Lincoln welder help

[OilyRascal]

There were two mid 70s Lincoln "crackerbox" 220v welders in the shop.  I had my way with the both of them today.  They both appear to be the same, physically.  I blew out the cob webs and dirt dobbers, cleaned up the contacts on the dial, replaced the leads and tested.  One of them is now in good working order.

The other had absolutely no response to me throwing the power switch.  I heard nothing other than the sound of the bar clicking on the switch - no fan, no "humming" I'd expect.  Looking inside they don't seem complicated, but I know nothing of working on them.  I saw no fuses or fuse-able links.  I'm curious if it is worth spending more time/money on it, or if its in my best interest to call it "spare parts".  I'd rather not trash it, but I know their cost new.

I'd appreciate you sharing any experience or knowledge you may have.

[rusty]

Start with the plug&cord.....you would be surprised how often something just comes loose sitting....

no hum + no fan leads me to think plug/cord/switch. The silly machines don't have much else in them....

PS: Do *not* assume the last guy wired the plug right...

[OilyRascal]

I didn't see much else - what should be a really hot couple of wires passing past a switch.  Appreciate the input.

[johnsironsanctuary]

If that is a red Lincoln 225 amp tombstone welder, they have aluminum transformer windings. The old varnish breaks down and the transformer shorts out. As damp as it is in your part of the world, they don't last forever. When mine was new in '69, it was $125 and the cheapest 'real' welder on the market. Mine is still ok, but I was warned by other owners.

[Mel Larsen]

Here is a link to the Support section of Lincoln welder site,  I think they would be willing to help you and I also think there are manuals available from them if you give a model number.
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/support/Pages/support.aspx
Mel

[fflintstone]

FWIW I see them tombstones for as little as $50 on CL. If you need to have a second one that is an option.