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Picked Up My First Stick Welder

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by Focker, Mar 26, 2018.

  1. Mar 27, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    X2!
     
  2. Mar 27, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    I know why....you had actually considered buying an engine driven welder/generator combination so hadn't planned on needing a 50 amp outlet. That's your story and I'm sticking to it. :D
     
  3. Mar 27, 2018
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    Remember size the wire to the breaker...

    50 AMP wire size is #8 or #6 copper wire... :study:
     
  4. Mar 27, 2018
    TIm E

    TIm E Aggressively average

    NW Arkansas
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    It should only pull 50 amps on the max setting. Keep it below 2/3 power and you should be okay to at least use it in the mean time for most welding jobs.

    Gonna go out on a limb and guess your OCD already has that leaf removed from the bottom :D
     
  5. Mar 27, 2018
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    I just put 50 Amp outlets in every building to keep it simple.

    Just like ALL my trailers and trucks are set up for 2" ball.
     
    Focker likes this.
  6. Mar 27, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    I think I did #8 when I did the 30??? :confused:
     
  7. Mar 27, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Removed (y)
     
  8. Mar 27, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Isn't the 50A plug a de facto standard for welders like this? It may be fine on a 30A circuit. Is there a spec sheet for the welder?

    IMO the only reason to use a 30A instead of a 50A breaker and circuit is wire cost. The 230V 30A circuit can be wired with the orange 10-2 that is available from the Home Depot. Go up to 6 ga to wire a 50A circuit, and the cost becomes quite a lot higher.

    Another possibility is to put your 50 A outlet right next to the breaker panel, and buy an extension cord. Direct Wire Extension Cord - 230 Volt , 25' or 50' 8/3 So this is 8/3 with a 6-50R and 6-50P.
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2018
  9. Mar 27, 2018
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    What type of wire? Copper? Can you read the label on the wire? If it's:

    THW, THWN, SE, USE, XHHW, THWN-2, THHN, XHHW-2, USE-2

    You can just change the breaker... :bananatool:
     
  10. Mar 27, 2018
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    With "Infinite Output Control" and "Extreme Duty" you're set to go... :clap:
     
  11. Mar 27, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    I found the left over romex.

    I used "Type NM-B 10-2 with Ground 600 Volts Cirtex-I"

    I probably used 10-2 to save $ :cry:
     
  12. Mar 27, 2018
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    For a welder, upgrade the wire... ;)

    How long is the run?
     
  13. Mar 27, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    25' - 30'
     
  14. Mar 27, 2018
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    There two ways of looking at this. Would it be easier to put a receptacle at the breaker panel and make an extension cord or run new wire? When I got my first welder I opted for an extension cord and still have it and use it. An extension cord can be very useful...

    With a free welder you still are a head of the game... :D
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  15. Mar 27, 2018
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
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    I made extension cords because I need to roll my welder around the yard at times. I also wired in all 50 amp plugs that are all the same for all my 220 stuff. I am not an electrician and have no training, but no fires yet! Well, electrical ones anyway:lol:
     
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  16. Mar 27, 2018
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    That's an understatement... :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:
     
  17. Mar 27, 2018
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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  18. Mar 27, 2018
    Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chico CA
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    liking this thread.

    Waiting for the moment I get an old red tombstone that no one wants anymore and load it in my pickup to bring it home, and when it's squatting the rear of the truck ... and after I overload the cherry picker to unload it... safely without mashing appendages...

    To go wire it up:

    Quick search of the garage -

    Finding my garage 220 outlet... ITS BEHIND MY SAFE that weighs 1000lbs empty that's bolted to the floor and has garage cabinets / shelves built around it. SHEHOOT. Easier to move the wall. ~10ft from the panel though. Might move my air compressor shed, and then put it on the outside wall from behind the safe...
     
  19. Mar 27, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Seems expensive when a NEW cord is $72 from Cyberweld. See above. I'd offer half new.
     
  20. Mar 27, 2018
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    I was just showing what is available...

    Instead of Romex use SO cable. I probably have some in my shop... :D
     
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