up till then it was a great machine. good deal!i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:If my feeble memory serves me correctly, I paid about that much for mine 35 years ago when I packed it out of the LWS brand spankin new.  Must have been before the light duty switches cause mine is like a Zippo,  "Lights first time, every time".  You did well!RogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:I pulled the sheet metal off today and was surprised at the clean interior. Very little dust, and the shunt looked like it had fresh lube on it. I cleaned and re-lubed and put the right screws on the switch mount and buttoned it back up. The short leads that came with it aren't gonna cut it though. I have some 50' leads with Tweco ends that I'll change out to the Miller ends. Or maybe I might be better off changing the ones on the machine to accept the Twecos.... at any rate I'm pleased with the purchase and as soon as the electrician get here tomorrow to pull a 60A circuit in for me, I'll be burnin some rod !
Reply:I wouldn't change the connectors on the Thunderbolt, especially since there are 5 of them. Just get 2 Miller cable connectors and 2 female Tweco connectors and make a set of adapters.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Originally Posted by Silicon-basedI wouldn't change the connectors on the Thunderbolt, especially since there are 5 of them. Just get 2 Miller cable connectors and 2 female Tweco connectors and make a set of adapters.John
Reply:That looks like a good deal on a solid Miller machine. Did you get the "Wirsbo" set at the sale also, or are you a Plumber ? I used to use Wirsbo, but I prefer crimp ring now.
Reply:Originally Posted by BradTNThat looks like a good deal on a solid Miller machine. Did you get the "Wirsbo" set at the sale also, or are you a Plumber ? I used to use Wirsbo, but I prefer crimp ring now.