Blackhawk WEL-161 help with controls

[p0689109]

Can anybody help me with the three lower dials and their 3 position control switch. The decals show the first control to have a top-hat symbol, the second one an inverted top-hat and the third one the letter t. Along side the switch the three symbols are ; --- linked to first dial, a double top-hat symbol linked to dial 2, and a full stop linked to the lower dial. I hope the photos are clear enough to make out.
Regards, Michael T

 

[keith19]

I'd suggest the top hat represents a weld, so top dial is duration of weld.

2nd dial has an inverted top hat, so this may represent pause setting between stitch welds. The button is for setting either stitch or spot.

The bottom dial looks like it may be for setting time of spot welds.

Never having used one of these, I may be wrong, of course...

 

[Wozzaaah]

I reckon Keith is bang on!
Looks like top position is normal welding, trigger press - weld, trigger release, cease.
Middle is stitch welding. Trigger press, weld - cease - weld - cease etc. this position enables the top and middle dials, top - weld time, middle pause time.
Bottom is spot welding. Trigger press, machine will weld for the duration set by the bottom dial then stop.

 

[p0689109]

wel-161

Brilliant thanks for that.
Regards, Michael T

 

[scruffyteg]

Hi - Do you still own this welder? I have the same one!

Google led me to this this thread as I was searching for circuit diagrams so I could fix mine. Alas, Google failed me, but I thought I would pop-in** to say hello, , and note that I have made a hand-drawn circuit diagram for the main board and front panel wiring if anyone is desperate enough to need one?!... Don't all rush at once, form an orderly queue .

Personally though, after looking at the design, I don't see the point in repairing my board - I'm going to build a new custom board and retrofit it... Unijunction transistors went out of favour even before my time!

** Sorry bit of an on-and-off casual visitor over the last year without a login

Cheers,
Rich.

 

[Sacmanjohn]

Hey Guys

What do you think about this welder? I am looking at a second hand one.

 

[eddie49]

Hello, and welcome to the Forum!
Based on the external appearance and the controls, it looks like a very decent traditional transformer-based machine.
The good points are that it has a Euro torch socket, a Dinse socket for the work return lead, 7 switched ranges, and spot and stitch welding timers. The output probably runs from 20 to 160 Amps.

I have found some additional photos here, including internal ones:

160 Amp Mig welder

My trusty Blackhawk 160 Amp mig welder is up for sale to raise money to help our Government >:D reduce their deficit and shortfalls with the Civil...

thelatebay.com

These show a metal wirefeed assembly of reasonable quality, not made of plastic! The main rectifier is of a good size, and there is a large inductor ( choke ). There is a bank of 8 capacitors to smooth the DC output; these are usually only fitted to professional-level machines.
It is not a popular make, and I am not aware of any spare parts or circuit diagram being available. However, it is rugged and simple, so it should be reliable, and fairly easy to fix using generic components if it ever fails.

If the machine you are looking at is in working order and reasonable cosmetic condition, I would expect it to be worth up to £200.