clarke 131E arc welder

[domains]

Just bought this welder on ebay... any good?

Got it cheap.

 

[shenion]

Will do for light use.

Supposedly decent. Arc welders are nothing but the transformer and the box (and a sliding code.) Not much to go wrong. Should work on smaller rods (5/64 or 2mm). Larger it will cut out after a few minutes and need to cool down before using.

 

[domains]

On welder it says output 80A@20vac max o.c,v =46vac

input 60hz -22A 1ph


Whats 90 continuous output mean? 90amp? if so why would they call it max 130 amps? Did they lie about 130amps?

 

[shenion]

130A is peak.

The specs are confusing:

90 continuous amps

then says

20% duty cycle at 75 amps.

Another ad says:

Duty Cycle: 30% at max output, 40-100A continuous.

Looks like it will do 100A or so for welding and 130A when starting the arc.

Probably different duty cycle specs are at different temps. Either way, it will probably cut out using 3/32 rods and need to cool down.

 

[domains]

Thinking of placing a Mircwave fan in it for cooling( there small 120v)

Should I plug in to its own outlet or place on Welder's on/off switch?

Don't want to loose power

thx.

 

[shenion]

A fan will draw very little power; just connect to power switch.

 

[domains]

Placed it direct black and white wire on switch. So when pluging into wall the fan comes on without switching welder on.

theres was 4 other white wires on switch and I didn't want to affect anything.

thanks for help... if I had a camera id take pictures.