Need help with a Mid State Welder TRI-ARC 160

[Jim DeWitt]

Hiya, this is my very first attempt at posting here so my apologies ahead of time for any violations of etiquette, manners, etc., etc.

I bought a couple of welders from one of the on-line auction houses I have found to be somewhat reliable. These were being used by University of Idaho for some kind of instructional purpose and were listed as 'multi-process' welding machines. They were made by MID STATE WELDER MFG. CO, Chicago. Model is 'TRI-ARC 160'. I have some pretty clear pics of these beasts if I can figure out how to upload them.

Anyway, they are rated 50 amp, 240 V single phase power. My first and only attempt at operating one was enough of a failure that I definitely feel the need for more information. I wasn't able to get anything out of the unit on any process beside MIG. Attempted to ruhn any kind of bead. Was able to get argon through the system but all I got was a very unstable sputtering. The machine was kind of buzzing in sync with the sputtering.

No loose connections, that I could locate. Line connection was solid, work lead tight and a large copper clamp. I looked inside for anything that might explain the problem; nuttin' out of the ordinary, at least the ordinary that my limited expertise could find.

Okay, well, hope this isn't unacceptably lengthy. I will try and figure out how to get an image or two uploaded and thanx ahead of time for any help you guys might be able to provide.

[Rodrigue Caron]

Hi Jim.I would like help you but i need precises photos of all the dials on the face of your welder,the photo of curent data sticker ,photo of wire feeder inside welder and last photo of your connections on the grid. rodriguecaron@videotron.ca

[OneWelder]

That looks similar ( almost Identical) to the old Hobart "Dip Stick" (or dip core , should know I have had it since the seventys) the top dial controls wire speed - the big rotating handle selects process- the scale on lower corner shows amps--- Make sure when you use process selector that it actually "clicks" in (you should be able to feel it)- Also the pointer for the process is probably the short end, not the handle as picture shows
When using the mig you will have to set both amps and wire speed, read the scales and it should be close
Also make sure it is wired to proper input voltage(220) not 208
This advice is based on my experince with the DIP STICK- not on your brand

[Jim DeWitt]

Hi, and thanx for the interest.
I (will) take the camera next time I go to the shop, and get as much specific detail as possible.
Back to yuh'in a day or two at the most.
Thanks again, Jim

[K D Redd]

What little I know about MIG welding, you DO NOT use pure ARGON as a shielding gas. You need to use a mix of 75% Argon 25% CO2 or 100% CO2 if you are cheap like I am. Argon at 100% is for TIG. If you are welding Stainless Steel with your MIG, there are tri-mix gases for stainless.

Kent