Toaster upgrade, 110v 100amp craftsman

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This is my portable machine.I removed the 14ga NEMA 6-20 plug it had and installed a flanged NEMA L5-30p. Threw a hat duct around the fan. Ripped out the 10ga leads + wire nuts and installed miller receptacles. Rewired it so the original power switch only powers the fan, that switch is a joke, bet its only rated to switch 5 amps under load.Installed a 15amp light switch to energize the transformer (a big improvement) and added a handy box with couple of NEMA 5-20 receptacles that are always hot.Then added an easy carry handle with hoisting rings to the top (not pictured). Attached ImagesLast edited by mad welder 4; 01-18-2014 at 04:23 PM.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:We need to get you a real welder.  Saw a nice, clean Lincoln motor-generator welder on VA Craigslist the other day.  600 Amp rated but the dial does go to 750. You could weld faster than you can talk about it. Arc gouge into the next county ..."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:My 2 real welders on my list are a dual voltage inverter (likely a miller) and something engine driven.I am just happy to have something not on a cart and weighs under 150lb.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:That is certainly one of the better old school 115 volt arc welders that I have seen.  So how does the thing actually weld?  What rods will it run?  My guesses for rods:a)  6011 (1/16", and 3/32 diameters).b)  6013 (1/16", 5/64", and 3/32 diameters).c)  7014 (1/16", 5/64" for sure, but 3/32" might be getting real close to maxed out??? since 7014 likes amps)d)  Will it run 3/32" diameter 7018AC?
Reply:The welder came with a nice stash rods as part of the deal.3lb of 1/16'' 6013, I tested these and it burns them up pretty quick, way more than enough power for these.An unopened 5lb box plus a half used 2lb box of 3/32'' E6011, these seem to work the best, only testing it on 1/8'' thick steel, not bad at all from an AC machine.And an unopened (therefor untested) 2lb box of Lincoln 3/32'' 7018AC, I will test these at some point but I have a feeling they will end up going to the big 220v craftsman.Not going to try 7014, takes a lot of amps to make all that slag.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:Ah do not get too afraid of 7014.  US Forge (Messer) offers it in both 1/16" and 5/64" diameters and specifically for 115 volt welding power sources too.  Although I think you correct in not having enough oomph for 3/32" 7014.I much prefer 1/16" 7014 to 1/16" 6013 if I just have to use a 1/16" diameter rod.  Basically, I hate all 1/16" diameter rods but ease of 7014 makes them borderline tolerable.  All in all though the 5/64" diameter 6013 are not too bad at all to use as they are shorter in length than standard rods so they are stiff enough to not flex all over the place.In addition to my Lincoln SP-135P, Miller Thunderbolt AC225/DC150; I also have a little unknown brand 50 amp fixed output 115 volt AC arc welder.  That little crap box will burn 5/64" 6013 and 1/16" diameter 7014 and that is it.  I prefer the 5/64" 6013 most of the time with it.
Reply:Originally Posted by rankrank1Ah do not get too afraid of 7014.  Basically, I hate all 1/16" diameter rods but ease of 7014 makes them borderline tolerable.  In addition to my Lincoln SP-135P, Miller Thunderbolt AC225/DC150; I also have a little unknown brand 50 amp fixed output 115 volt AC arc welder.  That little crap box will burn 5/64" 6013 and 1/16" diameter 7014 and that is it.  I prefer the 5/64" 6013 most of the time with it.
Reply:My crap box is my own name that I affectionately call it since it does not have a brand.  It is not adjustable at all, but in fairness I only paid $8 for it a yard sale.  It is 115 volt AC input power and 50 amp AC welding output.  In other words the output amps are not adjustable at all.  The only 2 rods that will run decently with it are 1/16" diameter 7014 and 5/64" diameter 6013 as 50 amps is close to sweet spot for both of these.  Only other thing you can adjust is your welding technique/travel speed.  It is a limited welding power source, but still capable of a few repairs here and there.  Duty cycle is much too low on it though to consider it anything other than a quick repair type machine.  A person would go nuts trying to build a large project from scratch with it as the duty cycle is real low.I do not really like 1/16" diameters either, but 7014 is my pick on a low quality AC power source if I have to use 1/16 diameter.  If I run 1/16" diameter 6013 then the Miller Thunderbolt will be used as I much prefer DC over AC on settings below 50 amps which is what 1/16" 6013 needs.  Do remember 7014 is a fast deposition rod so it will burn up quickly in this small size.  I most notice the difference between AC and DC at really low amp settings (say 50 or less).  At higher amp settings then I can usually make either AC or DC do what I need with adjusting the amps accordingly.Last edited by rankrank1; 01-18-2014 at 10:31 PM.