I picked up this little (ha) welder yesterday. I was told it is an ex-navy ship yard welder, but little else was known. The welder portion is General Electric, as far as I know. It has a gasoline Hercules flathead 4 engine, with a water pump/radiator/and magneto. I understand some tractors used this engine. I've had no luck pulling up a service or operators manual. The neat little toon welder on the face plate looks like a 40's style character what with the pie slice eyes. Very Pinocchio. I'd like to get it running, it's supposed to, and do some hobby welding with it just to see it work. Not pretending like it will be practical, just seems fun to tinker with. Any info folks can offer would be appreciated. Need to check the block for a date, as supposedly it has one stamped there someplace.
The last nameplate suggests it has a WICO model XH magneto running the Herc. Some info on rebuild etc for the maggie here: https://oldcroak.com/xh-and-xhd-magneto-rx/ Cheers, Harv
Check the brushes on the welder to make sure that they aren’t stuck in their holders . Dad had a Holbart DC welder that was very similar. He always checked the brushes before using it if it had been sitting awhile. Hercules engines were used in forklifts also . Looks like a fun , useful project
I found a site that might be of help for You. American Welding Society forum . Looks like there is a section for vintage welders like what You have . Good luck and keep us posted on what You learn about Your welder After looking at the pictures again. The welder isn’t as old as You think . The instruction manual is GEH-1978 so I’m thinking it’s a 1978 built . But I could be wrong
Is this your welder? https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/1978-hercules-powered-stick-welder-question.441838/ Some suggestions there on getting it operational. Good luck with it!
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