Thoughts on Welders? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesDean · #1 09-25-2010, 11:01 AM

Going to be repairing some rusted area.
Would like to keep it sub 300 for a welder...
Also would like flux/mig..

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00982888000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mig-flux-welders/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-98871.html

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920580000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

Matt L · #2 09-25-2010, 11:20 AM

Given the choice, I'd go with Lincoln or Miller before anything from C-H or H-F.

I would highly recommend getting gas and using solid wire. It costs more, but is a lot easier to use.

cmbdiesel · #3 09-25-2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

Given the choice, I'd go with Lincoln or Miller before anything from C-H or H-F.

I would highly recommend getting gas and using solid wire. It costs more, but is a lot easier to use.

What he said. You will be inventing uses for your welder for years to come, so make sure you buy one that will still be there.

In addition to gas and solid wire, I would recommend 220v as well. I have no experience with 110v welders, but experience in other areas says - If it produces heat or has a motor, get the 220v version.

mpolli · #4 09-25-2010, 01:20 PM

Can a 220V do thin stuff as well as a 120V? Like sheet metal?

JamesDean · #5 09-25-2010, 01:58 PM

Turns out my neighbor has a 220v mig welder. He said I can borrow it..only problem is I dont have 220v in my garage. Only 110v.

This might be a dangerous question, but isnt it possible to wire two 110v circuits together and get 220v? I.e take the voltage across the hot wires of a and b?

Matt L · #6 09-25-2010, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpolli

Can a 220V do thin stuff as well as a 120V? Like sheet metal?

If it's halfway decent, yes.

mpolli · #7 09-25-2010, 02:21 PM

How far away is your breaker panel? Putting in a new wire and breaker and receptacle is not too hard.

JamesDean · #8 09-25-2010, 02:52 PM

Breaker panel isnt that far away from the garage....actually theres two breaker panels. the "main" panel is very far away. The second panel is close. maybe 20 walking feet. maybe 10 feet wire wise. but getting into the box will prove difficult.

LandYaghtLover · #9 09-25-2010, 02:59 PM

Much better putting in a new breaker. Problem is amperage. If some idiot is only feeding the garage panel with 20 amps you might be out of luck. You can not put a 40 amp breaker in there if thats the case. Also there is a chance your garage panel is only being fed by single phase anyway.

But putting in a bigger breaker and an outlet is both easy and the right way. Pulling 220 off of two outlets, bad idea.

JamesDean · #10 09-25-2010, 04:29 PM

This is the third time, I swear I replied to this.

lol.

I'm pretty sure theres 220 avail in that box closest to the garage. It powered the second a/c unit, furnace, water tank, sump pump etc...

Here is a question: Rather than physically run cable throu the walls (which will be challenging due to the design/construction) would it be feasible to run a 30 foot cable straight out of the box and into the garage..to be only used when welding and removed when not?

Matt L · #11 09-25-2010, 04:31 PM

Put a 220V outlet next to the box, and make or buy a 220V extension cord. If you have an electric dryer, you could also use its outlet.

JamesDean · #12 09-25-2010, 05:30 PM

I do have an electric dryer, however its further away than the box. Cord length would be 50ft+. If it was just from the box it would be around 30ft.

I cant put a plug next to the box as basement is finished. I can temporarily install a plug and use that perhaps...

What gauge wire would be best?

panZZer · #13 09-25-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean

Going to be repairing some rusted area.
Would like to keep it sub 300 for a welder...
Also would like flux/mig..

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00982888000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mig-flux-welders/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-98871.html

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920580000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

alL low buck junk , increast the budjet to $360.00 ish and at least get the lincoln 110, even using crap fluxcore it works better than the cheap stuff. base miller also or even better hobart but the base runs 450 unless you can find a sale.

Matt L · #14 09-25-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean

I do have an electric dryer, however its further away than the box. Cord length would be 50ft+. If it was just from the box it would be around 30ft.

I cant put a plug next to the box as basement is finished. I can temporarily install a plug and use that perhaps...

What gauge wire would be best?

An extra 20' of cord is better than a socket hanging precariously next to the box.

For 30A, you need 10G solid wire.