Old Midstates 300 amp. AC Welder...Whats on the back

[Alphonse]

Any of you old-time farm / industrial welders out there know what this Lil' transformer like thingy on the back of this welder is? It looks like a small transformer hooked into the the primary 240 volt single phase input line. Is this to reduce current input amps? I thought they used capacitators for that? Any help apreciated. I have enough current capacity in my shop for the welder's rated 60 amp draw max., but if this thingy cuts it down, might as well leave it on know?

Edited August 19, 2009 by alfonso

[Alphonse]

Any of you old-time farm / industrial welders out there know what this Lil' transformer like thingy on the back of this welder is? It looks like a small transformer hooked into the the primary 240 volt single phase input line. Is this to reduce current input amps? I thought they used capacitators for that? Any help apreciated. I have enough current capacity in my shop for the welder's rated 60 amp draw max., but if this thingy cuts it down, might as well leave it on? aTTACH]16691[/ATTACH]

Welder works great wired up without this 100# monster! Just would like to know if it is worth keeping around.

[Bryce Masuk]

wow thats a nice looking refridgerator ;)