Two questions: Is the power cord easily replaced on the transformer?
Also, the prices asked on "E-Bay" range from $25.00 to $150.00. (Without going into the "Pros" & "Cons" of "E-Bay") All things being equal, what would be a reasonable price? (Please don't mention that old adage "Pay what you think it's worth to you") As always, many thanks.
I have paid $20 for the last two 1033s that I have bought. Check the swap meets rather than eBay. The collectors have a better idea of what things are really worth. I bought two KWs recently, one for $20, one for $35. Both needed to be cleaned up and serviced, but both are working well now. I did the service myself, so that cost only time. IMHO, the KW is the bargain transformer. 190 watts, two trains, and a lot less money than a ZW.
Bruce Baker
IMHO, a completely serviced 1033 or 1044, with a good cord, and two good handles is worth up to forty dollars. Replacing a cord requires soldering skils, and very basic mechanical skills. Remember that you are working on something that will carry 110 volts, so be carefull. I had one fellow bring me a transformer after he tried replacing the cord himself.This poor fellow broke off the primary wires at the coil when he removed the old cord. On that particular transformer, the wires were much finer than one might expect. He probably thought they were left-overs from a sloppy job.
So be careful when you remove the old wires.
Bruce: cwburfle: Just the type of information I was hoping for. Thanks.
CW's story about the butchered transformer reminds me of a Stroker McGurk cartoon in Hot Rod Magazine many years ago. Stroker is in a muffler shop. The prices are posted above the counter: Installation of dual exhausts $100. Installation of dual exhausts that have been butchered by the owner $250. It never stops.
At one time the 1033 was a $75 transformer but with all the new transformers hitting the market over the past few years the price has deterorated. Depending on condition $20 to $50.
Bill T.
Bill: Thanks.
If you have basic soldering skills yes it is easy to replace the cord. It helps to have a solder sucker or wick to get up some of the old solder. Don't forget to tie a knot in the cord so there is no tension on the solder joint.
don
Don: Gotcha!
I usually see them at swap meets for $20 - $25.....not pretty, but working. I bought one a few years ago for $7....a guy had a whole box of them.
underworld
For a power cord, you can go to Home Depot and buy an extension cord for less than $1, and amputate the end you don't need. It will be brown and not black, but so what?
The two 1033s that I bought were in like new condition and in the original box and I paid $20 each.
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