need info on old craftsman arc welder

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I'm thinking bout buying this welder for $60 OBO but I can't find any information on it it's craftsman 180 amps limited input a.c. arc welder model number is 11320231 can anyone give me any information on it I would greatly appreciate it. Attached Images
Reply:I looked where I normally can find manuals for older Craftsman units and can't find anything. I did find the parts diagram, but nothing really is still available for that machine ( no big surprise as Sears dumped all the older parts for stuff older than 1996 back around 2000 IIRC.http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...&prst=&shdMod=That said you should still be able to get the plugs for leads from your welding supplier if need be. Someone in the past has posted up the Lenco part numbers for them.If the unit welds, there's not really much that usually goes wrong with those old machines. $60 is on the fair to high side for a low amp older AC unit like that. I often see newer higher output AC stick machines in the $50-150 range, so keep it below that. $35-45 is probably closer to what I'd expect to see it sell for, and $20-25 wouldn't be out of the question.I'd want to test it and make sure it works before I bought it. If I couldn't test it, I'd offer very little because of it's age and size. You will need a 230v 50 amp outlet to run the unit most likely, but you can probably get by on rods 3/32" and smaller on a 30 amp 230v dryer circuit if need be with an extension cord.This would make a nice starter machine if it could be had dirt cheap. Chances are if it welds, it will keep welding for years to come and you can probably sell it for at least 1/2 what you paid for it when you'd want to upgrade. The down side is because it's old, it might take a bit to sell, but then if you got it dirt cheap, that probably won't matter anyways..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:Pretty old welder,but it should work.Limited input power was for farm use, off of the small Rural Electric Association power transformers.
Reply:A 113- prefix on Craftsman means the manufacturer was Emerson Electric.  Emerson started making welders in 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
Reply:thanks so much for the info. does anyone know the specs like duty cycle and Is amperage adjustable I don't know anything bout old welder a like this and how you hook up leads.
Reply:Unless there's an additional adjustment lever or crank we can't see, then you select the amps by changing where you plug in your leads.  You might find inside a chart for duty cycle.  If the transformer has not been burnt, there's not much that can't be easily fixed.  If the fan is kaput or you smell or inspect burnt lacquer on the transformer windings, then I wouldn't mess with it.  Well, if only the fan is kaput it might be okay, but if someone tried to run it without the fan then it might be fried.  Look for a placard or chart inside or on teh outside.ps, For the right price, it's kinda cute in it's own way.  Would make an interesting side table or decor for a man cave.  That's how I'd price it, and if it turns out it works, then you have a nice little welder.Last edited by RodJ; 12-28-2012 at 02:23 PM.