100 Amp stick welder not working

admin

Hello,I’m a first time poster and newbie welder trying to understand the art of stick welding for no more than small fixes around the household.My wife bought me a cheap 100 amp stick welder from eBay the (model #BX1-100B) for a Christmas gift.When I opened up the box, I stored the welder in the garage and for a test, I only turned on the power to make sure it works.  At that time, I flipped the switch, I heard a buzz and the fan turned on but I didn’t pay attention to see if that green light turned at that time. So I thought the welder was in working order. After 2 weeks I gave it a try yesterday and found that there is no arc. Again, when I turn the switch on, I hear a buzz and the fan turns on. However, this time I paid attention to see if that green light was on and it was NOT. I was told to touch the welding stick to the ground wire and you should get a spark. I don’t. I then opened the box to see if there were any burnt out wires etc. but didn’t see anything out of order but I really don’t know what I’m looking at because everything inside looks foreign to me.  I did a power check and do get power to the stick holder but  at this point I’m stumped here.I can’t return this welder because I trashed all the boxes thinking it was in working order and can’t return. I should have known better. Now I think I’m stuck with a 27 lb. boat anchor.I’m hoping there’s might be some pro on this forum that can help me troubleshoot and maybe get this machine going. Again, I’m a newbie and it could be me. If not, I’m ready to move forward and this time make sure I get a working welding machine. Any suggestion would be appreciated and sorry for the long post.Thanks you!Jag
Reply:Buy another one from whomever your wife bought the first one from. After it comes, initiate an return and tell the seller that it arrived DOA. Use the packaging from unit #2 to return unit #1. Keep unit #2.Do the math on this before you start to make sure that re-stocking fees and return shipping won't make it not worth it.
Reply:To try to answer your question more directly: I don't know what the "green light" you're talking about is, but you say you have power to the electrode. What type and thickness electrode are you using? Is the unit turned all the way up to max power?
Reply:Originally Posted by joshuabardwellTo try to answer your question more directly: I don't know what the "green light" you're talking about is, but you say you have power to the electrode. What type and thickness electrode are you using? Is the unit turned all the way up to max power?
Reply:Holy Cow!I got the welder to arc.I didn't have the electrode clamped on the very end of the electrode. All set on my end.thank you,JAG
Reply:Enjoy your welder in good health.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Originally Posted by jagrunner2602Holy Cow!I got the welder to arc.I didn't have the electrode clamped on the very end of the electrode.
Reply:... incidentally, I wouldn't test the welder by touching a stick to the ground clamp. For one thing, you are going to scorch up your ground clamp. I would clamp the ground to a piece of scrap metal and then try to strike an arc on the scrap. Reason being, number one, you won't mess up your ground clamp and stinger that way, and number two, just because it sparks when you touch the stinger to the ground doesn't mean it'll actually hold an arc and weld. Only way to tell for sure is to try to weld with it.
Reply:Originally Posted by joshuabardwell... incidentally, I wouldn't test the welder by touching a stick to the ground clamp. For one thing, you are going to scorch up your ground clamp. I would clamp the ground to a piece of scrap metal and then try to strike an arc on the scrap. Reason being, number one, you won't mess up your ground clamp and stinger that way, and number two, just because it sparks when you touch the stinger to the ground doesn't mean it'll actually hold an arc and weld. Only way to tell for sure is to try to weld with it.
Reply:Originally Posted by jagrunner2602thanks for the professional info. Being a newby it helps.
Reply:Originally Posted by joshuabardwellI am obligated to say that I'm a total n00b too. Otherwise the real pros on the forum are going to start beating me up.
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuseonly if you start a trailer-building thread!
Reply:Kinda wonder how jagrunner made out with his BX1-100B buzz box.  Two years ago I started out with this exact little machine.  It did pretty good on 1/8" max material thickness.  The projects I did with it are still holding together OK.  I think I paid $70 for it on Amazon.  It was ac only, of course and I still have it as a go to for portable outdoor work to back up my cheapie 100 amp flux core welder when it fails.  Neither can hold a candle to my mm140 though!  Dam!  I love that welder!