Test for buzz box welder?

[jake98]

Is there a load test for buzz box welders? I have a couple tomestones and I don't want to keep the wrong one...
Thanks, Jake

 

[jake98]

Happy Easter,
bunny, what if I hooked up 3 or 4 rods, My uncle's Lincoln has dc, my grandpa's has ac only.
jake,

 

[SPYDERLK]

Is there a load test for buzz box welders? I have a couple tomestones and I don't want to keep the wrong one...
Thanks, Jake

What do you want to have? Predictable intervals between each range?, highest total output?, ..........?
larry

 

[jake98]

I was just wondering if there was a way to pick out a beat up coil or if I have to wait and see.
My friends that work on electronics say "just don't let the smoke out" of'em.
Jake

 

[SPYDERLK]

I was just wondering if there was a way to pick out a beat up coil or if I have to wait and see.
My friends that work on electronics say "just don't let the smoke out" of'em.
Jake

Do you have a clamp on ammeter? If so, Id consider clamping the output leads together, turning it on, and quickly measuring the input and output currents and turn off. Do this in each range for both welders. The welder with the lowest ratios [I/O] wins since it is the more efficient. To me this means its tranformer is in better shape. Be sure to let the welder cool for 10 minutes or so between each test. The welders will not heat quickly, but cumulative heating will skew the results unless you let it cool.
larry

 

[xlr82v2]

Just weld with each of them, see which one you like the best.

Most buzzboxes are pretty much bulletproof. Most problems with them can be traced back to bad/worn connections on the leads.

How many do you have, and what brand?

 

[MJPetersen]

My uncle's Lincoln has dc, my grandpa's has ac only.
jake,

I like the suggestion that you simply weld with them and see which works best for you. However, I would DEFINITELY give a preference to the one with DC as that will be easier to use and more versital--it is probably a much more expensive machine too. It probably is the better of the two. There really is not that much that can go wrong beyond the connections or a burned out transformer.

Check out this current thread. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/117690-dc-ac-welder.html#post1356468

Mike