Craftsman 50 amp home-n-shop arc welder

[kennesm]

I was given a Craftsman 50 amp home-n-shop arc welder and is in almost new condition but I think I would need to replace the clamps to make it worth using. My question is, is this thing even worth messing with? Anyone have any Ideas what this little welder would be good for?

 

[k0ua]

I was given a Craftsman 50 amp home-n-shop arc welder and is in almost new condition but I think I would need to replace the clamps to make it worth using. My question is, is this thing even worth messing with? Anyone have any Ideas what this little welder would be good for?

Do you have a small boat that needs stabilizing in one place on the lake?

That may be a little harsh, but I sincerely cannot see this welder being good for much. I sure wouldn't put any money in it. Probably more frustration than joy.

James K0UA

 

[kennesm]

Thanks James, I kind of had that feeling also.

 

[paulharvey]

It will run a 1/16th inch rod, and stick some 16 gauge metal together. New ground clap is $9.99 and electrode holder is $7.99 at Harbor Freight. If nothing else it gives you something to learn on, or play with. BTW, its nice to learn there IS something weaker than my 70 amp CF welder (which has a 50 amp/70 amp switch). I haved tried 50 amps, but doesn't seem enough to burn 3/32nd 6011 with, which is what I have.

 

[stuckmotor]

I usually run 1/8 " electrodes on 90 amps so, you might do alright with smaller ones. Does the welder have a chart or directions telling you what size to use?

 

[Shield Arc]

Back in my days of running wire and splicing these 36-inch x 300# beams I could loose 50-amps in a heart beat!

 

[rankrank1]

The welder is not worth investing a lot of money in, but certainly worth salvaging an old clamp from a set of old scrap jumper cables for the ground clamp and installing a cheapo $10 HF stinger.

For rods the ONLY 2 rods it will run is 5/64" 6013 and 1/16" 7014. Why only these two rods? Because at 50 amps fixed setting it is actually too much for all other 1/16" diameter rods and not enough oomph for any 3/32" diameters. 5/64" diameters are only offered in 6013. How do I know that these are the only rods that will burn decent? I have one of these welders that I have had for a couple decades ($8 yard sale purchase). Anyway, I tried many rods and these are the only two that are usable. I prefer the 5/64" 6013 over 1/16" 7014 (with this particular type cheapo welder) but you will need both rods as it is the only thing you can change since your welder is not adjustable.

That all said, do not plan on building any huge extravagant large projects with it as the duty cycle is simply too low for that kind of work. It can be handy though for small quick repairs that are suited to be made with either 5/64" 6013 or 1/16" 7014 (example: stress crack in a mower deck). Very portable too, as it will work on a 115 volt outlet anywhere. You can weld 1/16" thick metal up to 1/8" metal pretty easily. 3/16" thick metal can be done in a pinch with careful joint prep and multiple passes. Much more than that though is total fantasy land.

Is it a great welder? No. But if it is all you have then it is better than nothing. Look at all the repairs that are made with JB weld epoxy. I still have mine and even still use it occasionally even though I have other better welders.

 

[Arc weld]

Personally I'd put more faith in JB weld than a door stop.:2cents: You'd have to plug it in so it buzzes though, otherwise you'd stub your toe tripping over the bloody thing!ullinghair::muttering:

 

[Todd NE WY]

When you say 50 amps is that input or output. There is a major difference, if it is 50 amp input it could be pretty useful to learn on.

Todd

 

[Arc weld]

50 amps output.