A couple questions from a newcomer...

[Cryptic-F8L]

I recently received a stickmate lx 235 ac/dc welder as a gift. However i have no way to plug it in as i have no 220 outlet. So my question is, what size/kind of circuit breaker do i need to install and what size wire should i run to the garage (where i will setup the machine aprox. 75 ft. away). I currently have a 100 amp breaker box with all circuits used up except one. Im hoping thats not a problem. The only other question i have (at the moment) is regarding the duty cycle. The machines ive been welding with for over two years now, are miller cts 280's. I usually run anywhere from 85 to 120 amps on these without a problem, i have no idea what the duty cycle on these are. Will i be able to do the same with the stickmate? The manual says its rated for a 20% duty cycle. I weld pipe, and after the root pass im burning rod constantly, minus a few seconds to brush the slag off of eash pass. All responses are greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

[84ZMike]

Your duty cycle is as follows 20% at 225 A AC, 100% at 100 A AC
20% at 150 A DC,100% at 60 A DC.As far as power req. and breaker size :Amps Input at Rated Output, 50/60 Hz 230 V: 47.5 A......so I'd say you need a 50 amp breaker to power up the welder......as far as specific wire etc....I'll leave that up to the pros........you may also want to ask an electricial in your area as codes etc. differ from state to state.
Mike

[Cryptic-F8L]

So can i use this machine as i do the miller? (non stop)

[84ZMike]

Yes and No.......duty cycle works like this 20% at 225 A AC..........this means you can weld @225 A AC for 2 min non stop then the welder must cool for 8 min. 100% at 100 A AC....you can set the amps to 100 on AC and run non stop......
20% at 150 A DC......same thing here you can weld for 2 min non stop @ 150 A DC then the welder must cool for 8 min.100% at 60 A DC....this means you can set the welder on 60 amps DC and run a bead non stop.All of this info should be in the owners manual....if you don't have one you can find it here http://www.hobartwelders.com/om/0900/o950b_hob.pdf
Mike

[84ZMike]

Duty Cycle-The number of minutes out of a 10-minute time period an arc welding machine can be operated at maximum rated output. An example would be 60% duty cycle at 300 amps. This would mean that at 300 amps the welding machine can be used for 6 minutes and then must be allowed to cool with the fan motor running for 4 minutes. (Some manufacturers rate machines on a 5 minute cycle).Not yours though
Mike

[Cryptic-F8L]

If i do get close to over heating it will i be able to tell? Is there an auto-shutdown or anything of that nature? According to the chart in the manual, if i stay at 85 amps DC (60% duty cycle) i should be ok, i would think. I would hate to damage the machine.

[84ZMike]

If i do get close to over heating it will i be able to tell? Is there an auto-shutdown or anything of that nature? According to the chart in the manual, if i stay at 85 amps DC (60% duty cycle) i should be ok, i would think. I would hate to damage the machine.

It isn't equiped with an auto shut down...as far as being able to tell when getting close I don't know as I don't own one....there are some others here that do own one and would be more helpful in that area.
Mike

[MIKE24]

1. You should be able to run #8 copper wire to handle the load at 75 ft. with a 50 amp breaker.
2. As for the duty cycle, when you think about the amount of time you use in cleaning the slag, rod changing and pipe rotation ( or body repostioning ) I believe you will be ok. You would really have to be pushing it to hit it's limits. But, it also depends on you amprage. The thicker the pipe and rod, of course your duty cycle will drop.

Don't know about a thermal shut off.

[MIKE24]

More info. on the breaker. Make sure you have enough room to put a double pole breaker in you panel box! That will give you 220V for you machine. A single pole breaker will only be 110V, and your welder will not work. You might want to get an electrician to install another panel with a seperate feed because if your box is that full, you will probably be pulling to much amprage. Better safe than sorry when it comes to electricty.

[Cryptic-F8L]

I will have an electrician hook it up to the box. Do you think he can use the empty slot and mabey put two circuits on one to free up another spot for a 2 pole? Im trying to go the cheapest route although that is not always the safest.

[MIKE24]

Well, not being there to see it and what is on each cicuit, you need to leave it up to the electrician to make that decision. There are times when you can work around things to make them work, but sometimes the cheapest way will cost you more later after the fire. If you get a good electritian, he will tell you what needs to be done.

[84ZMike]

And that is all for the Mike and Mike show please join us next time.................

[hankj]

I will have an electrician hook it up to the box. Do you think he can use the empty slot and mabey put two circuits on one to free up another spot for a 2 pole? Im trying to go the cheapest route although that is not always the safest.

Depending on the panel's manufacturer, there are "half-height" breakers that can be used to consolidate two loads into one pole position. Their use is very common. The only requirement in the code is that threre be no more than 42 circuits in any one panel. You should not have any problems.

As for wire size, if you want to run a derated wire size based on Art. 630 for a welder circuit, that's fine, but I would label it "Welder Only" or something like that. The derated wire will not carry a "real" 50-amp continuous load. The wire size for a true 50-amp continuous load outlet needs to support 125% of the rated overcurrent protection - #6 for 50 amps.

Hank

[MIKE24]

As for wire size, if you want to run a derated wire size based on Art. 630 for a welder circuit, that's fine, but I would label it "Welder Only" or something like that. The derated wire will not carry a "real" 50-amp continuous load. The wire size for a true 50-amp continuous load outlet needs to support 125% of the rated overcurrent protection - #6 for 50 amps.

Hank

Hank is right. I should have said that it needs to be dedicated to the welder only. Thanks Hank

[hankj]

Thanks Hank

No problemo, Amigo!

Hank