comparing welders

[jackpinesavage]

Greetings to all at SFT

Hi, this is the savage, new member with a question. Is the forney farm welder comparable to the old red lincoln arc welder? I have a 50 amp circuit in my shop. Thanks for reading, savage

[greywynd]

From what I've heard and read about them, they are a solid old machine. Most I believe are 'tap' units, meaning you plug your leads into the output setting you want.

The lincoln tombstones just took that a step farther by adding a selector switch.

Of course, with an old welder the important part is the condition of the insulation and such, a good visual inspection will turn up any bad issues.

I don't know the ratings on the welder you're looking at, but a 50A outlet will give a lot of bang for the buck, and should run that welder if it's the style/size I'm thinking of.

Two thumb typing on a phone, as I never have time to use a computer!

[milomilo]

Same basic capacity, so a 50 amp breaker will do it.

[USMCPOP]

Many of the old welders were intended to be used on farms where the electric service was poor. Some even say "limited input". Goes back to the Rural Electric Administration. So they seem to draw 40 Amps or less. Typically 180 Amp welders or thereabouts.

Nothing wrong with old plug/tap welders like Forney, Mid-States, Marquette and the like if the physical condition is good. Lincoln did have a 180 Amp buzzbox with plugs for a time.

Now, if you wants to make money, y'all gotta git one of these here adjustable welders (pic). I gots me one for fitty dollah.