Welding Tips and Tricks

Hi everyone,
I currently own a Century AC230 (see pic).
I'm going to get a Century ACDC 230/140 for very cheap but the seller says the welder "needs a diode".

I don't know what a diode is, what the price would be, or if I could even FIND one for this particular welder.

Any thoughts on where I might get a diode for this welder?

Thanks in advance!

A diode is a simple electronic component that restricts “flow” in one direction only. They are very commonly soldered onto the control board.

To repair that, easiest thing to do (given your stated lack of experience) is to haul it to a Welding Machine repair shop, have them perform full diagnostics, and then replace (if true) the diode.

If that is all that is wrong, I expect you’d be charged $100-$150 for diagnostics, $10 for the diode, and some labor.

You might be $250-$350 all in to repair it. Have to ask yourself, is that money plus what you pay for it worth it? And there is the risk that a “diode” is not the only problem.

Yes, understood. I'm going to give it a go and see if I can test and replace the defective diode. Found them for about $25.
If anything, I can replace that terrible amp selector arm with the new one.
Thanks for the warning though!

Steve