Thunderbolt Question

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Monitoring Craigs List for a used AC/DC Thunderbolt or the Hobart equivalent, were the models with "plug in" output cables OK?  Seems like a two hundred amp connection that depends on just slip-fit friction would be subject to arcing, wasted power, and need frequent repair.  What has been your experience?
Reply:Most big industrial welders use some type of socket type quick connect to make the connections. In many cases they are twist lock type, but the twist is simply  to lock the connection so you don't pull them apart while dragging leads and so on. Many are used on 400 amp or larger machines with no problem.Biggest issue is usually corrosion, or poor fit due to excessive cleaning of the connection or wear. If your terminals get corroded for some reason, you will end up with heating and possible issues. Some simple sand paper carefully used or a wire brush will usually clean things up and give you a good connection..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:Originally Posted by FredMonitoring Craigs List for a used AC/DC Thunderbolt or the Hobart equivalent, were the models with "plug in" output cables OK?  Seems like a two hundred amp connection that depends on just slip-fit friction would be subject to arcing, wasted power, and need frequent repair.  What has been your experience?
Reply:Originally Posted by FredMonitoring Craigs List for a used AC/DC Thunderbolt or the Hobart equivalent, were the models with "plug in" output cables OK?  Seems like a two hundred amp connection that depends on just slip-fit friction would be subject to arcing, wasted power, and need frequent repair.  What has been your experience?
Reply:Mine doesn't have the connectors but I'll bet some antiseize would help prevent corrosion and it's conductive. My T-bolt sleeps a lot but I figger it's better to have it and not need it very often.             MikeLast edited by mla2ofus; 09-26-2013 at 06:17 PM.Ol' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:I'm not sure about anti seize, but dielectric grease which is designed for electrical connections might be a better choice..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:I'm not sure that using grease or anti-sieze is a good idea. The taper-pin connectors rely on tight metal-to-metal contact to make a good electrical connection. The Miller manual does not recommend lubricating them.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Originally Posted by Silicon-basedI'm not sure that using grease or anti-sieze is a good idea. The taper-pin connectors rely on tight metal-to-metal contact to make a good electrical connection. The Miller manual does not recommend lubricating them.John
Reply:yup all I do is give mine a quick light scrub with a brass bristle brush about once a year.. Mine is the older one with all the taps and I would not trade it for anything(Even if I rarely use it) I like the tapped machine just because I can use my T-bolt leads when I need that extra 25ft off my engine drive. And also that OL'BEAST is heavy so being able to disconnect the grossly oversized leads I have on it helps a ton when I need to move it(Oddly it never needs moved(planned a head and built leads that will reach any where in my shop...lol)Millermatic 30aMillermatic 210Miller thunderbolt 225 ac/dc/ccMiller HF15-1-wg tigLincoln ranger 10(honda powered)Cebora 175 mig Too damn many tools but oddly not enough......
Reply:Welders using the plug & socket arrangement include models by Miller, Linde, Marquette, Century, Mid-States, Forney and Smith, just off the top of my head."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:Originally Posted by Rog0235 plus years on mine and it even survived a flood.  No grease, no anti seize, and no dialectic needed.  Just stab em in and twist them with a slight pressure until they are tight and go to welding.  I have had many Miller machines over the years and never had a bit of trouble with the cable plugs.
Reply:Don't need anything on the terminals.  I'd much rather have one with removable leads than one with hared wired.  My Model 88 Miller was made in 1966, and is still working fine with the original cable ends.