[VC455]

Does anyone know anything about a 220v Solar 165amp welder?
Please shed some light.

 

[VC455]

I'm really looking for your collective insight on 2 'tipping point' questions:

1) is there significant capacity difference between
a) 110v Lincoln 135a
b) 220v Solar 165


2) seems like the Solar has lots of features, are the features significant?
Lots of knobs don't always translate in 'usefulness', if you know what I mean.....

 

[VC455]

many many Thanks to
Brink WeldingWeb Tradesman
and
transit WeldingWeb Foreman
JUST the kind of insight I am looking for.
As I said in original post, I had read some 'trash talk-JUNK' (on another board) and 'never heard of them' (this board) about the Solar brand and I just didn't know if this 'inherited' welder was worth anything, from a Capacity and Feature, perspective.
I have more respect when I hear opinions from a "Tradesman' and 'Foreman'.
Thanks again.

 

[VC455]

Everyone, THANKS for keeping this alive.
I have sine been led to believe (elsewhere) that the historical family line for Solar > Century > Lincoln and parts are NP (no problem). I'm also led to believe, Solar 'brand' was rather light weight (duty) this model was targeted at body shops, hence the Spot/Stitch/Burn Back control features...(?)

To elaborate on original post that it "Doesn't work":
Power, lights, switches, everything makes the right noises, just doesn't 'spark'.
I am also led to believe, that all those fancy features: Spot, Stictck, Burn Back Control) may be the vulnerable points preventing it from working at all...(?) ,
and 'may' be easy to circumvent (unplugging),
creating a basic, 220v/164a MIG. ...(?)
Again thanks for your opinions and insights to help me decide to SAVE / TRASH the unit.

 

[VC455]

i have just inherited a solar165 that has a bad pot for the wire feed motor if anyone knows where i can find one please post. this pot has a five wire connection

You to, '...inherited a solar165 '
1) How did you diag the '...bad pot for the wire feed motor '?
2) Does anyone know how I can get Owner's manual for this?

 

[VC455]

After calling HTP, Jeff gave me a punch list of tests and found out it is the circuit board (after pulling it out I could see the burnt curcuit) they will rebuild the board for $180 now I have to decide if I want to spend that on a 28 yr old welder

Since I am in the same situation (suddenly inop welder) , can you share your "punch List" of DIY tests so I (and others- eventually) can benefit from your experience.

BTY I wonder why they are up bidding $20>$21 for this welder?