New to the forum and stick welding

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Hey guys new to the forum not exactly new to welding but I have never used a stick welder. Well I went to harbor freights tent sale and just happened to come across an arc 180 open box. It had no leads, and no plug. Well my dad had the cables for leads and I can get the plug wired up, but I brought it home and turned the crank the piece to adjust the amps wouldn't move. Now I payed $25 for this thing so not a huge deal but I want to try it out. The threaded rod attached to the crank goes into a piece of plastic inside the welder. That plastic pieces is stripped out so when that rod spins it just turns and turns and doesn't push or pull...anyone have any ideas for a fix?
Reply:Originally Posted by Noodles5124Hey guys new to the forum not exactly new to welding but I have never used a stick welder. Well I went to harbor freights tent sale and just happened to come across an arc 180 open box. It had no leads, and no plug. Well my dad had the cables for leads and I can get the plug wired up, but I brought it home and turned the crank the piece to adjust the amps wouldn't move. Now I payed $25 for this thing so not a huge deal but I want to try it out. The threaded rod attached to the crank goes into a piece of plastic inside the welder. That plastic pieces is stripped out so when that rod spins it just turns and turns and doesn't push or pull...anyone have any ideas for a fix?
Reply:Anything can be fixed, it's just a matter of whether or not the effort, time and price are worth it.Post some pics of the plastic part including what it moves when it operates correctly.  Its prolly stripped becuase the part it moves isnt moving correctly.  Funny thing is you might need a welder to fabricate the part.  I'm sure a nut that threads onto the rod and mounts to another piece would serve your needs, provided it wasn't made of plastic originally to prevent electrical conduction.  Shortfuse's answer may apply here buddy, sorry.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I will post pictures when I get a chance...reason this thing isn't going in the dumpster is because if I take the cover off I can move the adjuster by hand so it is still useable and again I payed $25 for it so $25 to start practicing is a small price to me but I do have to get a plug so I can turn this thing I and actually test i
Reply:Is it this model ?http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals...568.pdf‎You'll just have to do some home-brew repair or replacement of the stripped part."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:Originally Posted by OldendumIs it this model ?http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals...568.pdf‎You'll just have to do some home-brew repair or replacement of the stripped part.
Reply:Try this link:http://images.harborfreight.com/manu...4999/44568.pdf"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:Looks to be the same with very slight differences ill post a picture of mine after work today
Reply:Wow.60# weight, 230V input.10% duty cycle at 100 amps DC.Sounds like the dumpster is a good idea.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Well I fixed the adjuster so all I need to so is pick up a ground clamp and a plug and well see how it works
Reply:Originally Posted by Noodles5124Well I fixed the adjuster so all I need to so is pick up a ground clamp and a plug and well see how it works
Reply:Originally Posted by CharleyhorseI've got one of those arc 180's and it's a decent welder.  It's copper wound and it probably has at least a $20.00 scrap value.  It can burn 3/32 rods all day long with no complaints.  I've got bigger name brand machines, but I like the arc 180, fix it, don't trash it.  If you watch the duty cycle and don't overheat it, it will last a long time.
Reply:Finally got around to hooking up a plug. Welder works great, used 3/32 rod and put down a few decent beads...still have some practicing to do but this was my first time stick welding and I'm pleased with how the welder works...just need to try out some different rods and setting
Reply:No one believes you have a welder unless we see pictures of it with you welding!Weld On!