Found this in the garage. WHAT IS IT?

[jeeperguy21]

I'm taking care of my great aunt's house for her since she no longer can do it herself and behind her house is a shop and garage that her late husband used to work in all the time. This thing was top to bottom loaded with things from way back when (obviously never threw anything out.)

I have attempted to clean it out, throwing out the useless junk (who needs belts for cars that aren't on the road anymore?) One of the last things I have found is this machine sitting in the corner. My first guess would have to be that it is some sort of ancient welder. There are many welding sticks in the garage, and this would make sense, but looking at it, I can't figure out how it would work.

So I figure there may be someone out there that has some welding experience that can identify this relic, or someone else will be able to tell me what it is. I took pictures from many angles. Let me know what you think and if you can tell me how old this thing is:

If this is indeed a welder, can someone tell me if how to use it? I did plug in the power but I'm not sure what to expect to happen.

 

[dennis461]

If this is indeed a welder, can someone tell me if how to use it? I did plug in the power but I'm not sure what to expect to happen.

You can expect to get electrocuted...

 

[HilltopXJ]

:scared:

 

[buzzbombxj]

Its got a big plug, a ground and a electrode clamp, looks like a welder to me


I bet that changing that lead that bolts on to the copper bars sets the voltage?

 

[alex22]

It looks like he tapped into the transformer in multiple spots in order to select the power delivered to the stinger.

It also looks VERY dangerous. If you are still thinking about playing with it, remember that circuit breakers are there to protect equipment, not people.

 

[Justpunchit]

hahahahaha I love that thing.... It's such a cute lil' death trap



+1 on a welder btw

 

[tbburg]

Don't throw it away! It probably has 50 bucks worth of recyclable copper in it!

 

[MaxxXJ]

that is for sure a welder... and all you can do is get one of those ancient rods... putting it in the stinger aka the one with the hole in it and longer round handle... get that ground and wrap it around a piece of metal like re-bar. and scratch the tip of the rod across and see what it does. the more amp's it has (ie 140 amps) the faster/stronger the current will be. if it sticks like im sure it will do, break it loose quick cuz that rod will heat up and smoke and eventually turn red hot and melt... wear dry leather gloves... you will be less likely to get shocked or burned that way.

 

[WB9YZU]

Well, that's cool. It should weld something.

I like the way they used to do things. You were either intelligent enough to use the tool properly, or you died.

I remember some old spark transmitters my Uncle had. That stuff would knock you off your feet if you were not careful! He also used had some keyed plate transmitters where the high voltage was passed though the telegraph key. One slip, and OUCH!

 

[DeftwillP]

Don't throw it away! It probably has 50 bucks worth of recyclable copper in it!

X2 my first thoughts as well. I sure as shit wouldn't try using it.

 

[MaxxXJ]

X2 my first thoughts as well. I sure as shit wouldn't try using it.

sissy.... and you call yourself a jeeper :soapbox:

i'd try it...

 

[redneckboarder]

i would probly try it just for giggles then i would either be dead, hurt or id scrap it

 

[Begster]

Ever seen Back to the Future? I wonder, are there any clock towers near you? Perhaps some that have been struck by lightning?

You can expect to get electrocuted...

Hahaha

 

[stewie]

that is for sure a welder... and all you can do is get one of those ancient rods... putting it in the stinger aka the one with the hole in it and longer round handle... get that ground and wrap it around a piece of metal like re-bar. and scratch the tip of the rod across and see what it does. the more amp's it has (ie 140 amps) the faster/stronger the current will be. if it sticks like im sure it will do, break it loose quick cuz that rod will heat up and smoke and eventually turn red hot and melt... wear dry leather gloves... you will be less likely to get shocked or burned that way.

you sure are an idiot. where has darwin been your whole life?...:explosion

nominated

X2 my first thoughts as well. I sure as shit wouldn't try using it.

yah, as a welder i wouldnt step anywhere near that deathtrap. that is unless you wanted to die:angel:

You can expect to get electrocuted...

add to that the thing could catch fire while it is frying you, burn the house down and you to a crisp so there would be very little chance of having an open casket.

 

[Deadman 94 xj]

As someone who digs electricity, that thing is kick a$$. If it were me (seeing as how I'm qualified to deal with such contraptions) I'd clean it up, plug it in, and see what that fawker can do. Then, I'd hold on to it for a couple more decades.

 

[Darky]

I'd say it is most definitely a whatchamajigger. Circa 1947. It will kill you in your sleep.

 

[Deadman 94 xj]

It's actually less complex than todays machines if you know what you're looking at. The biggest thing you have to worry about is where your hands are and the condition of the insulation. Other than that, It will kill you.

 

[ECKSJAY]

It's actually less complex than todays machines if you know what you're looking at. The biggest thing you have to worry about is where your hands are and the condition of the insulation. Other than that, It will kill you.

Yup, I kinda dig it too.

 

[Deadman 94 xj]

Yup, I kinda dig it too.

I almost want to buy it off of him lol. I'd love to post it on the local forum and say, "hey guys, check out my new welder"

 

[stewie]

i didnt know they had electricity- or dirt for that matter- when that thing was ni*** rigged, i mean presidential solutioned, up!