Oh Fuuuudddgggee.

Murphy strikes again!

(...)

(...)

What make and model welder, Pete? Perhaps we can download a schematic and have a look.

--Winston

I re-read your post 'for comprehension'. The fan *did* stop. DoH!

Still, make and model info would be helpful.

--Winston

Heh, you got two steps forward and only one step back on your list of projects. And a nice evening to boot. Sounds like a winner to me!

I must admit that the first time a read it I spotted the "20 degree" temp reference and figured you were > It was a lovely evening last night when I headed out to the shop. 20°,

Thanks Winston. It's a Lincoln Squarewave 275. The switch is mechanically broken (you can feel it) I'll just have to replace it.

I have been thinking though (uhoh). This welder has the optional power factor capacitors installed. I should probably discharge them before poking around in there. What would be the best procedure for that? (they're big suckers) Or am I worrying about nothing?

Pete

Yeah, it was a good evening. Just hated the note it ended on!

Yes, 20°C! Finished with the 20°F temps a couple of months ago. Actually we're two to three weeks ahead on our spring weather compared to past years. The tulips are almost finished, I've cut the grass twice, and the mosquitos are coming out!

Pete

Safety First!

I'd clip an incandescent lamp across the phases starting now so that the caps are reasonably flat by the time the covers come off.

After the covers are off, I'd use a 'shorting stick' across the caps as insurance. (Wear Protection please)

This one, yes?

--Winston

Considering the number of welders laying around this place that had (or have) the usual problems with broken switches, broken cable jacks, noisy fans looking for a rebuild, and similar, I just don't think the problem over powers the nice evening.

It's hard to believe how fast you can melt a 2-inch section of screwdriver blade, isn't it? I hate the sizzling noise as a glob flies by your ear.

That lines up with my thought. It's single phase supply (220V)

Gee I've got lots of universal shorting sticks lying about! I'll use a heavy gauge one to avoid the splatter effect Ed has apparently observed.

That's the one! I have a call into my friendly neighbourhood welding supply store about the switch. Hopefully this won't soak up the money I saved by getting the free lawn mower! :-)

Pete

And yes, it was a productive evening, and I shouldn't complain. It's just kinda like having a nice evening out and finding a parking ticket on your car at the end of it.

I'm exagerating, but I did burn the tip off of a screwdriver when working on a car battery once, and it wound up a melted glob that hit the floor. And molten lead from a battery terminal, not hot steel, did whiz past my ear on another occassion. It still makes a sickening, sizzling sound.

As long as you didn't release the magic smoke, it should be an easy fix. Replacing the magic smoke is much more difficult.

Hmmm.. that brings up the vague memory of one of the heavy equipment mechanics working in my Dad's shop sitting on a battery with a wrench in his back pocket. I seem to remember a lot of cursing, and some smoke. I was pretty young, so the cursing seemed more memorable at the time. ;-)

Pete

I keep a can in my toolbox just in case.

It is British though, so I can't be sure the polarity is correct.....

Pete

That is COOL!

The 'Lucas' logo in the corner is the topper.

Too Funny!

--Winston

(...)

I positively adore that noise, relative to the feeling that one is rumored to get (G) when one is the target of said glob.

--Winston

That's a good point. As Bill says, it must be hard not to flinch.

I love it! You're way ahead of me!

Cool!!!

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