So I found this welder....

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No gas bottle, or gun thingy, and I'm presuming that big empty space is where the wire goes.It would have been taking up space in someone's shed and they decided to get rid of it.Being a DIY guy, I've always been happy with my stick welder, but I have the weakness many of you would have for picking up stuff that other people toss out.So my questions for you blokes are:1. If it was in working order, would this be a decent machine?2. Is there a way to tell whether it's worth getting itup and running or whether I should just toss it out? I'm presuming if I plug it in and get a green light when I press the 'on' button it's a good sign.3. Would the gun bit and a spool of wire cost much? Do I then have to get a bunch of different types if wire or can I make do with the one? I mostly just do mild steel i.e. nothing fancy.4. I'm guessing I have to buy a gas cylinder? What would this cost?Obviously, if I get it up and running I'll get someone to show me how to use it. Right now I'm just wondering if it's worth the effort.Thanks,Scott Yeah, I carry.House keys, wallet, some change, usually a newspaper, maybe a pen.
Reply:It's a decent small MIG welder. 160A so limited to short-arc. If you can find a gun that fits it, all you need is a roll of 0.8mm ER70S-6 wire and a tank of 75/25 and you should be off and running. Check the drive rolls to make sure they are the correct size.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Thanks for the response, John.So the guns are a standard things i.e. I don't need to track down an Esab one?What is 75/25? (I bet that's a dopey question.)And just between you and me, what on earth are the 'drive rolls'?Yeah, I carry.House keys, wallet, some change, usually a newspaper, maybe a pen.
Reply:75/25 refers to 75% Argon / 25% CO2, the most common shielding gas for MIG welding of steel.The drive rolls are the metal wheels which feed the wire into the gun cable. In the lower left of your third picture, the wheel behind the slotted screw is the main drive wheel. The idler wheel is above it, attached to the moveable arm with the hex head bolt.I'm not that familiar with ESAB guns, least of all what's available in Australia, but if you have a buddy who's knowledgeable about MIG he can explain the basics easier than I can through the computer.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Got it. Thanks. I'll plug it in first and see if it lights up and then go from there. I was happy with my stick welder, but I might as well have a go at this one.Yeah, I carry.House keys, wallet, some change, usually a newspaper, maybe a pen.
Reply:That uses a standard euro gun. $110 no big deal. I would buy that machine for a few bucks.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Go with Lincoln Innershield NR 211 self shielded flux core no gas needed.
Reply:This should help explain the dials http://www.esab.co.uk/gb/en/support/...pact-160-2.pdfParts-scroll down to page 13 PSF160- iffin' ya want ESAB partshttp://www.weldquip.net.au/ebook/pdf...CatFeb19lo.pdfLast edited by Broccoli1; 02-24-2014 at 07:37 PM.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Thanks for the replies.I wouldn't have expected it was possible to get a wire that could do the job without gas. Does that mean it's going to occasionally stick like electrodes do and produce slag that needs to be chipped off?Thanks for the instruction book and parts list. Gee, it's more complicated than stick welding. I have a mate who does a fair bit of welding, so I might drive over to his place and get him to check out the machine and give me a lesson.Yeah, I carry.House keys, wallet, some change, usually a newspaper, maybe a pen.
Reply:Actually it is in some ways easier than stick, on thin to medium thickness welding.The major thing is knowing how to set it up and knowing what it should sound like,and having what you are welding really clean.Changing from gas to gas less wire means that you have to change gun to work clamp polarity.