Electrical Question

Moonlite37 · Aug 9, 2016

Yesterday I posted a response in the Tool Talk about a movable coil transformer welder being somewhat better than a tapped coil welder. I got no response but I still wonder. Any experts?

K-Mo · Aug 9, 2016

A movable coil allows infinite output settings while a tapped coil output is in fixed increments. One may not really be any better than the other, but more matter of personal preference.
I am not an expert, just seems to be the logical answer. I'm sure someone will tell me if I'm wrong.

mozark · Aug 9, 2016

I don't know if they are any better, but would assume they would be cheaper to make, i.e no expensive heat range switch or multiple heat connectors. Usually cheaper means a worse machine but in this case I would think they would also be more reliable (fewer parts to fail) and have the benefit of infinite heat settings. I have an old Craftsman that has worked well, but really haven't used it that much.

Russ from MN · Aug 9, 2016

I have an old Airco 180 with a movable coil transformer, and I assume it's copper, as it's very heavy! It was in the high school when I started in 64, and I bought it at the school auction in 76 for $60. I added a cooling fan just because, now I can hear it and remember to shut it off. I have used it at multiple locations and when the input voltage is higher it runs low hydrogen pretty well, 1/8 on the lower range.

sotxbill · Aug 9, 2016

Would think the mechanism for securing the coils would wear and start to slip over time. there is a lot of pull on the coils?

markct · Aug 9, 2016

I know my Lincoln idealarc won't slip
there's two big screws geared together
to move it

JMOR · Aug 9, 2016

Been years since I opened up an old Miller buzzbox, but I believe the crank on it only moved a section of transformer core, with all windings remaining stationary.

BobReeves · Aug 9, 2016

That is the way my Craftsman buzz box adjusts the output. Changes the coupling between the primary and secondary windings by adjusting the iron core. Works well and as said is infinity adjustable.

Russ from MN · Aug 9, 2016

Correcting myself, I googled it! It's a movable shunt transformer, and they are relativity foolproof with no wearing parts except the mechanism to move the shunt, probably a good idea to blow the dust out of them once in awhile.

Texasmark1 · Aug 9, 2016

Yepper, you screw it in or out. Determines the primary to secondary coupling efficiency

Electrical Question

Moonlite37

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K-Mo

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mozark

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Russ from MN

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sotxbill

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markct

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JMOR

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BobReeves

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Russ from MN

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Texasmark1

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