What to do with an older Miller Thunderbolt?

[DaveO]

My AC 225 Thunderbolt is an old machine, still working but the case is a little rusty from sitting in my brother's barn, and it's missing the original adjusting handle. Could sell it, I guess, or (horrors!) scrap it for the copper... I've been thinking about donating it to the Boy Scouts since they've come out with a welding merit badge, but I'm not sure if that would be a blessing or a curse given the learning curve associated with stick welding. Any thoughts?

[Rambozo]

My AC 225 Thunderbolt is an old machine, still working but the case is a little rusty from sitting in my brother's barn, and it's missing the original adjusting handle. Could sell it, I guess, or (horrors!) scrap it for the copper... I've been thinking about donating it to the Boy Scouts since they've come out with a welding merit badge, but I'm not sure if that would be a blessing or a curse given the learning curve associated with stick welding. Any thoughts?

Stick welding is still a valuable skill, partly because of the time required to become proficient at it. Donating it sounds like a wonderful idea. I bet Miller still has a replacement handle, too.

[geezer]

I gave mine to a fellow I know who needed a welder, he likes it, helps him out and it went to a good home,,,,did a lot with it for a lot of years,,,they are simple reliable and a good all around welder,,,but having a PA 200 was the right choice for me and I wouldn't go back,,,just too smooth and handy. My advice give it to some youngster who is short on bucks and long on ambition, who likes to build stuff.

Forgot to mention, the cables and helmet I though in probably were worth more thanI paid for my PA200,,,but who cares,,when you give something give ti the right way,,, complete...

[Gerry]

I agree with geezer, give it to someone who will give it a good home.

[DaveO]

I agree, stick is a valuable skill. That would surely be a badge the Scouts would have to *earn*, given a newbie's likelihood to stick the rod. Might work out if there is a badge or belt loop for "Justifiable Swearing".

I was thinking to hand off a complete welder, maybe now is the time to gin up the adjusting handle I always promised I would. Altho I scavenged the plug, thinking the new owner would likely have a different electrical setup.

Neighbor across the street has a son in Scouts- I'll get contact info. I like the idea of a young guy with more ambition thab cash, but short of requiring an essay I'm not sure how I'd find that guy.

[DaveO]

Finally handed this welder off! I contacted my son's Scoutmaster, who spread the word the welder was available but couldn't find a troop who could "do justice to the donation", as he put it. So I contacted a guy who had posted on our local Freecycle, asking for a welder. Turns out he's an EMT who just returned from a trip to the Antarctic, where he provided medical support. He's got an on-going motorcycle project and has specific use for the welder, but has also been interested in welding and has been reading everything he can lay hands on. So I fired up the welder last night (to make sure it would fire up for him), and made the hand-off. Happy ending.

[geezer]

Congrats on finding a good home for it,,,there is a certain amount of satisfaction in helping noobies,,,nice to see young fellows learn and develop skills.

[Mr120]

Always good to see a usable item go to a new home where it will be appreciated. I'm sure he'll put it to good use and make some nice stuff with it.

[everlastsupport]

I probably would have put it on craigslist under free stuff if I could not sell it. Glad it went to a project for someone else. My Dad still has one and swears by it, that and a small A/O setup (MC type). Can not get him into the year 2000

[DaveO]

It felt like better karma to give it away, since it was a gift. I'm a little disappointed or maybe surprised that the Scouts didn't take it, but just as glad it turned out this way.

[everlastsupport]

Yea, that is a surprise. But with all the PC crap today and the new world we have. Maybe liability was the issue. Get sued if someone gets burnt. Hard to say, but boy have things changed in the world today.

[EchoSixMike]

I had a T-bolt where the shunt broke and Miller no longer made parts. Still functional, you just have to manually prop up the shunt within the coil to adjust amperage. That is the nice thing about old tech, it's fairly indestructable.

I gave it to a friend to hobby use. S/F.....Ken M

[everlastsupport]

That is the nice thing about old tech, it's fairly indestructable.
S/F.....Ken M

Yea, like 225AC/tombstone red machine, I see them all the time. They can be had for cheap too, but not very portable. I will stick with modern technology (and Everlast of course).