First stick welder

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So I bought my first stick welder, as far as I know it's just a Miller thunderbolt 225 ac buzz box style#jd-4 which I can't seem to find any info on. Is there any modifications or maintenance rules I should know about this? Never really owned my own stick machine or maintained one past blowing the dust out and wiping them down years back in school.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:Blow it out, lube it, and read the manual. https://www.millerwelds.com/files/ow.../O116E_MIL.pdfMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:Saved, thank you sir. I need to wire up the shop for 50a instead of the two 30a's I have now which isn't not a huge deal I have a massive panel and it barely has anything on it. I look forward to being able to do heavier then sheet metal and thin plate. All I had was a lincoln 140c before. So this is refreshing.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:So I'm wondering can I get away with a 30a plug run to a 30a double breaker if I'm only running 1/8 rod? Because the machine came with a 50a plug or will I have to rewire for a 50, or can I just replace the receptacle and the breaker and I will be ok?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:Originally Posted by hydeSo I'm wondering can I get away with a 30a plug run to a 30a double breaker if I'm only running 1/8 rod? Because the machine came with a 50a plug or will I have to rewire for a 50, or can I just replace the receptacle and the breaker and I will be ok?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Sounds to be safer then sorry scenario to me, that's what I thought.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:What is interesting is no one has mentioned the Rule on Welding Exemption - where you can run 10 gauge wire on a 50 amp welding circuit as it is based on the machines duty cycle.As far as running on 30 amp breakers with 1/8 rod, you may get too many nuisance trips as I seem to remember it being too close to the capacity of the breaker on Inrush current.
Reply:well in fairness I did give him the owner's manual and this IS covered in there. Per the manual, he needs 8 gauge wire and a 90 amp fuse. Seems kind of a large fuse for this machine. I run my Syncrowave 250 on 6 gauge and a 100 amp fuse.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:That's odd I did some reading and guys run them on 50a fuses with 8g wire usuallySent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:you are probably OK with that. recall this owners manual is old and not quoting current electrical code. When in doubt contact a licensed electrician. Here in the US, national electric codes allow us to overrate the breaker to the conductor size by some factor (there is a formula based on duty cycle I think). In any event, I can run my giant welder which draws 74 amps at full power on 6 gauge wire and a 100 amp breaker. you should be in a similar situation if the codes are similar, which I would guess they are.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Oh, and I had the AC/DC version of this machine for a while and it ran fine on a 50 amp breaker.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Oh well that is good to know  I was looking at doing the addition of DC apparently it's common to do and with initial purchase at 100$ I could see this being a better option then going new.That being said I plan on one day getting a 200a tig welder preferably inverter and I would need the install anyways. I'll still hold onto my old machine they will be earning their way for sure. And I'm in Canada (eh) so I'll ask one of my electrician friends about it.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:I just am not a fan of 200 amp TIG welders. If you want to do aluminum, then I really think you could use more amps. I love my syncrowave. Goes up to 310 amps, and does a great job on 1/4 inch aluminum plate, despite not having pulsing or adjustable frequency. I had an AHP Alphatig for a while and while there was nothing technically wrong with it, I didn't care for the way it stick welded, or the way it performed TIG on aluminum. I picked up the Syncrowave for $600, and I love it to death.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:That's not a bad price see the problem with the city I'm in is everyone thinks they have a golden goose when it's really not a busted broken down ranger 8 will go for 3kSent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:I have a 50 Amp breaker and had the outlet installed right next to it for a short lead.   I demanded that my electrician use 6ga wire, even though 8 would have been fine.  I would NEVER use 10ga, even though it is acceptable too due to duty cycle etc...  I just think it's taking too much risk, especially when I weld for a long period of time.  I tend to go overboard.  Better safe than sorry.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Funny thing is I totally forgot he gave me a cable to go to a separate breaker switch, so I have all the cable and plug just need a breaker. Then I can wire the female plug I have directly into the 50a breaker in the panel. Only thing is it's about 6 ft long so I'll have to pick and choose where it goes. Then call an electrician buddy to install it.  Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:Went out and bought 2m of 6g wiring with sheathing, going to re use the 50a plug and bought a 50a breaker better safe then sorry.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:Good plan... these guys have heard me whining about the price of DC welders up here (even old used ones) for some time so they're used to it. You've got the bug and many welders are sure to follow, so you may as well go big. You'll never have too many plugins.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Ya here in Manitoba not much goin on so I thought I one point I'll go structural learn how a truck is run and head out until then just do my side jobs got the perfect name "Wes the welder"Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:Yea.... was just searching Wpg Kijiji ads and found 2 250 amp DC Idealarcs , one new, one used.... both $1200. I did spot an interesting old anvil for $400 though... too busy with work to go chasing down toys though...250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Originally Posted by whtbaronYea.... was just searching Wpg Kijiji ads and found 2 250 amp DC Idealarcs , one new, one used.... both $1200. I did spot an interesting old anvil for $400 though... too busy with work to go chasing down toys though...
Reply:Originally Posted by kizeWow. I guess I stole the one I purchased. 250. Looks brand new inside.
Reply:Originally Posted by whtbaronGood plan... these guys have heard me whining about the price of DC welders up here (even old used ones) for some time so they're used to it. You've got the bug and many welders are sure to follow, so you may as well go big. You'll never have too many plugins.
Reply:Believe it or not- Craigslist find- and I have horrible luck on Craigslist. Guy tossed 50ft of 1/0, 25ft of #1, stingers and ground clamps. I was in heaven.
Reply:Originally Posted by kizeBelieve it or not- Craigslist find- and I have horrible luck on Craigslist. Guy tossed 50ft of 1/0, 25ft of #1, stingers and ground clamps. I was in heaven.Original paint on it. Looks kind of like a rustoluim primer red. From the tag it's an 1986 model. Maybe a better pic.
Reply:I got too frustrated with all the different shades of Lincoln OEM shades and ended up using my Tremclad red that I use around the shop. Don't like it. Little too bright for my liking.Terry Attached Images
Reply:They must have used what ever color they had available. I've noticed quite a few different shades of the red.
Reply:I went blue I always keep an eye out on kijiji not too sure about craigslist for Manitoba.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:That welder was spray painted while the cover was layin on the cardboard he's got under it in the truck...same color, and you can see the arc of the sheet metal hood outlined on the cardboard.But I'm still VERY jealous, and I think he sux and that he stole it and I'm pitchin a fit.Oh, I too like the color.
Reply:Originally Posted by hydeI went blue I always keep an eye out on kijiji not too sure about craigslist for Manitoba.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by wornoutoldwelderThat welder was spray painted while the cover was layin on the cardboard he's got under it in the truck...same color, and you can see the arc of the sheet metal hood outlined on the cardboard.But I'm still VERY jealous, and I think he sux and that he stole it and I'm pitchin a fit.Oh, I too like the color.
Reply:Haha it's all good! I'm happy to know people like these buzz boxes so dearly.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkif you can step across it I can weld it.
Reply:Originally Posted by kizeWow. I guess I stole the one I purchased. 250. Looks brand new inside.
Reply:Originally Posted by Lis2323I got too frustrated with all the different shades of Lincoln OEM shades and ended up using my Tremclad red that I use around the shop. Don't like it. Little too bright for my liking.Terry
Reply:I was looking at that too... newer, slightly bigger and much shinier than my 225. Don't think I'd like those grounds across the bottom though...seems like a lot of stooping down... mine are along the right side.Last edited by whtbaron; 10-25-2015 at 03:47 PM.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Super Arc and whtbaron : my father purchased the Forney for the farm off the Snap On truck in 1966. I still have the original paperwork. I recently did a little body work, sandblasted and painted the panels. The digital"wrap" for the front panel cost more than the original purchase price of the welder. I don't use it anymore, just keep it 'cuz.Picked up a clean Forney 180amp last week. No leads but $65. (About $47 US)Terry
Reply:That makes it an older version then... Dad purchased ours from the local Co-op in the early/mid 70's. I'd post a pic but Xplornet is having it's monthlies and I can't get the pics up right now. Yours looks pretty sweet all dolled up. Still got the Jones for a 300 amp AC/DC tombstone though...250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Yup.  Everyone remember's their 'first'.Terry
Reply:Curious: how do you like your little Forney 301 95 FI A? I'm considering one to run my carbon arc torch. It appears to be a transformer unit, AC only. Correct?Also like your John 3:16 on your ,profile pg...
Reply:Originally Posted by stevencbradleyCurious: how do you like your little Forney 301 95 FI A? I'm considering one to run my carbon arc torch. It appears to be a transformer unit, AC only. Correct?Also like your John 3:16 on your ,profile pg...
Reply:SuperArc: did Forney ever make an AC/DC model. I used to see Forney machines all the time in gas stations in the 60's-70's when they actually worked on cars. I guess the battery charger function was very useful. I never had one but I'm sure they are great machinesSteveLincoln SA200 (1966 Redface)Lincoln IdealArc 250Steve1990 Miller Dialarc 2501993 Miller Maxstar 140 STR2015 Lincoln MP2101966 Lincoln SA200 Redface