I just picked up a Monkey Wards Powr-Kraft 230 Continuous Amperage Control stick welder.

Looks pretty old.

Can anyone tell me anything about it? Anyone ever use this particular model?

The price was right. Freeeeeeeeeee.

Thanks

 

Plug that sucker in and see if it works.
Did it come with the leads?
I have not seen any arc welders gone bad. They are pretty basic, no moving parts except the cooling fan.
Sure can't beat the price.
I bought my lincoln 225 at home depot several years ago on sale for $225, and it paid for itself threefold the first time I used it.

 

I would love to get something like that, just to run a carbon arc rig. Can't run one off my inverter machine.
As fas as manufacturer, my guess is Century.
Is there a full model number you can post?

 

Seen one and used one. That was the welder I learned on. My grandpa has it, but he killed it from years of abuse...welding WAY over the duty cycle, and he had at least 100ft of lead. I think he bought it make in the '70s. Either way, I was amazed at how long it lasted.
I'd say by the picture, that one has hardly been used.

 

I can't seem to locate the model number. I'll try again to find it.

Anyone know where I might find a carbon arc torch for this beast?

It came with a good ground lead and clamp, but the hot lead is toast.

Half the insulation is gone, but the rod holder and plug are there.

Could I snip the ends of a battery jumper cable and use that as the "hot" lead?

It also came with a 25' extension cord (10/3), but the plug and receptacle ends don't match the plug on the welder.

I could either snip both ends of the extension cord to match the plug on the welder,
or just snip the one plug on the welder, and get a plug to match the extension cord,
or make up an adapter.

Now I have to learn how to use the thing.

 

I wouldn't use a jumper cable, that's too light of a gauge and too short as well.
Look around on CL for about 25ft of at least #0 welding cable, or get it from your local Praxair distributor, welding supplier, etc. It's a lot cheaper used, though.
You can also get a new Tweco electrode holder and ground clamp if need be, as well as cable ends if yours are corroded.
If you feel like spending the money, I'd set the cord and machine up with new plugs that match whatever you are going to be plugging it into.

 

Profax for the carbon arc torch. They've got a site, just google it. Don't know if they sell direct to the public, but nearly ANY welding supply should be able to order from them if they don't stock it.