Output of a MIG PAK 15?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:59:53 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Output of a MIG PAK 15?

Hi. I just purchased my first welder, a MIG Pak 15. I've never welded anything in my life, but I've long wanted to learn. I'm a little confused by the specs on the machine though; (so, if you'll pardon my newbie query) how can it have a range of 30 to 175 amps if the rated output is only 130 amps? Is the MIG PAK 15 referred to as a 175 amp welder or a 130 amp welder?  Thanks
Reply:Hi Moth!Do'nt worry you're not losing your vision or anything like that!!!  The maximum current output for that machine is 175 amps but, the REAL question would be to what "Duty Cycle" is your machine rated to?  Please let me explain...Duty cycle means that for every ten minutes of operation (welding, not just having the machine turned on) depending on the duty cycle - for instance: 60%, the 130 amp machine will weld at 130 amps for six out of ten minutes before shutting down because of overheating via a thermal overload device or switch that is designed into the machine as a safety mechanism  If the machine is rated @ 130 max welding output -100% duty cycle, then the machine willl run continuously (10 out of 10 minutes) @ up to 130 amps... If the machine is rated @ 40% duty Cycle, then the machine will run for 4 out of every ten minutes before shutting down to cool off!    Once you set the machine beyond the 130 amps rated for this machine, and depending on the actual duty cycle rating, (it should found somewhere on the machine or in the instruction manual) the duty cycle will start to drop and more than likely - dramatically from the duty cycle rating @ 130 amps Also, the machine will run @ 175 amps for a much shorter amount of time before activating the thermal overload protection circuit that will shut the machine down so it does'nt "Melt Down" on you!  So, if you need to weld @ 175 amps for a prolonged period of time, get a higher current & duty cycle rated power source.  Hope this helps!  Respectfully,SSBN727Last edited by SSBN727; 07-01-2006 at 04:13 AM."Run Silent...  Run Deep!!!
Reply:Good explanation, Boomer Michigan!I'll add that Miller and Lincoln rate their duty cycles at 104°F, so your duty cycle will be a little higher when at lower ambient temperatures, also.  It's a little lower around here in the summer.I disagree with Miller and Lincoln's marketing department in how they use these "rated outputs."  It makes it confusing to most people who REALLY want to know the maximum output's duty cycle and input amperage.They should use both sets of numbers.
Reply:SSBN, thanks! That definitely explains things. I understood the basic concept of the "duty cycle" from reading a Haynes intro to welding, but I was concerned that when I looked at these specifications I was failing to comprehend the blatantly obvious. "beyond the 130 amps rated" ..."the duty cycle will start to drop and more than likely - dramatically".  That's great to know!Mac, I have to agree; although I still would have bought the welder, it would have been nice to know if 175 amps was possible at a 10% duty cycle or a 2% duty cycle or whatever. Thank you both for the help.
Reply:Hey Moth?AYSP!!! (At Your Service Pal!) Btw, Welcome!!! I agree with you wholeheartedly MAC702!!! Respectfully,SSBN727  - currently known as: SSGN727 but, I choose "BN" because after all, I helped a bit in building "her" from scratch! So did a few thousand more "Yardbirds"!!!  Last edited by SSBN727; 07-02-2006 at 02:45 AM."Run Silent...  Run Deep!!!