On Tue, 24 Aug 2004 23:21:17 GMT, (Malcolm
Spann) wrote:

Need to do some light stick welding, but am limited to the 30 Amp 220v
service that my clothes dryer is hooked to (otherwise, I'd wire up my
big old Lincolm 300!).

Never done any wire-feed work, and wouldn't want to 'limit' myself
against future needs, but it isn't a big priority now.

Want something that will last (obviously, taking Duty Cycle into
account) for more than a couple of uses. Don't want to waste my money
on a $49 POS (if you know what I mean). Used is fine (actually, I
*prefer* 'vintage iron').

TIA
Malcolm

Robert is right - wire up the big welder to your existing 30A dryer
circuit and just don't crank it up all the way.

If you want to see how far you can push it, get an inexpensive clamp
ammeter and split the line cord to see how much input 240V power you
are drawing at various welder output settings When you get to about
30A input current, mark the dial there as "Maximum for Intermittent
Use" and the next notch down as "Maximum for Continuous use".

(That is, if the Lincoln 300 is rated for continuous duty...) ;-)

Why can't you add a bigger dedicated circuit for the welder, or bump
up the feed for the Main?

I just got done bumping a Studio Condo up from a 40A main breaker
(#8 TW) to a 70A (#6 THHN, 100A meter socket in the stack, 100A rated
panel in the Condo) so the new owner could install a new Mini-Split AC
to replace the noisy old window unit - Would have gone for 90A to
leave more cushion (Bigger is always better) ;-) but they only had
3/4" EMT for the feeder, and we couldn't get #4 wire into the pipe.
Legally or physically.

-- Bruce --
--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
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