A.O. Smith A3000

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I'm new around here, but thought I'd jump right in with a request for a little help.  Several years ago, I bought an old A.O. Smith TIG machine off a guy for pretty cheap.  When I bought it, it was supposed to be a working unit that had been sitting inside for several years.  At $300, I figured if it was a total loss, I could strip the copper out of it, scrap the copper, and get most of my money back.Anyway, I'm just now getting around to checking the thing over, and have replaced the original electrical wire connections from the machine to the pedal, and have gotten a collet, tungsten, cup, and tail cap for the torch.My request is for a manual or any information about this machine.  In a couple of days, I plan to plug the thing in and turn it on from about 10 feet away using a long broom handle...
Reply:OK, found out a bit about my TIG: I contacted AO Smith, who are still in business manufacturing electric motors and water heaters.  They said that their welding division was purchased by ESAB in the early 1960's, and that they had no archived information.So, I contacted ESAB.  They said that ESAB had purchased Airco, and that perhaps Airco had purchased AO Smith's welding division prior to ESAB's purchase of Airco, but at any rate, had no information about my welder.  The rep that emailed me back from ESAB did give me contact info for a couple of companies in SoCal that specialize in the repair and maintenance of older machines.  I contacted one of them, and was told that my TIG machine is actually a label machine manufactured by a company called P&H.  Anyway, for $12.75, they'll send me a manual.  I'm sending out a check today...
Reply:From the current P&H Comapny's website (they now manufacture minig equipment):   Q. I have a P&H welding machine that needs maintenance or repair. What is my best course of action for this situation?The P&H Welding business, along with all the technical engineering drawings and documents supporting the line, was sold in 1968. The firm that bought the P&H Welding business later on discontinued this product line.Should your P&H Welding equipment require service support, we suggest contacting a local or regional welding equipment service support provider, one of whom might be willing to retro-fit old P&H Welding machines with modern components in order to restore them to working order. The company that has the manual can be found at www.arcowelder.com  I hope this helps anyone that comes across one of these in the future...Last edited by Mad Jack; 07-16-2004 at 10:23 AM.
Reply:cool, it's amazing sometimes how many companies are owned by othersStangnetShop Full Of Stuff. Joey
Reply:Try Ebay for a manual.  If you don't find one for sale, try asking some of the literature sellers.  They can often find a rare treasure through their networks.Get it hot and hit it hard...
Reply:cool, it's amazing sometimes how many companies are owned by others
Reply:Try Ebay for a manual. If you don't find one for sale, try asking some of the literature sellers. They can often find a rare treasure through their networks.
Reply:Hi Mad Jack,I was reading your thread and in response to aluminum welding flux, try this site www.tinmantech.comI do not mean to speak poorly of your local welding shops regarding Aluminum gas welding, but how do they think airplanes were welded during WWII!!!Hope this helps,Seth
Reply:I welded aluminum back in the 70's with oxyfuel.  The rods were precoated with flux and had to be kept in an oven until just prior to use.  That meant take one rod from the oven and use it, then go get another.  The flux was highly hygroscopic and sucked water like a sponge.  If you laid a rod down on a slab, it would have a puddle of water around it in a few minutes.  An older trick is to use plain old 20 Mule Team borax.  You heat the end of the bare rod a bit and stick it in the borax, which will adhere to the rod - then get to welding.Get it hot and hit it hard...