• A Lincoln Tombstone Question

    From Snag@Snag_one@msn.com to rec.crafts.metalworking on Mon Jun 29 14:56:05 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    Mine has a problem , and I suspect I might have figured out the
    answer . Since the day I first plugged it in I get shocked if I touch
    the ground clamp . I got to wondering today while welding on a limb
    chipper if a previous owner had replaced the ground clamp and stinger
    and got the leads crossed ... there is continuity between the stinger
    and the ground prong on the power plug (unplugged and power switch off)
    . This is an AC box so no polarity issues .
    --
    Snag
    I appreciated foreign cultures more
    when they stayed foreign ...
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Leon Fisk@lfiskgr@gmail.invalid to rec.crafts.metalworking on Mon Jun 29 17:16:04 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:56:05 -0500
    Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:

    Mine has a problem , and I suspect I might have figured out the
    answer . Since the day I first plugged it in I get shocked if I touch
    the ground clamp . I got to wondering today while welding on a limb
    chipper if a previous owner had replaced the ground clamp and stinger
    and got the leads crossed ... there is continuity between the stinger
    and the ground prong on the power plug (unplugged and power switch off)
    . This is an AC box so no polarity issues .

    It should have a Two Pole switch in it. Something like this:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/306289619650

    One side might not be switching anymore or someone replaced it with a
    single pole.

    The Fan might have been replaced or wired incorrectly too.

    I looked through several Lincoln 225 manuals I'd saved (pdf's) through
    the years but none of them have a wiring diagram. They have a parts
    list but neither the switch or the fan are described. The Ebay link
    does match the part number in one of my 225 manuals (S7670)...
    --
    Leon Fisk
    Grand Rapids MI

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Snag@Snag_one@msn.com to rec.crafts.metalworking on Mon Jun 29 19:02:14 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On 6/29/2026 4:16 PM, Leon Fisk wrote:
    On Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:56:05 -0500
    Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:

    Mine has a problem , and I suspect I might have figured out the
    answer . Since the day I first plugged it in I get shocked if I touch
    the ground clamp . I got to wondering today while welding on a limb
    chipper if a previous owner had replaced the ground clamp and stinger
    and got the leads crossed ... there is continuity between the stinger
    and the ground prong on the power plug (unplugged and power switch off)
    . This is an AC box so no polarity issues .

    It should have a Two Pole switch in it. Something like this:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/306289619650

    One side might not be switching anymore or someone replaced it with a
    single pole.

    Original switch , and one pole not disconnecting does not explain the continuity between the plug and the stinger . There should be NO
    continuity between the power plug hots and the stinger - since it's mechanically isolated by the transformer .


    The Fan might have been replaced or wired incorrectly too.

    Original fan motor . And it's noisy but it works .

    I looked through several Lincoln 225 manuals I'd saved (pdf's) through
    the years but none of them have a wiring diagram. They have a parts
    list but neither the switch or the fan are described. The Ebay link
    does match the part number in one of my 225 manuals (S7670)...


    I have also been unsuccessful in finding a schematic of the wiring . Tomorrow I'll plug it in and turn it on and check voltage between the
    stinger and the case and between the ground clamp and the case . I
    suspect I'll get the same voltage reading between the ground clamp and
    the stinger as between the stinger and the case .
    --
    Snag
    I appreciated foreign cultures more
    when they stayed foreign ...
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Clare Snyder@clare@snyder.on.ca to rec.crafts.metalworking on Mon Jun 29 21:28:34 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:02:14 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:

    On 6/29/2026 4:16 PM, Leon Fisk wrote:
    On Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:56:05 -0500
    Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:

    Mine has a problem , and I suspect I might have figured out the
    answer . Since the day I first plugged it in I get shocked if I touch
    the ground clamp . I got to wondering today while welding on a limb
    chipper if a previous owner had replaced the ground clamp and stinger
    and got the leads crossed ... there is continuity between the stinger
    and the ground prong on the power plug (unplugged and power switch off)
    . This is an AC box so no polarity issues .

    It should have a Two Pole switch in it. Something like this:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/306289619650

    One side might not be switching anymore or someone replaced it with a
    single pole.

    Original switch , and one pole not disconnecting does not explain the
    continuity between the plug and the stinger . There should be NO
    continuity between the power plug hots and the stinger - since it's >mechanically isolated by the transformer .


    The Fan might have been replaced or wired incorrectly too.

    Original fan motor . And it's noisy but it works .

    I looked through several Lincoln 225 manuals I'd saved (pdf's) through
    the years but none of them have a wiring diagram. They have a parts
    list but neither the switch or the fan are described. The Ebay link
    does match the part number in one of my 225 manuals (S7670)...


    I have also been unsuccessful in finding a schematic of the wiring .
    Tomorrow I'll plug it in and turn it on and check voltage between the >stinger and the case and between the ground clamp and the case . I
    suspect I'll get the same voltage reading between the ground clamp and
    the stinger as between the stinger and the case .
    I would be STRONGLY suspecting a "leaky" transformer (bad insulation)
    wiring diagram below

    https://ch-delivery.lincolnelectric.com/api/public/content/667c6be50d884c3bb57f0a85fe62bde1?v=09ce2530

    there is NO WAY you should have continuity between the line voltage
    and the ground clamp OR the power cord ground and the ground clamp OR
    stinger.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Snag@Snag_one@msn.com to rec.crafts.metalworking on Mon Jun 29 23:04:20 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On 6/29/2026 8:28 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
    On Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:02:14 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:

    On 6/29/2026 4:16 PM, Leon Fisk wrote:
    On Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:56:05 -0500
    Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:

    Mine has a problem , and I suspect I might have figured out the
    answer . Since the day I first plugged it in I get shocked if I touch
    the ground clamp . I got to wondering today while welding on a limb
    chipper if a previous owner had replaced the ground clamp and stinger >>>> and got the leads crossed ... there is continuity between the stinger
    and the ground prong on the power plug (unplugged and power switch off) >>>> . This is an AC box so no polarity issues .

    It should have a Two Pole switch in it. Something like this:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/306289619650

    One side might not be switching anymore or someone replaced it with a
    single pole.

    Original switch , and one pole not disconnecting does not explain the
    continuity between the plug and the stinger . There should be NO
    continuity between the power plug hots and the stinger - since it's
    mechanically isolated by the transformer .


    The Fan might have been replaced or wired incorrectly too.

    Original fan motor . And it's noisy but it works .

    I looked through several Lincoln 225 manuals I'd saved (pdf's) through
    the years but none of them have a wiring diagram. They have a parts
    list but neither the switch or the fan are described. The Ebay link
    does match the part number in one of my 225 manuals (S7670)...


    I have also been unsuccessful in finding a schematic of the wiring .
    Tomorrow I'll plug it in and turn it on and check voltage between the
    stinger and the case and between the ground clamp and the case . I
    suspect I'll get the same voltage reading between the ground clamp and
    the stinger as between the stinger and the case .
    I would be STRONGLY suspecting a "leaky" transformer (bad insulation) wiring diagram below

    https://ch-delivery.lincolnelectric.com/api/public/content/667c6be50d884c3bb57f0a85fe62bde1?v=09ce2530

    there is NO WAY you should have continuity between the line voltage
    and the ground clamp OR the power cord ground and the ground clamp OR stinger.


    Thanks for posting that ! Downloaded and saved and printed a copy .
    And you're absolutely right , there's no way I should have continuity
    from either lead to the power cord . I'm thinking like you suggested
    that insulation has broken down and allowed one or more windings to
    ground out . I've had this thing for like 25 years , never plugged it in
    until we moved here and I had a place to keep it accessible . It was old
    when I bought it from a friend for 75 bucks . I very seldom use it , and
    since my TIG also does stick I may just retire the tombstone . I suspect
    the cost of repairs are more than I'm willing to pay for a tool that's
    seldom used . I'm a lousy stick welder anyway ... I ended up dragging
    the machine I was welding on close enough to the shop door that my MIG
    leads would reach .
    --
    Snag
    I appreciated foreign cultures more
    when they stayed foreign ...
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Jim Wilkins@muratlanne@gmail.com to rec.crafts.metalworking on Tue Jun 30 07:14:38 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    "Clare Snyder" wrote in message news:3k664lts9tg05a476cmpe6kuapk4rdms2r@4ax.com...

    I would be STRONGLY suspecting a "leaky" transformer (bad insulation)
    wiring diagram below

    https://ch-delivery.lincolnelectric.com/api/public/content/667c6be50d884c3bb57f0a85fe62bde1?v=09ce2530

    there is NO WAY you should have continuity between the line voltage
    and the ground clamp OR the power cord ground and the ground clamp OR
    stinger.

    --------------------------------

    Using a hand cranked Megger I sometimes find electrical leakage that appear only as the voltage is increased, but a DVM on Ohms won't detect with its battery voltage output.

    If a DVM shows the short circuit I'd label and disconnect all the H and X transformer connections and check between any H and X, or either to the chassis. If they pass then check any reactor terminal to chassis. Also check the disconnected wiring.

    If a DVM doesn't show the short circuit the cost of the test equipment to
    look further likely exceeds the value of the welder. The essentials are a
    high power metered Variac, a DVM with a current clamp and a megger, which is
    a high voltage insulation tester.


    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Bob La Londe@none@none.com99 to rec.crafts.metalworking on Tue Jun 30 12:39:38 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On 6/30/2026 4:14 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
    "Clare Snyder"-a wrote in message news:3k664lts9tg05a476cmpe6kuapk4rdms2r@4ax.com...

    I would be STRONGLY suspecting a "leaky" transformer (bad insulation)
    wiring diagram below

    https://ch-delivery.lincolnelectric.com/api/public/ content/667c6be50d884c3bb57f0a85fe62bde1?v=09ce2530

    there is NO WAY you should have continuity between the line voltage
    and the ground clamp OR the power cord ground and the ground clamp OR stinger.

    --------------------------------

    Using a hand cranked Megger I sometimes find electrical leakage that
    appear only as the voltage is increased, but a DVM on Ohms won't detect
    with its battery voltage output.

    If a DVM shows the short circuit I'd label and disconnect all the H and
    X transformer connections and check between any H and X, or either to
    the chassis. If they pass then check any reactor terminal to chassis.
    Also check the disconnected wiring.

    If a DVM doesn't show the short circuit the cost of the test equipment
    to look further likely exceeds the value of the welder. The essentials
    are a high power metered Variac, a DVM with a current clamp and a
    megger, which is a high voltage insulation tester.




    If you have a good AC/DC TIG power sourced with a rod holder, you no
    longer have any need for the cracker box except maybe as a backup. I
    gave my cracker box away a couple years ago.

    If you feel yours may be borderline unsafe I suggest making sure the transformer is copper wound, and add it to your scrap metal/recycle
    pile. You can always use it to make brass or aluminum bronze if you
    feel you have the time to play.
    --
    Bob La Londe
    CNC Molds N Stuff
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Clare Snyder@clare@snyder.on.ca to rec.crafts.metalworking on Tue Jun 30 16:18:42 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:39:38 -0700, Bob La Londe <none@none.com99>
    wrote:

    On 6/30/2026 4:14 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
    "Clare Snyder"a wrote in message
    news:3k664lts9tg05a476cmpe6kuapk4rdms2r@4ax.com...

    I would be STRONGLY suspecting a "leaky" transformer (bad insulation)
    wiring diagram below

    https://ch-delivery.lincolnelectric.com/api/public/
    content/667c6be50d884c3bb57f0a85fe62bde1?v=09ce2530

    there is NO WAY you should have continuity between the line voltage
    and the ground clamp OR the power cord ground and the ground clamp OR
    stinger.

    --------------------------------

    Using a hand cranked Megger I sometimes find electrical leakage that
    appear only as the voltage is increased, but a DVM on Ohms won't detect
    with its battery voltage output.

    If a DVM shows the short circuit I'd label and disconnect all the H and
    X transformer connections and check between any H and X, or either to
    the chassis. If they pass then check any reactor terminal to chassis.
    Also check the disconnected wiring.

    If a DVM doesn't show the short circuit the cost of the test equipment
    to look further likely exceeds the value of the welder. The essentials
    are a high power metered Variac, a DVM with a current clamp and a
    megger, which is a high voltage insulation tester.




    If you have a good AC/DC TIG power sourced with a rod holder, you no
    longer have any need for the cracker box except maybe as a backup. I
    gave my cracker box away a couple years ago.

    If you feel yours may be borderline unsafe I suggest making sure the >transformer is copper wound, and add it to your scrap metal/recycle
    pile. You can always use it to make brass or aluminum bronze if you
    feel you have the time to play.
    99.9% chance it is copper plated aluminum windings.
    I suspect there is some rat or mouse piss involved in the situation -
    - -
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Bob La Londe@none@none.com99 to rec.crafts.metalworking on Tue Jun 30 17:19:11 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On 6/30/2026 1:18 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
    On Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:39:38 -0700, Bob La Londe <none@none.com99>
    wrote:

    On 6/30/2026 4:14 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
    "Clare Snyder"-a wrote in message
    news:3k664lts9tg05a476cmpe6kuapk4rdms2r@4ax.com...

    I would be STRONGLY suspecting a "leaky" transformer (bad insulation)
    wiring diagram below

    https://ch-delivery.lincolnelectric.com/api/public/
    content/667c6be50d884c3bb57f0a85fe62bde1?v=09ce2530

    there is NO WAY you should have continuity between the line voltage
    and the ground clamp OR the power cord ground and the ground clamp OR
    stinger.

    --------------------------------

    Using a hand cranked Megger I sometimes find electrical leakage that
    appear only as the voltage is increased, but a DVM on Ohms won't detect
    with its battery voltage output.

    If a DVM shows the short circuit I'd label and disconnect all the H and
    X transformer connections and check between any H and X, or either to
    the chassis. If they pass then check any reactor terminal to chassis.
    Also check the disconnected wiring.

    If a DVM doesn't show the short circuit the cost of the test equipment
    to look further likely exceeds the value of the welder. The essentials
    are a high power metered Variac, a DVM with a current clamp and a
    megger, which is a high voltage insulation tester.




    If you have a good AC/DC TIG power sourced with a rod holder, you no
    longer have any need for the cracker box except maybe as a backup. I
    gave my cracker box away a couple years ago.

    If you feel yours may be borderline unsafe I suggest making sure the
    transformer is copper wound, and add it to your scrap metal/recycle
    pile. You can always use it to make brass or aluminum bronze if you
    feel you have the time to play.

    99.9% chance it is copper plated aluminum windings.
    I suspect there is some rat or mouse piss involved in the situation -
    - -

    I had heard they had gone to aluminum windings at some point. That's
    why I said to check. Mine was 10-15 years old when I bought it 30 plus
    years ago so who knows. I was going to scrap it until a local welder / retired boiler maker said he wanted it. No clue why exactly. He has
    better machines.
    --
    Bob La Londe
    CNC Molds N Stuff
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From David Billington@djb@invalid.com to rec.crafts.metalworking on Wed Jul 1 02:20:47 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On 01/07/2026 01:19, Bob La Londe wrote:
    On 6/30/2026 1:18 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
    On Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:39:38 -0700, Bob La Londe <none@none.com99>
    wrote:

    On 6/30/2026 4:14 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
    "Clare Snyder"-a wrote in message
    news:3k664lts9tg05a476cmpe6kuapk4rdms2r@4ax.com...

    I would be STRONGLY suspecting a "leaky" transformer (bad insulation)
    wiring diagram below

    https://ch-delivery.lincolnelectric.com/api/public/
    content/667c6be50d884c3bb57f0a85fe62bde1?v=09ce2530

    there is NO WAY you should have continuity between the line voltage
    and the ground clamp OR the power cord ground and the ground clamp OR
    stinger.

    --------------------------------

    Using a hand cranked Megger I sometimes find electrical leakage that
    appear only as the voltage is increased, but a DVM on Ohms won't
    detect
    with its battery voltage output.

    If a DVM shows the short circuit I'd label and disconnect all the H
    and
    X transformer connections and check between any H and X, or either to
    the chassis. If they pass then check any reactor terminal to chassis.
    Also check the disconnected wiring.

    If a DVM doesn't show the short circuit the cost of the test equipment >>>> to look further likely exceeds the value of the welder. The essentials >>>> are a high power metered Variac, a DVM with a current clamp and a
    megger, which is a high voltage insulation tester.




    If you have a good AC/DC TIG power sourced with a rod holder, you no
    longer have any need for the cracker box except maybe as a backup.-a I
    gave my cracker box away a couple years ago.

    If you feel yours may be borderline unsafe I suggest making sure the
    transformer is copper wound, and add it to your scrap metal/recycle
    pile.-a You can always use it to make brass or aluminum bronze if you
    feel you have the time to play.

    -a 99.9% chance it is copper plated aluminum windings.
    -a I suspect there is some rat or mouse piss involved in the situation -
    - -

    I had heard they had gone to aluminum windings at some point. That's
    why I said to check.-a Mine was 10-15 years old when I bought it 30
    plus years ago so who knows.-a I was going to scrap it until a local
    welder / retired boiler maker said he wanted it.-a No clue why
    exactly.-a He has better machines.


    I still use my 180A Pickhill oil cooled welder for MMA as it'll likely
    outlast me and still works great, being oil cooled I think it's
    effectively continuous duty, if I need DC I can get my rectifier back
    from a mate. I have a Hitachi GP2 AC/DC inverter TIG bought new in 1998
    and it has performed faultlessly until recently when the AC balance is
    playing up in a bad way, DC still works which is mainly what I use. Not
    much to go wrong with the Pickhill, the opposite is true with the Hitachi.

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Bob La Londe@none@none.com99 to rec.crafts.metalworking on Wed Jul 1 11:43:09 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On 6/30/2026 6:20 PM, David Billington wrote:
    On 01/07/2026 01:19, Bob La Londe wrote:
    On 6/30/2026 1:18 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
    On Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:39:38 -0700, Bob La Londe <none@none.com99>
    wrote:

    On 6/30/2026 4:14 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
    "Clare Snyder"-a wrote in message
    news:3k664lts9tg05a476cmpe6kuapk4rdms2r@4ax.com...

    I would be STRONGLY suspecting a "leaky" transformer (bad insulation) >>>>> wiring diagram below

    https://ch-delivery.lincolnelectric.com/api/public/
    content/667c6be50d884c3bb57f0a85fe62bde1?v=09ce2530

    there is NO WAY you should have continuity between the line voltage
    and the ground clamp OR the power cord ground and the ground clamp OR >>>>> stinger.

    --------------------------------

    Using a hand cranked Megger I sometimes find electrical leakage that >>>>> appear only as the voltage is increased, but a DVM on Ohms won't
    detect
    with its battery voltage output.

    If a DVM shows the short circuit I'd label and disconnect all the H >>>>> and
    X transformer connections and check between any H and X, or either to >>>>> the chassis. If they pass then check any reactor terminal to chassis. >>>>> Also check the disconnected wiring.

    If a DVM doesn't show the short circuit the cost of the test equipment >>>>> to look further likely exceeds the value of the welder. The essentials >>>>> are a high power metered Variac, a DVM with a current clamp and a
    megger, which is a high voltage insulation tester.




    If you have a good AC/DC TIG power sourced with a rod holder, you no
    longer have any need for the cracker box except maybe as a backup.-a I >>>> gave my cracker box away a couple years ago.

    If you feel yours may be borderline unsafe I suggest making sure the
    transformer is copper wound, and add it to your scrap metal/recycle
    pile.-a You can always use it to make brass or aluminum bronze if you
    feel you have the time to play.

    -a 99.9% chance it is copper plated aluminum windings.
    -a I suspect there is some rat or mouse piss involved in the situation - >>> - -

    I had heard they had gone to aluminum windings at some point. That's
    why I said to check.-a Mine was 10-15 years old when I bought it 30
    plus years ago so who knows.-a I was going to scrap it until a local
    welder / retired boiler maker said he wanted it.-a No clue why
    exactly.-a He has better machines.


    I still use my 180A Pickhill oil cooled welder for MMA as it'll likely outlast me and still works great, being oil cooled I think it's
    effectively continuous duty, if I need DC I can get my rectifier back
    from a mate. I have a Hitachi GP2 AC/DC inverter TIG bought new in 1998
    and it has performed faultlessly until recently when the AC balance is playing up in a bad way, DC still works which is mainly what I use. Not
    much to go wrong with the Pickhill, the opposite is true with the Hitachi.





    The AHP TIG201 is my first choice for burning DC rod these days, and I
    have always liked the way DC burns better than AC with compatible rod.

    There is an old Hobart DC generator welder in my dad's old shop that he retired 25-30 years ago. He said the battery charging circuit was bad
    on it, because it melted its cranking battery, but there are a number of things that can cause that besides a bad regulator. Heck, that can
    happen with a bad battery. It was the first electric welder I ever used
    that just felt "easy" to get decent if not pretty welds. On one of my
    trips out to clear out the house and shop for sale I plan to bring it
    back and see if I can figure it out. I'm sure the first thing I'll do
    is flush the gas tank and clean the carburetor.
    --
    Bob La Londe
    CNC Molds N Stuff
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Jim Wilkins@muratlanne@gmail.com to rec.crafts.metalworking on Wed Jul 1 18:10:50 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    "Bob La Londe" wrote in message news:1123n3t$22nkf$1@dont-email.me...

    There is an old Hobart DC generator welder in my dad's old shop that he
    retired 25-30 years ago. He said the battery charging circuit was bad
    on it, because it melted its cranking battery, but there are a number of
    things that can cause that besides a bad regulator. Heck, that can
    happen with a bad battery. It was the first electric welder I ever used
    that just felt "easy" to get decent if not pretty welds. On one of my
    trips out to clear out the house and shop for sale I plan to bring it
    back and see if I can figure it out. I'm sure the first thing I'll do
    is flush the gas tank and clean the carburetor.
    Bob La Londe

    ------------------------------------
    Without starting it you could check for a voltage regulator relay contact
    that is welded closed.

    https://www.hemmings.com/stories/voltage-regulators-2/

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Bob La Londe@none@none.com99 to rec.crafts.metalworking on Wed Jul 1 16:18:38 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On 7/1/2026 3:10 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
    "Bob La Londe"-a wrote in message news:1123n3t$22nkf$1@dont-email.me...

    There is an old Hobart DC generator welder in my dad's old shop that he retired 25-30 years ago.-a He said the battery charging circuit was bad
    on it, because it melted its cranking battery, but there are a number of things that can cause that besides a bad regulator. Heck, that can
    happen with a bad battery.-a It was the first electric welder I ever used that just felt "easy" to get decent if not pretty welds.-a On one of my
    trips out to clear out the house and shop for sale I plan to bring it
    back and see if I can figure it out.-a I'm sure the first thing I'll do
    is flush the gas tank and clean the carburetor.
    Bob La Londe

    ------------------------------------
    Without starting it you could check for a voltage regulator relay
    contact that is welded closed.

    https://www.hemmings.com/stories/voltage-regulators-2/


    That's a good tip. I figured if it was bad I'd try to figure out the
    total power, and buy a generic universal regulator. Hobart/Miller may
    not have specs anymore, but specs on a lot of those old engines are
    available.
    --
    Bob La Londe
    CNC Molds N Stuff
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Bob La Londe@none@none.com99 to rec.crafts.metalworking on Wed Jul 1 16:48:02 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On 7/1/2026 4:18 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
    On 7/1/2026 3:10 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
    "Bob La Londe"-a wrote in message news:1123n3t$22nkf$1@dont-email.me...

    There is an old Hobart DC generator welder in my dad's old shop that he
    retired 25-30 years ago.-a He said the battery charging circuit was bad
    on it, because it melted its cranking battery, but there are a number of
    things that can cause that besides a bad regulator. Heck, that can
    happen with a bad battery.-a It was the first electric welder I ever used
    that just felt "easy" to get decent if not pretty welds.-a On one of my
    trips out to clear out the house and shop for sale I plan to bring it
    back and see if I can figure it out.-a I'm sure the first thing I'll do
    is flush the gas tank and clean the carburetor.
    Bob La Londe

    ------------------------------------
    Without starting it you could check for a voltage regulator relay
    contact that is welded closed.

    https://www.hemmings.com/stories/voltage-regulators-2/


    That's a good tip.-a I figured if it was bad I'd try to figure out the
    total power, and buy a generic universal regulator.-a Hobart/Miller may
    not have specs anymore, but specs on a lot of those old engines are available.



    I just did a search, and this with the first part of the AI summary.

    "Old Hobart welder generators (often referred to as engine drives) are legendary in the welding community for their smooth arc quality and heavy-duty, cast-iron reliability."

    I then switched to images (which was what I wanted) to see if there was
    one I would recognize. No luck there.
    --
    Bob La Londe
    CNC Molds N Stuff
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  • From Jim Wilkins@muratlanne@gmail.com to rec.crafts.metalworking on Wed Jul 1 21:02:20 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    "Bob La Londe" wrote in message news:112478e$27b3h$1@dont-email.me...

    On 7/1/2026 3:10 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:

    Without starting it you could check for a voltage regulator relay contact that is welded closed.

    https://www.hemmings.com/stories/voltage-regulators-2/

    That's a good tip. I figured if it was bad I'd try to figure out the
    total power, and buy a generic universal regulator. Hobart/Miller may
    not have specs anymore, but specs on a lot of those old engines are
    available.

    ------------------------------

    If it only recharges the engine starting battery you don't even need it. As long as you are welding near civilization you can use a separate charger.

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Bob La Londe@none@none.com99 to rec.crafts.metalworking on Wed Jul 1 18:51:17 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On 7/1/2026 6:02 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
    "Bob La Londe"-a wrote in message news:112478e$27b3h$1@dont-email.me...

    On 7/1/2026 3:10 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:

    Without starting it you could check for a voltage regulator relay
    contact that is welded closed.

    https://www.hemmings.com/stories/voltage-regulators-2/

    That's a good tip.-a I figured if it was bad I'd try to figure out the
    total power, and buy a generic universal regulator.-a Hobart/Miller may
    not have specs anymore, but specs on a lot of those old engines are available.

    ------------------------------

    If it only recharges the engine starting battery you don't even need it.
    As long as you are welding near civilization you can use a separate
    charger.


    I was thinking if I could get good enough to stick some thinner gage
    tube I might use it to help out buddies with things like gate and fence
    repair where there isn't a dryer outlet handy. I never tried thin wall
    stuff with stick, so I don't know. I used to repair really thin wall
    with a clothes hanger and a torch. Now I have some R45 for that, but It
    won't be as pretty... maybe.
    --
    Bob La Londe
    CNC Molds N Stuff
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Snag@Snag_one@msn.com to rec.crafts.metalworking on Wed Jul 1 22:02:21 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    On 6/30/2026 2:39 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
    On 6/30/2026 4:14 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
    "Clare Snyder"-a wrote in message
    news:3k664lts9tg05a476cmpe6kuapk4rdms2r@4ax.com...

    I would be STRONGLY suspecting a "leaky" transformer (bad insulation)
    wiring diagram below

    https://ch-delivery.lincolnelectric.com/api/public/
    content/667c6be50d884c3bb57f0a85fe62bde1?v=09ce2530

    there is NO WAY you should have continuity between the line voltage
    and the ground clamp OR the power cord ground and the ground clamp OR
    stinger.

    --------------------------------

    Using a hand cranked Megger I sometimes find electrical leakage that
    appear only as the voltage is increased, but a DVM on Ohms won't
    detect with its battery voltage output.

    If a DVM shows the short circuit I'd label and disconnect all the H
    and X transformer connections and check between any H and X, or either
    to the chassis. If they pass then check any reactor terminal to
    chassis. Also check the disconnected wiring.

    If a DVM doesn't show the short circuit the cost of the test equipment
    to look further likely exceeds the value of the welder. The essentials
    are a high power metered Variac, a DVM with a current clamp and a
    megger, which is a high voltage insulation tester.




    If you have a good AC/DC TIG power sourced with a rod holder, you no
    longer have any need for the cracker box except maybe as a backup.-a I
    gave my cracker box away a couple years ago.

    If you feel yours may be borderline unsafe I suggest making sure the transformer is copper wound, and add it to your scrap metal/recycle
    pile.-a You can always use it to make brass or aluminum bronze if you
    feel you have the time to play.


    I've been shopping for 35-70 connectors ... the plan is to cut the
    leads off the tombstone (leaving a few inches just in case) and putting connectors on the cables that I can plug into the Everlast EX250
    Powertig machine . They're a lot longer than the ones that came with
    that machine . I just need to figure out what size those leads are .
    Ain't got enough light out there right now to read the printing on the
    cables .
    --
    Snag
    I appreciated foreign cultures more
    when they stayed foreign ...
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Jim Wilkins@muratlanne@gmail.com to rec.crafts.metalworking on Thu Jul 2 07:39:05 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    "Snag" wrote in message news:1124kbt$14c07$1@dont-email.me...

    I've been shopping for 35-70 connectors ... the plan is to cut the
    leads off the tombstone (leaving a few inches just in case) and putting connectors on the cables that I can plug into the Everlast EX250
    Powertig machine . They're a lot longer than the ones that came with
    that machine . I just need to figure out what size those leads are .
    Ain't got enough light out there right now to read the printing on the
    cables .
    Snag

    ------------------------------
    Here's a suggestion on what they should be: https://www.centralwires.com/welding-cable-size/?

    I recently bought some new-old-stock #2 and #4 welding cable from a local dealer for 1/3 of the highest quoted price from other stores or on line. A hammer crimper for $14 from Amazon gave good results after pounding on the anvil until the impact sound stopped changing. I bolted the crimper to the hardy hole.

    Actually I was measuring the crimp resistance with a micro-Ohm meter until
    it stabilized well below 1 milliOhm, the sound change appeared to follow the measurement. The cable is feeding a 2500W inverter that runs A/C from solar charged batteries.

    My results with hex crimpers on copper lugs have been less satisfactory due
    to how much they distort or tear the crimp sleeve outside the jaws.

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Jim Wilkins@muratlanne@gmail.com to rec.crafts.metalworking on Thu Jul 2 07:52:15 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

    "Jim Wilkins" wrote in message news:1125ijj$2iasv$1@dont-email.me...

    https://www.centralwires.com/welding-cable-size/?

    I went by the pictures, the table is wrong https://www.forneyind.com/welding-cable-amp-chart?
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2