Just bought an old Powcon 130SE; Couple questions:

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Small inverter, made in Italy, marketed here; PowCon was evidently in San Diego (where I live); now apparently defunct, but others sell parts, etc.I think it works.  It turns on, but has no leads and electrodes.  230V plug is missing. I got it for a song, so I'm not agonizing over it--and of course, my little MIller just got delivered yesterday, and that's taking most of my attention.  So:Anyone know the size of the Dinse plugs on the end (there's a size number, I think), and which cables might be appropriate?  At the moment I'll get eBay stuff, just in case the welder doesn't work.Thanks in advance!Steve BradleyMiller 150SVictor OA outfit...PowCon 130SE (It Works!!)Backyard ShopLots of old toolsToo Many Bicycles
Reply:Hi:Just read your post and thought I would comment on the 130se.The info about the se should be here. I don't know if the dinse plug size is though > http://www.arconweld.com/Powcon_Oper...on-manuals.htmI have 2 of those 130se's currently and had 6 of them way back when. 1 of them I use currently and the other one is brand new still in the box.I worked in the food industry long ago and needed small tig machines for my men to fuse sanitary stainless tubing lines (16 to 20 gage - 1" to 4" dia) in extremely challenging locations. We had small argon bottle packs (like back packs) and the guys would whip one of the powcons over their shoulder, climb a ladder or scaffold and fuse argon purged ss tubing lines & fittings in hard to reach places. These machines (in my opinion) are still today unbeatable.At that time I think I paid 1500 each with bottle, tig torch & regulator. There was no such thing back then as a 6 lb. welding machine.In perspective, I've never had one single issue with any one of them even when I took one overseas. (50hz or 60hz) The one I use now is wired with a 3 prong "Male" twist lock on the machine and I have 2 cables that I can attach to it. 1 is a 3 prong "Female" twist lock to 115 male plug and the other is a 3 prong "female" twist lock to a 220 plug.These machines, the 130SE model has auto switching technology that senses 220 or 115 and needs nothing to switch from one voltage to another. It does it automatically!(check the schematic on top of the case, open the case & make sure there is no voltage switch or lug. If there is none, it is a 130se and will auto switch)  Now take your 10 gage 100' extension cord and go where you want with either voltage you prefer. They are awesome machines.I started welding at 18 and 40 years later I have still not seen anything like 130se. I've run 5/32 7018 with it "all day long" only stopping because I needed a break, not the machine.Good luck with that welder. If it works, (and I've never seen a dead one) your in for a very nice surprise!
Reply:Thank you so much for the information.  I thought it was something good when I saw the ad, so I took the chance and bought it.  It does work, and uses the same dinse plugs as my other welder, so I got some cables and plugs for that one as well.  That's an excellent recommendation, and I'll take excellent care of it.Steve BradleyMiller 150SVictor OA outfit...PowCon 130SE (It Works!!)Backyard ShopLots of old toolsToo Many Bicycles