$15 cst 280

[BradTN]

I found this Miller CST 280 at a flea market for $15. He said he did a building clean out and it was part of the contents...and he knew nothing else about it. It was assembled and attached to a rack type thing...as if it was hung from a steel beam while in use... maybe. I have several Welding machines, but I've never owned an Inverter machine before. I have it apart to blow out the dirty interior, straighten out the bent Dinse plug panel and change the power cord. It looks like these retail for about $2500. It would be great if this thing still worked for only 15. Is it possible ?! I guess I'll tinker with it and put it back together and try it. If anyone can think of anything I should know before I proceed with the project, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[mattwelding85]

I have used and own these machines. They are awesome to say the least. They are also built to be abused and mine gets thrown, dropped, slid you name it. It has the scars to prove it but still runs like a champ. The only thing I do is open it up once in awhile and hit with air as it does fill up with whatever junk is at the shop or job site.

[xryan]

Looks like it could use a power washing not blowing out! For $15 that could be the best find ever. They are a pretty good non engine drive pipe welding machine tig and stick.

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[BradTN]

Update- I found the time to re-do the Dinse panel and the power lead, plus a clean out and clean up. I plugged it in and turned it on...and nothing happened. I used the serial number to choose the online manual and downloaded it. I've checked continuity and voltage from the power plug , through the switch, and to the lugs on the big PC board(PC2?)...and it checks good. The troubleshooting part of the manual seems to say that there is a fuse(F1/Part #22) that could be blown, but I don't see it on the PC board, or any where else. I feel dead ended. Does anyone know what my next step should be ?

[Munkul]

That's a bargain, however you see it. I'd try finding people who know Millers inside and out... might cost you a few hundred dollars for board repair, but it'll be worth it in the end.

[snoeproe]

Male sure it's wired correctly for your service.
It's only a 200 amp machine when it's ran on single phase power.

[ccawgc]

You have the new version of the machine. They did away with the fuse. Plus the fuse only protected the welder when set for 230 volts. Welder completely dead? no lights anywhere? on pcbs and front panel.
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