Astonarc welder

[super noob]

Just bought one of these for £45 with rods, leads and trolley


Seems to be a copy of an Oxford/Pickhill Bantam, take it these a are fairly decent old welders as it looks to be of good quality.

Anyone able to confirm or deny picking it up tomorrow as its just down the road from me

 

[cumbriasteve]

I can remember the name from my youth, think one of the places I used to potter around had one lurking in the corner and it was an old one then..circa late 60's.

It was a massive thing, with if I remember correctly the amp slide on the front.

Pickhill did badge for other companies in the 70's, so it's probably one of them.

 

[super noob]

It does look to be a big ******! And I'd guess 70's too


Looks exactly like the Pickhill/Oxford/Cytringam machines


Guy said it welds nicely and for that price I cant complain it'll do me until the TIG I bought is set up and ready to go (need to get an 80A circuit for it)

 

[TechnicAl]

Lincoln Electric is in Aston, Sheffield.............maybe its a relic

 

[super noob]

Hmmm possibly, gonna be a half decent one for the price then

 

[super noob]

Picked it up today, nice old welder and sparks up easily

 

[super noob]

Ok, had a good go with it it. Should add it only cost me £40 not £45 as the guy didn't have change so said I could have it for £40

Which is kinda good as the old wiring could do with upgrading, bought a box of 3.2mm SIF rods for £11, some air filters and had a play.

Gonna get a new power cable with a 32A plug tomorrow if I get the chance and then have some extra practice, was laying down some nice beads and the slag just popped off on a couple with no need for the hammer. 145A with the 3.2mm 6013 rods was working nicely on 5mm steel and 110A on the 3mm plate works, think I may need some thicker rods for the 5mm steel though given that the rods are meant for 130A max according to the box

Test steel was rusty/coated in millscale and it burnt through all that crap nicely