Unbelievable Wrestling Match by 42-Year-Old! Brace Yourself!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Starting the Welder
3. Tuning Up the Welder
4. Cleaning the Carburetor
5. Checking the Commutator
6. Testing the Capacitor Bank
7. Cleaning the Selector Switch
8. Reassembling the Welder
9. Conclusion
10. Pros and Cons

Article

Introduction

Welcome back to Let's Fabricate! In this episode, we have something a little different in store. Instead of welding something, we will be working on the welder itself. With summer approaching, it's the perfect time to get our mobile welding machine up and running. The goal is to tune it up, replace some parts, and ensure it's in good working condition. This way, we can take on mobile welding jobs and carry out our work from the back of our trusty Toyota pickup truck.

Starting the Welder

Before we dive into the tune-up process, let's first address the fact that the welding machine hasn't been started in a couple of years. To begin, we need to drain the old gas and replace the spark plug. Additionally, we'll get a new air filter and, if needed, a fuel filter. To prevent any potential issues, we'll be using 100 octane ethanol-free fuel. With these initial steps in place, we can proceed to power up the welding machine and see if it starts.

Tuning Up the Welder

Great news! The welding machine has started. However, there are a few more tune-up tasks to tackle. We have already changed the spark plug, replaced the fuel filter, and added fresh fuel. Now, it's time to inspect the commutator and brushes to understand why the machine is struggling to weld properly. We'll also check the capacitor bank for any issues. By addressing these components, we hope to improve the welding performance of our machine.

Cleaning the Carburetor

After a closer inspection, it became apparent that the welding machine's carburetor needed some attention. The commutator and brushes were riding dirty, affecting the overall welding ability. To rectify this, we meticulously cleaned the commutator using a commutator stone. This process involved gently scrubbing the commutator with the stone's coarse and fine sides. While some wear was still visible, the majority of the dirt and grooves were removed. With the commutator cleaned, we can move on to the next step.

Checking the Commutator

With the carburetor taken care of, we turned our attention to the commutator. However, a surprise awaited us inside the welding machine – a couple of dead wasps. After removing the unwelcome guests, we proceeded to check the microfarad rating of the capacitor bank. It is essential to consult a qualified electrician when dealing with electricity and capacitors. However, with some caution and expertise, we were able to safely test the voltage and determine that the capacitor bank was working efficiently.

Testing the Capacitor Bank

As we continued our tune-up process, we made sure to disconnect the capacitor bank from the armature and brush assembly to test it separately. Referring to the machine's drawing, we discovered that there were two 200 microfarad capacitors in the welding machine. Using a multimeter, we measured a capacitance of around 620 microfarads – well within the specified range. This confirmed that the capacitor bank was performing its job effectively.

Cleaning the Selector Switch

Before closing up the welding machine, we addressed another crucial component – the selector switch. This switch allows users to adjust the amperage sent to the leads. Over time, the contacts on the switch can become dirty, leading to poor connections and erratic amperage adjustments. By using high-grit emery cloth, we carefully cleaned the contacts, ensuring they were once again shiny and free of dirt. This maintenance step would contribute to better contact and smoother amperage adjustments.

Reassembling the Welder

With all the necessary repairs and maintenance completed, it was time to put the welding machine back together. We carefully reassembled the various components, ensuring proper alignment and connection. Once everything was securely in place, we fired up the machine to test its welding performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our tune-up mission for the welding machine was a success. Despite being over four decades old, this trusty machine proved that with regular maintenance and care, it could still deliver remarkable welding results. We addressed various components, from the carburetor to the commutator and capacitor bank, ensuring each was in optimal condition. With this mobile welding machine ready to go, we can confidently take on welding jobs throughout the summer and beyond.

Pros

• Effective tune-up process improved welding performance
• Demonstrated the longevity of a well-maintained welding machine
• Mobile welding capabilities for greater convenience

Cons

• Required regular maintenance and replacement of certain parts
• Carburetor cleaning and commutator inspection can be intricate processes

Highlights

• In this episode of Let's Fabricate, we shift our focus from welding to tuning up a mobile welding machine.
• By ensuring the machine is in good working condition, we can take on welding jobs from the back of a Toyota pickup truck.
• Steps involved in the tune-up process include draining old gas, replacing the spark plug, and adding fresh fuel.
• Critical components such as the commutator and capacitor bank are thoroughly inspected and cleaned to enhance welding performance.
• Maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the selector switch, contribute to smooth amperage adjustments.
• The welding machine, despite its age, proves that regular maintenance can prolong its lifespan and deliver reliable welding results.

FAQ

Q: How often should I tune up my welding machine? A: It is recommended to perform a tune-up on your welding machine at least once a year to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Q: Can I tune up my welding machine without professional help? A: While some maintenance tasks can be performed by the user, it is always advisable to consult a qualified electrician for any electrical or capacitor-related work.

Q: What fuel should I use in my welding machine to prevent carburetor damage? A: It is best to use ethanol-free fuel with a high octane rating to prevent ethanol-related carburetor damage.

Q: How long can a well-maintained welding machine last? A: With regular maintenance and care, a welding machine can last several decades, as demonstrated by the 42-year-old machine in this episode.

Q: Is it necessary to clean the commutator and brushes of a welding machine? A: Yes, cleaning the commutator and brushes is essential to ensure proper contact and optimal welding performance.