Need help with old craftsman welder

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I just picked this up today and don't know anything about it. There's no rating plate anywhere that I could see but I could make out craftsman faintly. The cables are cracked and obviously need to be replaced, and I plan to take the cover off and clean the inside. Is there anything else I should do before I try this?
Reply:Obviously checking the power cable like you said. Look inside and make sure you don't have a pack rat nest or something that'll catch fire. Blow it out with air if you have it. Pay close attention to safety. Don't be afraid of asking a question and looking dumb. That's why I'm here. and I'm getting good.Arcon Workhorse 300MSPowcon 400SMTPowcon SM400 x 2Powcon SM3001968 SA200 Redface1978 SA250 DieselMiller Super 32P FeederPre 1927 American 14" High Duty LatheK&T Milwaukee 2H Horizontal MillBryan
Reply:I have one a lot like that, same lay out, mine just has a higher amp output.Its a 220v machine for sure.Its going to need a 50 amp connection to use it at full power.I tried mine out on a 30 amp breaker and it would flip occasionally and any time the electrode stuck when set for 160 amps.If the power cable looks like the rest of the machine then replace it with a 6-50p or 10-50p.My craftsman needed new high voltage cable, new new junction box, new leads, needed all the connection inside the machine needed to be cleaned then tightened down and inside needed to be dusted.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:This is what it should look like: I just sold this one for $80. It was a decent machine, nothing to right home about.IAMAW Local 330Airco 300 AC/DC HeliwelderAirco Dip-Pak 200 with Profax spool gunPowr-Kraft AC225Everlast PowerArc 200stBuffalo Forge No.21 drill pressSpeedglas 9100xxAirco, Oxweld, Purox, Victor torchesLincoln Ranger 8
Reply:The most important thing to check is the control on the left. It is a tap switch (like the one on a Tombstone, but linear). On a machine of that age, the contacts probably have a lot of corrosion on them. Before the welder is used they should be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated with dielectric grease.Other than the switches and the fan, there are no moving parts to go wrong. It will run practically forever if not abused.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Thanks for the help!  I guess the first thing is to see what it would cost to replace everything and see if it's even worth it and go from there.  I have some leads that may work so I really shouldn't have to spent too much.  I'll post some updates as I have them.  I can't make out the model number in wnywelder's pic, can someone tell me what model mine is?
Reply:Your welder looks like an older model than wnywelder's, so it probably is not the same model number. I doubt you will need to replace anything but the cables. Just clean thoroughly and check all the internal connections.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:That welder was made by Emerson Electric. They supplied Sears with many welders starting about 1938."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