Repairing a Vintage AC Buzz Box Stick Welder

Repairing a Vintage AC Buzz Box Stick Welder. In this weeks episode we are going to fix a vintage Search Craftsman 230 amp AC stick welder. This model was made in the mid 1980's. The lever for the amperage setting wont hold once you start welding. Follow along as I restore this piece of history back to life.

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Disclaimer: These videos are intended for entertainment purposes only and as such, you should not attempt to do any of the things you see me doing. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines before handling tools. Seek professional advice and training before using any tools or equipment. Never operate any tool without wearing the proper personal protective equipment. Final warning, Do not attempt to do any of the things you see me doing!

[paulp]

The smile said everything, its always a nice feeling when you get an old piece of equipment backup and running 👍👨🏻‍🏭🇬🇧

[johnwoody]

the wheels came off napa creeper. i have a dailomatic sear welder from mid 70's the were really bad for that after a while i took mine a part and cut a piece of cork gasket same size as disc and it really helped i have not used it in years. last time i used it was to weld cast iron. i have a miller 200 wire welder. hft plamsa cutter that works really well and a hft wire welder with flus core in case i give out of gas and need to repair some thing fast. take care, be safe and well.

[karlmartinek]

Recently uncovered an old early 70s Dayton 295 ampwelder in the in-laws garage. Been sitting for the better part of 30 years. Turned right on and welds with no issues.😁

[Manandmachine]

That’s pretty awesome that you were able to save your old welder. And the wheels looks like they came off a old wooden creeper. Still have one in the barn.

[jacobcorbitt]

I’m sorry about your dad. Good work man! Hopefully the welding machine will continue service for many years 👍

[AntonioClaudioMichael]

I do think the machine bolts you put in were helping keep the hindge sections steady though

[AntonioClaudioMichael]

My very first buzz box was the Lincoln Tombstone BuzzBox

[davidbegor]

6013 runs great on my linclon ac tombstone. Only welder I have.Been using it for 50 years now!👍👍😁

[mikelove]

Thanks Brandon ! Love repairing old tools so i can use them ! Im repairing a 1970s craftsman #1012290 bandsaw at this time to add to my shop ! Have Fun ! Straight Ahead !✌😎

[jimmacsuga]

Your advice is right on, Brandon! I have been an electronic technician for 45+ working years and have taken apart several welders, even converting two to DC. That fix is certainly an appropriate one and maybe only one addition would be cleaning the races where the channels ride. A little (and I mean a little) silicon lube would help the rise and fall. Also, the switches are easy to clean with a mild solvent. I took off (one by one) all the connections to the switches and terminals and cleaned them. Brought back two welders that had seen better days. Just setting them is trial and error and I understand that and practice, practice, practice!!!! BTW....if you ever want to convert that Harbor Freight wire feed to DC, let me know. I can send what I did and it is really simple. Be well, be safe, and keep in information coming!!!

[olddawgdreaming]

Love them Oldies but Goodies. Thanks for sharing with us Brandon. Stay safe, find an electronics' shop and get some new boards and replace them on the adjuster on both sides and both end so the adjuster works 100% like it should. It's doable. Fred.

[davestewart]

I have the same Century welder that I bought new in the 80s, I still have it like brand new sitting in its original shipping box, I should bring it out, great video 👍😁

[brianr]

Your excitement shows the many years of alone time with that welder. Im sure there will be many more. Great video!

[Shasta_Rayne]

This is such a fun video! I can tell you’re really excited to get your old welder up and running again. I know how much something like this can mean; to bring back past, happy memories. As always, your videos are a joy to watch. Keep up the good work and the excellent content!

[earlcavenaugh]

It’s amazing what you will see when your remove the cover. I have a welder that twice I thought was done for. Turns out it was an easy fix both times. Good job!

[scottchastain]

Brandon I am a huge fan as you know. I live in my shop like you. Today I am welding plate steel on a car trailer that I got from a junkyard. I also restore old vehicles. Most of my welding is old school sheet metal work. That is my real living. I don't know anything about tig welding but that is something I'm trying to learn now. You know I share your channel all over the place. Thanks for the videos... I'm done sucking up. I would like to share pictures and videos with you to get feed back. Thanks

[PilotMcbride]

Changes the inductive reactance of the cct thereby limiting current and voltage at the rod after arc struck.
As part our our 1st year (back in the 70s) we had to build one, they were very robust.
Cheers ol’ fella.
👏👏👏 👋👋👋

[rustytree]

Good work Brandon! You'll get another 40yrs out of it!

[michaelanderson]

It is great to get old tools restored and back in service.
They don't make anything to last these days. Built in obsolescence so as to continue repeat business

[tanksoldier]

good one Brandon , dont forget to lube up that fan stay safe TANK