Mystery Buzzbox

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Many years ago I did a bunch of maintenance welding at a plastics factory. This is the welder they provided. I am not positive if it is the exact machine I used, but it very well could be. It looks identical down to the rusty front.It was a good machine for general welding, but for the life of me I can not remember the brand, if I ever even knew it. Today while surfing around Craigslist I happened upon the add these pics are from. Anyone know what brand buzzbox this is. Thanks,-Spike
Reply:Craftsman, Marquette, Century???
Reply:Maybe Montgomery Wards.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Thanks for the ideas. I did a google image search of the names and no joy. I may never know. Shame NAFTA closed us down or I'd still be there and I could look.-Spike
Reply:Century rebranded .
Reply:Yep, it's a Century. Somewhere on the panel there will be a 6-digit number which is the Century code # regardless of who it was made for.There is virtually nothing that can go wrong with it as long as the fan runs and the amp adjustment lever moves freely. The only maintenance required is greasing the moving parts of the shunt mechanism inside.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Thanks for the replies. Shame I can't learn the name used for this particular welder, it would make internet searches for it much easier.-Spike
Reply:I'd bet it was built by Twentieth Century, which later shortened their name to Century. It was marketed by somebody else or Twentieth Century would be all over it. According to the guy who did free "welding clinics" to sell these, they were magical with features no one else knew about. Take off the sheet metal, there aren't any secret components. They were good welders. Mine was guaranteed for 25 years of continuous welding at 100% duty cycle, probably weighs 200 LBS.
Reply:Twentieth Century/Century.  They made welders for many companies, including Hobart, ESAB, Air Products, AIRCO, Sears and Wards.Last edited by Oldendum; 11-30-2014 at 07:50 AM."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:Mine was 295 amps, looked a little different. Along with welding, I thawed water lines all over town with it, Had a bunch of 70 amp breakers with adapters to connect to various panels. Usually 1/2 hour to set up, 10 minutes to thaw.
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumTwentieth Century/Century.  They made welders for many companies, including Hobart, ESAB, Air Products, AIRCO, Sears and Wards.