AC Welder won't hold an arc. Ideas?

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First off, thanks for the resources this a very cool forum. I purchased a welder locally to use around the farm. I wired a new circuit for it, plugged it in and heard the fan noise as I smiled. But once I hooked in the leads I found that it seems to have VERY low amperage, or at least that's my diagnosis. Whenever I try to scratch an arc I get some sparks and maybe the rod will stick. Repeat. After trying for about 15 minutes on 180 amps I got an arc that was smaller than my brother's machine on 40a. I have tried on every setting just in case but no luck Thinking that the leads were just old and beat I replaced them but am still having the same trouble. Ground clamp is nice and tight and I'm using new electrodes straight from the box (6011, 6013). circuit has no issues, we tested that already.Stats: Sears/Craftsman brand (model 113.202460)  220 vac  20-180amp range. Pic: Being it's just a huge transformer I assume there should be an obvious solution but I'm used to disappointment. I have a second machine so once (if) I get it running I'll decide which I like better and sell one. If I can't get it running I'll take any reasonable ofer.~Brian
Reply:NIce machine, I have used thos a little. This is not normal. My guess is dirty contacts. They let a little current through , but not enough.     Start at the plug and clean and tighten every connection from there to the clamps on the leads. Sometimes folks switch these under load and burn the slide switch. the main power switch could be dirty as well.    When it is fixed it should be verry happy at 90 to 130 amps.past work toys; lathes,mills, drills, saws,  robots, lasers ironworker, shears, brake, press, grinders, tensile tester,  torches, tigs, migs, sticks, platten table, positioner,  plasmas , gleeble and spot. Retired June 30, 2009.
Reply:Originally Posted by wesdavidsonNIce machine, I have used thos a little. This is not normal. My guess is dirty contacts. They let a little current through , but not enough.     Start at the plug and clean and tighten every connection from there to the clamps on the leads. Sometimes folks switch these under load and burn the slide switch. the main power switch could be dirty as well.    When it is fixed it should be verry happy at 90 to 130 amps.
Reply:well, it's broke, can't get much broker. What you can't fix you will learn from. I've learned a lot that waypast work toys; lathes,mills, drills, saws,  robots, lasers ironworker, shears, brake, press, grinders, tensile tester,  torches, tigs, migs, sticks, platten table, positioner,  plasmas , gleeble and spot. Retired June 30, 2009.
Reply:It's an AC only so you don't have any diodes or internal contacts (not counting the on-off switch) to clean or worry about miswiring, so pull the cover off, check the cable connections, check to see if the moving core is actually moving to adjust the current, and maybe look for corroded windings or other such obvious problems. (It could have aluminum windings which corrode easier than copper.)
Reply:Originally Posted by wesdavidsonwell, it's broke, can't get much broker. What you can't fix you will learn from. I've learned a lot that way
Reply:Well, it looks as if it uses a different system than I supposed. Anyway, if you need to see a parts breakdown (which might show up better when printed), take a look at this:  Model 113.202460 breakdown Amazing what shows up when the fingers do the walking....past Google!
Reply:Originally Posted by Oldiron2Well, it looks as if it uses a different system than I supposed. Anyway, if you need to see a parts breakdown (which might show up better when printed), take a look at this:  Model 113.202460 breakdown Amazing what shows up when the fingers do the walking....past Google!
Reply:I never understood why they make the case so big when there is not much inside (like a tombstone).  Maybe it's so it won't look small and whimpy.  Just think of a car battery with corroded ends.  pull off everything ONE AT A TIME, and cut the ends and re-do them.
Reply:Before you go any further.  Check those two wires coming into the switch and see for sure that you have 240 volts or close to it coming in to the switch and not 120.Good luck.Trailblazer 302Hobart Stickmate AC/DCLincoln SP 135 TSmith torchSpoolmatic 30A