Looking for a new welder

[Jeepnford]

If that machine can burn a 1/8'' rod on 120v and on a 100' cord I'm getting one. I had a couple of Miller Maxstars back when they first came out and they would constantly trip breakers just about everywhere I tried to used them on 120v circuits, and that was with 3/32'' rod.
I'm really hoping that the technology has improved that much because it would make my life a whole lot easier at some of the locations I have to deal with.

I have a new Maxstar 161STL. I'll try to take some pics and put them up.

 

[CADplans]

I'm really hoping that the technology has improved that much because it would make my life a whole lot easier at some of the locations I have to deal with.

There are a LOT of other factors involved in running a welder on a household type outlet, beyond the welder, and rod.

Wire size in the wall
Distance to the step-down transformer
The ACTUAL voltage being delivered to the house at the time of welding.
If your wife baking cookies, and drying laundry at the same time as the weld occurs?
Is the air conditioner(s) on, or the baseboard heat,,,

The list can go on with all types of possibilities,
Copper or aluminum wire from the transformer to the panel (YEP, they used to use copper)

 

[Big Barn]

If that machine can burn a 1/8'' rod on 120v and on a 100' cord I'm getting one. I had a couple of Miller Maxstars back when they first came out and they would constantly trip breakers just about everywhere I tried to used them on 120v circuits, and that was with 3/32'' rod.
I'm really hoping that the technology has improved that much because it would make my life a whole lot easier at some of the locations I have to deal with.

This is an interesting thread. I’ve been gardening all week so thought I’d “experiment” for myself.

I only had a 50 foot 12 gauge cord so keep that in mind.
Conditions:
20 amp breaker
Miller Maxstar 150 STL using 110volt


Lincoln 3/32” and 1/8” rods. NOT from rod oven.
1/4” plate


80 amps for the 3/32”



115 amp for the 1/8”



I LIKE to think I can do better with a 220V welder, adjustable arc force and rods out of the oven but I’m sure a real weldor would do just fine under these conditions.

 

[Big Barn]

Here’s the same welder set up with same amperage using the remainder of the 1/8” 7018 rod. This time using 220volt.


WAY easier arc strike and running of the arc.

 

[sd455dan]

LNK count me as impressed- I was only welding 1/8 pieces and had my 3 in 1 turned wide open on the dial.

You got excellent penetration on 1/4 And still had more adjustment left on your welder.

I went back and found some 1/4 inch pieces and gave it another go - reduced the power and just went a bit slower with a small gap between metals using garage kept 7018 same 120Vac thru 100 foot cord.



back side

Gave it the Big hammer break test in the vice

Got to say i am surprised just how hard it was to break the weld- took at least 10 good blows and thought I was going to crack my vice in the process.

Starting to think these small inverters can do decent 120 volt welds with a long extension cord and get good results.

But just as big Barn posted above on 240vac it sure is easier to strike the arc

(and keep it lit)-especially on the big American welder

 

[Lnk]

LNK count me as impressed- I was only welding 1/8 pieces and had my 3 in 1 turned wide open on the dial.

You got excellent penetration on 1/4 And still had more adjustment left on your welder.

I went back and found some 1/4 inch pieces and gave it another go - reduced the power and just went a bit slower with a small gap between metals using garage kept 7018

View attachment 557578View attachment 557582

back sideView attachment 557583

Gave it the Big hammer break test in the viceView attachment 557584

Got to say i am surprised just how hard it was to break the weld- took at least 10 good blows and thought I was going to crack my vice in the process.

Starting to think these small inverters can do decent 120 volt welds with a long extension cord and get good results.

But just as big Barn posted above on 240vac it sure is easier to strike the arc

(and keep it lit)-especially on the big American welder

Looks good Dan. I wasn't kidding. Just as a disclaimer, I have no idea if my displayed 70 amps is accurate. Welder is not yet a year old, but I am impressed with it. Glad to see your results confirm mine. Hope this all helps somebody. Can't wait to see what Ritothebull does when he gets his.

 

[Ritothebull]

Sure looks like it will work for me, just wondering why your running 7018 on that rusty junk rather than 6010. That's what I use most of the time in the field, my old Maxstars wouldn't run 6010 worth a chit.

 

[mikehaugen]

Now you guys have me curious... when I get a little time I'm going to have to put my multimatic to the test on 110v with extension cord.

 

[Lnk]

Sure looks like it will work for me, just wondering why your running 7018 on that rusty junk rather than 6010. That's what I use most of the time in the field, my old Maxstars wouldn't run 6010 worth a chit.

I only ran it on "that rusty junk" to show what the weld I did the day before looked like. I ground the shackle parts I welded, but didn't take a picture as I never do. I will make sure to do proper prep next time. Also, I used 7018 as I was welding upside down and that is what I feel most comfortable using. I would use 60xx if welding rusty stuff.

Lnk

 

[Sodo]

Now THAT's TBN spirit! :thumbsup::thumbsup: