ever heard of this? (very,very old)

[Geno]

I was just thinking of some 'old' welders I've had..Airco,forney,ect. But the very oldest was a Heavy square steel (not tin) box on steel spoke casters. It was maybe 8" to 10" square rectangle and 3 feet or more tall. Heavyer than all get out. The two lead post were on top and exposed nig nuts. The inside plates or whatever it was there totally submerged in oil! It accually welded great- But scared the heck out of me. The oil must have cooled it? Thinking was from 30's or 40's. ( paid $20 for it at scrap yard) Gene

[WyoRoy]

Earliest arc welder I had been around was in one of our neighbor's sheds. Took up the entire bench area of the small shed and to change amps you had to manually jumper/shunt the seperate coils/transformers/whatevers. No sheet metal enclosure, just out there in front of God and everybody loud and proud.

[Geno]

Roy- Got to wonder how many people either got burned or died from welders back then compared to now? Not a good thought, but I bet the percentage is big difference.

[WyoRoy]

Gut feeling, if you are strictly looking at the percentage of welders burned or that died from electrical shock back then as compared to now, my guess would be fewer back in the old days. Welding then was less of a hobbyist pursuit and the folks that operated those ancient contraptions were a handier bunch...gut feeling and backed up with no scientific proof, numbers, etc...just B.S. These days, when birth control pills have to be labeled as not a prevention for AIDS or STDs, one would guess that rocket science isn't taught in schools and shop classes are nearly a thing of the past.

[Geno]

very,very true Roy..got to agree. Welding then was a 'must' to keep the farm machines in operating condition. Farmers knew how quick and dangerous things can be. Growing up I remember the big wide belt driving stuff..I believe grain elevater..But it was ponded into me to be 'careful' and not wear loose clothes. Same with pto's. Somehow the Basic's in Life is overlooked now when being taught..as well as respect/appreciation/importance of hands on training,ect..instead the Kids learn how to 'manuever' around problems. My kid's phy-ed can be time on cumputer at school. God help us!..but thats what my parents said I guess when the 'Elvis' hit it big..and when the 'Beatles' went on Ed Sullivan with their mop hair.