My old AC/DC Airco stick machine has a problem. I was cranking the current control towards the max setting for low range when the wheel suddenly spun freely. WHOOPPSS...... I removed the sheetmetal to find the bakelite or something similar block of plastic had stripped allowing the threaded rod to just spin in place causing no change in current.
My question.... "IS the iron core which slides thru the windings allowing for changes in current electrically hot while the welder is in use"? Is this why the adjustment threads ride in a plastic block bolted to the front of the core ??
I wanted to weld a small pc of angle to the metal core with a nut welded to the face as a repair but I'm afraid of causing a short or worse frying myself next time I touch the alum handle.