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Hey Guys, I'm new around here (I'll try not to ask the usual noob questions), I have been reading the forum for weeks tho. I was wondering if anyone could id this welder.http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/tls/2482915835.htmlI've never welded before and figured I'd like to get an ac/dc 220v stick machine, I'm leaning towards lincoln and hobart, but will get what I can find used. I came across this unit and it's a bit of a drive to get it (probably $50 in gas). I don't want to get a total junk machine, but will be welding outside exclusively (so smaw or fcaw it's gonna need to be, can be a hi wind area too). And I'll be storing it in a weatherproof cabinet outside (so why bother with shiny new).Go ahead and be brutally honest. My skins not as thick as I'd like, but I'd rather hear it like it is than to have it candy coated.
Reply:I'd guess it was made by Century from the looks of it. They made many similar machines that were rebranded for Sears, Montgomery Wards and others. For $50, why are you even bothering to ask? Go buy that right now before someone else snags that deal!One nice thing about any of these older 230v transformer stick machines, they are built like tanks. There's almost nothing that can really break on them, and what might, can usually be easily be fixed. I see AC only lincolns listed for $50-150 all the time. An AC/DC machine usually runs $150-300 not $50. Think of it this way, I'd bet you'd have no real issue selling that machine in 2-3 years for what you paid for it, and it wouldn't surprise me if you sold it for 3-4 times what that guyis asking today..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Thanks, I'm not opposed to spending more for the ac/dc units but thought this might be a re-branded model and maybe worth it. I called and its a Montgomery Ward Power Kraft 240, so if it is indeed a re-branded Century then I'll be going to pick it up in the morning  Wish I could get there sooner, but 2hr one way makes for a planned trip rather than spur of the moment. I'll do a follow up post here, if someone doesn't beat me to it and she said it's unlikely that someone will as she's in a rural area too (just not as rural as where I'm at).
Reply:Even from the cr@ppy pict I thought it looked familiar. Here's a recent thread from someone else who just got a similar machine.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=57620.No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Thanks DSW for the help and the thread link, it was just what I needed to see.So, I made the 4hr round trip and spent the $50 lol. It looks pretty good to me. I like that it actually goes as low as 20 amps and has DC. I confirmed it is a re-branded Century 110-114 to be exact. And have downloaded the manual & parts listing from Century already. I wont be able to test it for a while as I don't have any 3 prong 220 outlets as of yet. I'm figuring I'll change one of my water heater circuit breakers out for a 50 amp (welder say 48 amp so I'm assuming I need a 50 amp breaker) and change the 10 awg wire out for 8 gauge (? maybe 6) and run it to a toggle switch. From there 10 awg & an inline circuit breaker for 30 amp to the water heater & the 8 gauge wire to a 3 wire 220 outlet for the welder. I figure this way I toggle the switch to either the water heater or the welder depending on whether I'm using the welder or not. Hopefully that sounds right, I'm not a welder (will be a novice/hack soon) nor am I an electrician but have easy access to all that's necessary and am capable of adding/changing things to the panel. Can't wait to burn some rod and maybe learn a little about what I should be doing - don't worry I never intend to do anything structural (I'd rather pay someone and be confident, than to trust my unskilled hand). Attached a hopefully better pic of it now that it's here. Attached ImagesMontgomery Ward Powr Kraft AC-DC 230/140
Reply:Your switch idea won't work and pass code. If you need more space in the panel, you need to either move things around and install some 1/2 sized breakers to create the space, or install a  sub panel  breaker in place of the hot water heater one and then run the lines from seperate breakers in the sub panel. Another option would be to build a long 230v extension cord and run it from the 30 amp dryer outlet. You won't get full power, but you will most likely be able to run 3/32" rods and most 1/8" ones using that.Looks like a super clean machine you picked up. Looks almost new. You got that for a steal..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:You got a great deal!!!
Reply:Ah, ok. I've been looking around and it seems the most appropriate item to meet my idea was a manual transfer switch for hooking up a generator to the house. Considering costs, I was gonna have to do something else. I know I'm gonna need a sub panel at some point and was hoping not to do it now. I only have one slot available, but your idea of using a 1/2 sized breakers sounds perfect. I could put two normal sized 15 amp 120's on 1/2 sized breakers which would open a second slot and then I could just add a normal 50amp 220v to it. I feel best about that idea altogether.Montgomery Ward Powr Kraft AC-DC 230/140
Reply:Just watch out that you are pulling power for the 50 amp breaker from both legs. Some panels will let you install a 1/2 sized breaker and then a full sized 230v one, leaving you pulling both sides of the "230v" breaker from the same leg. I think some of the Square D boxes are this way. You can tell by checking the 2 terminals on the breaker with a meter to them selves. If you get 230v, you are good to go. If you get 0 instead, they are on the same leg. Then you need to shuffle the breakers a bit so you can shift down 1/2 a space IIRC and then you'll pick up both legs. It's usually not an issue with many boxes because "1/2" breakers" come in "pairs" and both grab the same leg so the next breaker will grab both legs instead of the same one..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Just thought I'd post an update on this.I found my range was a full size breaker, so I got a half sized 40/50 and put the welder on the 50 amp. Used 6 gauge romex wiring, so I think all should be good now. Plugged it in and got the fan to spin up with a nice little buzz coming out of the unit. Now I just need a helmet and I can get practicing.The outlet is in my water heater door as I'm only gonna be using this outdoors. I really need a garage. So next question, if I put down indoor/outdoor carpeting in my work area. Am I gonna have to worry about starting a fire on it? I really hate working over the cinder as I lose every stinking little bolt I touch and spend hours looking for them. Perhaps, if necessary, I could put a welding blanket down when I start working. Attached ImagesMontgomery Ward Powr Kraft AC-DC 230/140
Reply:I would never stick or MIG weld over carpeting.  TIG weld yes.   Stick puts out a ton of sparks.  You might get away with welding blankets, but you might need two layers to be safe.Consider welding outside instead.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Interesting. I don't think I've seen those double split 230v breakers before. I'll have to remember those in case I have a need for one in the future.As far as carpet, thats not a good idea. I could see using plywood, if you were careful. It's les likely to ignite if it gets a few sparks or hot slag on it. Large chunks of burning metal will start the wood smoldering. If we need to use plywood as a shield or temporary  welding work surface, we always hose it down well when done and keep a good 1/2 hour fire watch afterwards ( usually cleaning up the rest of the tools and so on.) By ciders, I assume you mean what we call screenings or stone dust. Small stones from say 1/4" down to dust. You can get a very smooth semi hard surface if you wet it down and beat it with a vibratory plate compactor or small roller. We usually do this when installing pavers or with  crushed concrete or modified ( 3/4" stone down to dust) for drives. Our shop lot is  packed modified and it's not that bad with nuts and bolts if they get dropped when working on trucks. I have  a cheap magnetic sweeper I picked up from HF that we use to find "lost" bolts if all else fails. If you have 3/4" or 3/8" clean stone, you can "fill" the viods with screenings or sand, and then pack it down after applying some water to get the same effect. We often do this when we need a base to drain well, but need a smooth hard surface above for pavers and so on. Usually capping 1 1/2" or larger stone with 3/4" clean stone and then a few inches of screenings or modified..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Ok, thanks. We call them cinders here, but basically it sounds like your screenings. It makes a decent drive to park on, but horrible work area. I'll have to see what i can do about compacting it similar to what you have mentioned. For now, I'll be able to work over the area as usual which is outside It took me a while staring at it to figure out that my box was using those double split breakers. The one I used was a Bryant, but I checked with CH and they said it would work.Montgomery Ward Powr Kraft AC-DC 230/140