Century Stick welder problem

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I just got a Century model 110-081 stick welder.  Paid $50 for it, looks in pretty good shape.I'm having a problem with the amperage dial on the front of the machine, and wondering what to do about it.  I read a couple of similar problems on this forum, but no solution yet.Anyway, there is a rod that you apparently pull to lock or unlock the dial.  But the dial just won't budge.  It's been sitting in a guys shop for a long time, so I'm thinking it's a corrosion problem.Any ideas how to break it free and get it moving again?  Anyone with this model of Century welder?  (It's a 295 amp AC unit with a high and low output).Thanks for any info anyone hasJohnIt's better to curse the darkness than to set yourself on fire.
Reply:My first machine is a 230amp AC machine from Century. The amp control is two levers above and below each other that simply slide up and down. As yours is, mine also has a low and a high tap to plug the stinger into. The amp control has always, and I mean always been tough to adjust. You must squeeze up on the lower locking lever, then adjust the two together for a nice, guestimate of the actual amperage setting!  Like you say, it is probably corrosion setting in from neglect. Crack the case open and have a look, maybe a generous dose of electrical contact cleaner would help. Let us know what you find, I've never opened mine up.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:I found the problem.  Here is an image of the insides.  The locking rod actuatess this set of levers.  The middle one attaches to an axle that moves the plate in the transformer.  A little corrosion locked them tight, but a couple drops of oil seems to have fixed it.  I'll go ahead with the contact cleaner, but fortunately this problem is not electrical. Attached ImagesIt's better to curse the darkness than to set yourself on fire.
Reply:I think you are on the right track with a bit of oil. Sounds good, let us know how it welds! City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:We have one of the 230 amp models that can also TIG with the dial settings on the front. The problem we've run into (too much lubricating) is the dial will vibrate while laying a bead and it slowly starts backing off the amps.  Just when you get a good bead running the weld turns to crap cause you lost too many amps.  Just beware, they are notorious for that.MichaelMillermatic 25115" Rockwell Drill Press10" Logan Lathe5hp - 2-stage 80 Gallon CompressorHome Made Sand / Soda Blaster