Help with old AC-225

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Hey Guys,Long time reader first time poster.  I'm just now getting into welding just for hobby/fun.  I recently picked up 2 older AC-225's for dirt cheap and in the process of repairing one of them.  The problem with the one is I'm not sure how I should reattach the 2 wires from the on/off switch to the transformer?  It appears the previous owner rigged a few things instead of fixing them the right way.  Any ways when I took the case off both wires were attached by like one strand of wire a piece.  I've attached picture for you guys to check.  So far restoring the welder has been pretty fun and can't wait to try it out.  Thanks Jimmy Attached Images
Reply:Do you guys think soldering would work or what do you guys think?Thanks Jimmy
Reply:It's really hard to tell what material is used for the primary coil.  I suspect it's aluminum.  If it is aluminum, you may need some special solder and flux to make a good connection.  I would also recommend using some sort of heat sinking to avoid damaging the insulation paper of the coil.I found this site: http://www.solder-it.com/nvrev.htm  They appear to have some specialty products for soldering dissimilar metals.  Other folks on these forums will probably have some better ideas.  There are lots of very knowledgeable folks around here!Good luck,Bob
Reply:From everything I can tell it's aluminum.  When you say insulation paper on the coil are you saying it can be damaged from the heat soldering?  Sorry it's a dumb question I'm pretty new to all this.Thanks Jimmy
Reply:The coils I am familiar with were made with thin aluminum strip wound with a layer of very thin insulation paper between each layer of aluminum.  The whole transformer was later dipped in varnish.Because high heat can damage almost any type of electrical insulation, I have always tried to avoid getting any insulated part too hot.  I try to keep the heat concentrated as much as possible only on the solder joint.Good luck,Bob
Reply:I can't tell you about that particular machine, but my old Lincwelder 225-AC weighs about twice what my new AC-225 does telling me it is most likely copper wound. Get the serial number and go to Lincoln's webste and look up the manual for the machine, that might tell you.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:For Al. wire use a crimp connector.  I think you can get a no-ox paste to use in the connection to prevent electrolytic corrosion.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill