Help with an old Weldmate Arc welder.

**Tas_Dean** · 21st June 2007, 09:13 PM

I have an old Weldmate arc welder, and most of the markings have worn off with age. It has a 15 Amp plug, and it appears as if the brand is Arlec. There doesn't seem to be any model numbers marked on it.

If anyone has one, would they be able to take a photo and/or measure the markings of the current indicator area. This one has the slot on top with the rod on it which moves with rotary current adjuster. The markings on mine have totally worn off, so it takes forever to get it set up for a different rod!

Other than that, it goes like a charm. Current seems to drop off as it heats up, which is only a problem when laying down long runs. I'm sure I could fix that with the addition of a fan, if I decide I need to! Considering I only paid $20 for it at a garage sale as it was missing the rod holder (I had a spare at home), It's a great little welder. Heaps better than the old CIG compact 2 that I had.

Thanks, Dean

**Grahame Collins** · 22nd June 2007, 12:21 AM

Dean,
I would not worry too much.May welders get hung up markings.Half the time they are not correct anyway.
Grab some scrap plate and some electrodes of different diameters say 2.6mm and 3.25.

Run beads, observe best performance of each and mark appropriately with a paint marker or similiar.

I gave up reading the amps of the marker many years ago.
It is good practice to run the electrode on a scrap striking plate and judge from there does it need more or less amps.

Grahame

**Tas_Dean** · 22nd June 2007, 12:29 AM

Thanks for the reply Graham. That's more or less what I have done so far. I was taught to use the current settings, but thinking about it I guess it doesn't really matter!

**specialist** · 23rd June 2007, 06:20 PM

Run beads, observe best performance of each and mark appropriately with a paint marker or similiar

I agree, I only use the current markings as a guide. For me, welding is a feel thing, if it feels right, then that's the setting that I use.

**Chris Parks** · 24th June 2007, 11:54 AM

Another advantage of using a piece of scrap is it heats the electrode which is always a big help in starting a weld.

Thread: Help with an old Weldmate Arc welder.

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Help with an old Weldmate Arc welder.

Similar Threads

Is it possible to cut with an arc welder?

Add a fan to an arc welder

add a fan to an arc welder

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions