Old Craftsman Arc Welder
I've recently come into possession a mysterious welder. I've done some welding, but this machine is older than I am. I'm guessing it's from the late 50s or early 60s. The plate on the back says: Craftsman LIMITED INPUT A.C. ARC WELDER Model 113 20110 Primary (115 volt....many other values) Secondary (Many values) The front has a large on/off switch and 5 line connectors (bakelite maybe). They read 30, 45, 60, 75 and Work. I gather that I am in possesion of a huge transformer that steps up 110v AC current to a heat range capable of fusing metal. Is this something I can use? Hello: dugnorth You ask the question Is this something I can use? If your going to weld heavy duty metals, it certainly can do it. Since you have done some welding, only you can determine if this machine is appropriate to meet your current needs. I would suggest keeping the machine regardless of age. It may have some value to you now and or in future as your needs expand but no value to others working in the welding industry as professional welders, if your considering selling or trading it. You also stated huge transformer that steps up 110v AC current to a heat range capable of fusing metal. Which is exactly what a welding machine does. Simply stated it melts metals and fuses them together. Hence welding. Regards Good Luck, Site Host, Moderator Hiring Agent. Tom_Bartco....Fast, Fair, Friendly Highly Proficient.... TCB4U2B2B....Company Enterprises. Yes, what you have is a transformer all right,,, but it is more similar to a battery charger really. It probably has an open circuit voltage of around 80 or so and when you strike an arc that drops to 25 or so,, and the current flow (amps) go up. A welding machine is really a drop down transformer. Make sure you use on a good electric circuit close to the panel. You might try 3/32 e6011 or e6013 on it. It is for light welding and they do make rods in 5/64 also but they are not very common. I have seen several of these machines and I guess they do work,, although I have never seen one work well. My guess it might if you are on a number 10 wire 30 A circuit. The one that says work is the ground side. Give it a try,, see what happens. One of those rods I suggest will need about 60A output whish will be about every drop you can squeeze out of a 20A input circuit. A wire much longer that 20 ft or so from the panel isnt going to deliver the current to the machine. You might hardwire it to a 30 A breaker at the panel or run a number 10 to it. INPUT wire is CRITICAL. I have a suspcion it might trip a 20 close to the panel anyway,,, you are going to have to experiment. A 110 volt welder with a range up to 75 amps would be suitable for light sheet metal welding. Thanks for the input, All. (Hmmm...better check for a 30A circuit nearby.) I don't have leads for this thing and am unfamiliar with the type of recepticles on the face of the welder. They appear to be smooth-bore, slightly tapered holes about 3/8 of an inch in diameter surrounded with plastic, ceramic or bakelite. Any idea what I should use? Thanks again, and best wishes, Dug North They sound like small standard ones,, you should be able to get connectors from a welding supply store,, lead too. You are going to nead about number 8 lead or so,,, You could buy a set of jumper cables at Wal-Mart and make a set. You would already have a ground clamp on one that way. Get a couple of connectors and an electrode holder and you are in biz. Grab some rod while you at welding store,, they usually sell those little ones by pound as there isnt much call. Go to http://www3.sears.com.....punch in the mod nr and you'll get a parts listing for that welder. Don't know if they are still avail, but it's worth a try. Again, thanks for the input! I went to www3.sears.com as tedn333 suggested and, sure enough, they still list and sell parts for this welder. They even had a diagram, though it is tough to read. I tried to attached a photo of the welder, but it didn't seem to work. Dug North i think they are a standard connector,, some hardwares even sell them in welding supplies,, even seen them at auto parts stores. Should be able to walk in and get them,,, even a big sears store might have them in welding section. I don't know if anyone is still reading this thread, but I wanted to get back to those of you that were kind enough to help me out. I made some leads out of jumper cables and gave the welder a try. It works. I trip my 20 amp circuit (as predicted) but this thing makes nice welds and is fairly easy to use. Thanks for the help. Dug
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