Measure Stick Arc Welder Output

M

mscher

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Apr 21, 2004
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1,424
This is in follow up with my "used welder" thread.

I'm considering purchase of a older 230 amp AC - 140 amp DC welder (Monkey Wards, made by Century) I have it to use ant try first.

Looks in good shape but the lever for the output amps, is stuck at the highest setting. We'll take it apart for a look, for corrosion or overheating, etc. but was wondering if there is a way to acutally measure output amps/volts for both ac and dc.

Reason being (and I'm a barely novice welder) I tried some test welds (with some rods that were a litle old) and it did not seem to put out the juice, for being stuck at the highest setting. It may have been just me.

I'm taking to another shop to be checked by a more experienced welder, but it would be nice to at least get an idea, if the output even comes close, to matching the control settings (when repaired
 
bigdee

bigdee

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Jul 27, 2006
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2,667
Re: Measure Stick Arc Welder Output

For these simple transformer buzz boxes open circuit voltage will depend on the amp setting....at the lowest amp setting the voltage should be around 60-80....... at 230 amps the voltage on the electrodes may be as low as 18-20. These types of welders (called droopers) have a reverse open circuit voltage to amperage curve. Ay 230 amps it may be a bit harder to strike an arc but once you do you should be able to turn a 3/16 rod cherry red in just a few seconds.
 
Cofe

Cofe

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Apr 23, 2009
Messages
1,883
Re: Measure Stick Arc Welder Output

From the sound of things......Looks like you need to open up the welder and find out why the welder won't adjust. Could be a jammed mechanical mechanism, or the slides inside the coil for the metal core are dirty. Just unplug your welder before opening the case, and check it out. At a full 230 amps that welder could handle even 3/16 rod. If you use say..... 1/8 inch 6011, the amperage should be around 100-125. The 6011 or 6013 is what people call "farmer" rod. It is easy to use, and runs the best on DC+.
Sounds like a good idea, to have a experienced welder check it out and give you a few lessons. With a little practice you will be running beads in no time.
Ps. If your weld resembles bird droppings......keep practicing...:)
 
F

Fishing Dude too

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May 13, 2011
Messages
1,035
Re: Measure Stick Arc Welder Output

Sticks don't go bad, but helps if put in an oven on low temp setting for an hour to dry them out. Do this with new rods at work it doing serious welding for cleaner welds.
 
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