Extension Cord for welder

[Sublifer]

Okay, looks like it is going to cost an arm and a leg to run a new outlet for the welder. As a workaround until I one day get a real workshop I am thinking of running it off my oven's outlet. It is on a 50amp break and is just inside my garage door. (10 feet maybe). So I figure I want 50' cable to be able to get outside my garage when needed but I am not sure on where or how to get the cable.

Hardware store people are stupid about welders so if you tell them 50 amp they will say 6 gauge. $200 just for a 125' length ($180 for 75' and there is no 50')

RV cords can have the 14-50 plug already but for some stupid reason often have a 20amp twist lock at the receptacle end. Some of these at 50' can be had for $100-$130.

Anybody have a good recommendation?

 

[Bigfoot62]

. . . I am not sure on where or how to get the cable.

Hardware store people are stupid about welders so if you tell them 50 amp they will say 6 gauge. $200 just for a 125' length ($180 for 75' and there is no 50')

Any electrical supply should have the cable, and will cut it to any length you want. They will also have the plug ends.

It does require a 6 gauge, and if you go over 100', you will need a 4.

 

[patrick_g]

Nothing will ruin a good welder's performance faster than using a marginal extension cord unless it is welding blindfolded with your feet after guzzling a 6pak.

Pat

 

[Bigfoot62]

. . . . unless it is welding blindfolded with your feet after guzzling a 6pak.

Pat

Pat, do you speak from experience? Can we see some pics? :laughing:

 

[patrick_g]

I got the photographer drunk and stole the negs and burned them. Didn't happen. I maintain plausible deniability. I have witnesses that can place me a long way from wherever anyone says this happened.

 

[Travelover]

I've mentioned this before, but I've found nice cable at my friendly neighborhood metal scrappers. Check 'em out. They might even call you if you leave a card and promise a small reward.

 

[jake98]

There was a thread about cords on the Everlast forum a while back, I think this place looked like the place to go: Skycraft Parts & Surplus, Inc. - Portable Heavy Duty - SO - Page 2

 

[Sublifer]

What about this one: Coleman Cable Extension Cord - 230 Volt , 25' or 50' 8/3

It is 8ga but I've actually heard of people using 10ga even with 250+ amp welders. Something about it not being continuous use...?

 

[pjbci]

Any electrical supply should have the cable, and will cut it to any length you want. They will also have the plug ends.

It does require a 6 gauge, and if you go over 100', you will need a 4.

The cord on my welder is a 12/3. I have really long leads so I dont need an extension. But my question is, why would you need 6 ga wire for an extension cord when the welder has a 12 ga pigtail and the outlet is wired up with 10 ga from the breaker? Im not trying to be a smarty pants, I just want to understand it.

 

[Sublifer]

Better price on that 50' cable right here: Millerwelds Miller Welding Equipment, Hobart Welders MIG TIG, Welder Supplies, Compressed Gas Cylinders, Safety

If the cable is suitable then I may get it. I wish I could get it locally...