Goodwell Welder. Should I keep it?

[simonl]

Hello all,

In an attempt to de-clutter my workshop I am rationalising my use of space and equipment.

I have 3 welders, A mig and 2 arc welders. I mostly use my smaller, newer, electronic arc welder. I also have a bigger, ballsier old style welder. This is an old "Goodwell" welder. It has a much higher range of current and can easily be reconfigured for 415V (but I have no use for that function). My question is, are these older style welders obsolete and just boat anchors or are they still sought after?

Cheers,

Simon

[greg_n]

Should I keep it? (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/goodwell-welder-should-i-keep-140769/#post1371678)

Yes


My question is, are these older style welders obsolete and just boat anchors

No way !

cheers,
greg_n

[China]

That "older style welder" will be going long after your newer electronic welder has given up, or has become a "end of life product" in a couple of years when you want a spare part, put it under a bench some where out of the way and I sure one day you will be glad it was there taking up space.

[19brendan81]

Hi Simon,

I have one of those. I could never weld with it at all, and figured I was the problem...so I did a welding course and it became obvious that the welder is the problem. Besides being heavy and cumbersome it just wont lay a good bead. Im sure the problem could be fixed by someone but I personally couldnt be bothered getting it done. Its antiquated and outdated and has been relegated to the garden shed.

If you have the room im sure you could hold onto it for a backup...but if not get rid of it. theres a number of reasons why you prefer the modern welder to the goodwell.

Brendan

[simonl]

Hi Simon,

I have one of those. I could never weld with it at all, and figured I was the problem...so I did a welding course and it became obvious that the welder is the problem. Besides being heavy and cumbersome it just wont lay a good bead. Im sure the problem could be fixed by someone but I personally couldnt be bothered getting it done. Its antiquated and outdated and has been relegated to the garden shed.

If you have the room im sure you could hold onto it for a backup...but if not get rid of it. theres a number of reasons why you prefer the modern welder to the goodwell.

Brendan
Hi Brendan,

This welder was my very first piece of machinery I acquired so it has some sentimental value. Having said that, it is massive and heavy. It is not as user friendly as my more modern welder and especially when first striking a weld. Having said that, when massive deep penetrating welds are the order of the day, nothing beats it!

I have come to the conclusion that if I were to sell it, I would actually get more for it if I took the copper out and sold it to a scrap metal merchant!

Cheers,

Simon

[19brendan81]

Yeah mine is really difficult to start a bead too, and then the arc seems to fluctuate during welding..its terrible. However its got sentimental value too as it was my old mans. I have a fond memory of him battling away with it welding up a verandah for our house. Took him hours and he had the worst welding burn ive ever seen at the end of it.