need advice: welder scrap

So ive been looking at this add since December and i finally have enough cash to make an offer. But first i'd like to see what you guys think. I've done what reasearch i can on this behemoth and all i could find out is that it was made between the 30s and 50s. I know that many members will tell me to preserve this item but due to its size (see pool filter to left of pic for reference) i don't see it having a very high value as either a collectable or as a usable welder.
So what do you guys thing is this thing a copper mine on wheels or is thing big just for the sake of being big?
ELECTRIC ANTIQUE WELDER
PS i do plan to have a look inside before shelling out anything close to his asking price.

It wont come close to $500 in scrap. I've torn down some big welders that disappointed me in the amount of copper. There might be more copper in those cables than in the welder.

That's what i was afraid of. On the other hand i also have trouble believing that this unit is mostly empty space. It just wouldnt make sense from a manufacturing standpoint.
EDIT: through a little more research ive found out that this is a "dc generator welder" which i am not at all familiar with. Could what im reading really be telling me that its round because theres a large motor inside?

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Originally Posted by JapScrap

That's what i was afraid of. On the other hand i also have trouble believing that this unit is mostly empty space. It just wouldnt make sense from a manufacturing standpoint.

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No. But I've seen it done. I once tore down a welder on wheels that was about 2x2x4 feet with windings no bigger than my two fists put together.

Usually only round 30-40 pounds of clean copper in any welder. And the newer ones are aluminum so buying a welder to scrap can be tricky. If you cannot buy the Welders for less than 30$ each don't mess with it.

Age really doesn't matter that much imo when it comes to alum vs. copper windings. It just seems to be random. I've had welders from I would say the 60's or 70's that were aluminum. I've also had relatively new ones with copper. Your results may be different /shrug.

Not worth the 5 bills I can tell you. Listen to Mick,very sound advice!

I've been in the welding business for a few years even owned a Wilson Hornet ....Good machine but only worth 150 at the most...

If you've been watching that ad since December, that should clue you in to it not being worth any where near $500 4 1/2 months later.

Why would you even think about shelling out 500.00 for something that you know nothing about? I wouldn't pay 5.00 for that thing, after time and gas you would lucky to make 5.00. my .02

The make 50 volt DC + or - about 5 volt power using a electric motor driven off the mains voltage.

Theres the possibility that someone wanting to generate 48 DC power could use that part of the welder as a generator.

Normally they like 48 volt generators because it can be stepped up to the line voltage of 110 AC or 240 AC by only 2 or 3 steps using a invertor. Making it more efficient than 24V or 12V.

Otherwise they are popular as a DC power source for Arc air gouging of heavy metals. You can cut the metal using a carbon arc like welding rod & then blast compressed air under it to blow the liquid metal away.

It'll cut thru 1/2 inch plate. Any condition.

The welding cable is where the real money is.

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