Crackerbox AC-225 only works at 170+

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guys,I aquired an AC-225 a month ago. It is a older one. I am a beginer at welding and building my first project and enjoying it.My problem is this, I was using some 6013 rods at 90 amps, went to 7018 at 150amps.Now it will not operate at lower than 170 amps. I have taken the back off and used emery cloth on the contacts of the dial and it still is not working. my setup is as follows: 50amp breaker, 6 guage wire.do you think that the machine is just dead at the lower amps? I dont want to sink much money in this as I picked it up for $150 and I can get a new one for $100 more.any and all help is great.thanksJoel
Reply:jluke!Check the main knob to be sure it is seating into and onto the contacts, it should turn hard with a heavy snap from one amp setting to another, its spring loaded and the center rod that runs through the face of the machine rides up inside in between settings and needs to snap back down onto the next contact.I had a similar problem with my Lincoln engine drives main amp knob, it was just plain wore out at the most used spots and the spring was week, allowing it to ride up but not back down to make contact, I replaced the amp control assembly and the machine works great now!#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:Another thing to check that another member here had a problem with is the wiper on the underside of the contact had fallen off, he replaced it and all was well!#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:I did notice once that the wiper had come off under the spring. fixed it but still a no go.I am going to keep messing with it, but last night I was at homedepot and there was another one sitting out of the box. I looked at it and you could tell someone brought it back with a little bit of splatter on the clamp. I asked the store manager if he would take 180 bucks for it since it was used. He told me it wasnt used, I showed him the splatter, he told me to get it out of the store!I feel I scored!thanks for your helpJoel
Reply:Sounds like you got a great deal "Congrats"On your old one.I wouldn't toss it, its got to be something simple like a loose connection or something, there really isn't much that can go wrong with one of those machines!#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!