thunderbolt AC/DC 225 copper or aluminum?

[65-408]

looking at a used thunderbolt AC/DC, wondering if it is copper or aluminum? anyone know?

[cruizer]

looking at a used thunderbolt AC/DC, wondering if it is copper or aluminum? anyone know?

Actually Copper and aluminum, whats the purpose of your question....

[65-408]

Actually Copper and aluminum, whats the purpose of your question....

Unlike alot of people, I am generally not afraid of buying used equipment, especially something as robust and simple as a transformer based arc welder. I fact, I find that alot of times, the older equipment is built better than the new. I am wondering if this is the case here as well, when comparing the older thunderbolt design (ac/dc with the top handle) to the current thunderbolt XL. I know that aluminum will conduct the electricity just fine, but I believe copper is better for these machine. Just wondering what the Thunderbolt AC/DC's had inside? sounds like both copper and aluminum?

[cope]

Whether it is Aluminum or Copper or a combination, it is a tried and true machine. What bothers me more on newer machines is that the short leads are hard wired and not as easily or cheaply replaced.

[cruizer]

These units have not particularly changed over the last 40 years. originally the shunts were horizontal, then they went vertical, now they are back to horizontal.

Unsure what all the hub bub is with Aluminum and copper anyways. Aluminum conducts WAAAAYYYY better than copper.

[65-408]

Unsure what all the hub bub is with Aluminum and copper anyways. Aluminum conducts WAAAAYYYY better than copper.

Sorry, electrical resistance is lower in copper, so copper is a better conductor as far as the base metal goes. But you may be correct in that a final design using Aluminum may be better than Copper when you factor in wire gauge used, etc. for cost/weight reasons...

So out of curiosity, what is copper and what is Al in my machine?

[cruizer]

Yes copper has a lower resistance, but Aluminum is a better conductor. different animals.