Quick connects

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Would it hurt anything to have multiple quick connects on welding leads? I just ordered some new lead cable for my short hood projects. I got enough to make 100' ground and 100' stinger. I'm thinking I want 60' leads coming off the welder to a QC then a 10' whip with a QC for the stinger and ground. That leaves me with 30' that I would put a QC on each end to give me extra length if needed. Does anyone see anything wrong with this setup? What is the best quick connect to get?
Reply:In the past I’ve had 400' to 500' of lead stretched out in 50' section. Other than a little voltage drop I couldn’t tell any difference at all. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Personally, unless you have a specific need for that initial 60' of leads coming off the welder, I'd think seriously about installing the excess 30' as the primary leads and use the 60' for those times when you need more. Just me, but figure it's easier messing with 30' each time I use the welder and leave the 60' hanging on the wall. Otherwise, it should work as it's what I have on my DailArc 250. I'd have to go look to see what brand quick connects I used, but I've never come across any that wouldn't get the job done...as long as they were designed for welders.EDIT: Thanks to Carl above, I don't need to get off my lazy rear and head to the shop....Tweco is what I used as well.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:"In the past I’ve had 400' to 500' of lead stretched out in 50' section"Isn't there some kind of rule about haveing stinger and power source located in different zip codes?
Reply:Originally Posted by Jax  "In the past I’ve had 400' to 500' of lead stretched out in 50' section"Isn't there some kind of rule about haveing stinger and power source located in different zip codes?
Reply:Originally Posted by WyoRoyPersonally, unless you have a specific need for that initial 60' of leads coming off the welder, I'd think seriously about installing the excess 30' as the primary leads and use the 60' for those times when you need more.
Reply:I would install connecters right at the machine. Then make up your leads with a male and female on each end. Then have a 10' or so ground with a male connection and a 10' or so stinger , same way. That way all lead can be removed from machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by M J DI would install connecters right at the machine. Then make up your leads with a male and female on each end. Then have a 10' or so ground with a male connection and a 10' or so stinger , same way. That way all lead can be removed from machine.
Reply:I would just split it at 50 foot and go with 10 foot ground and stinger. that is what I use and 50 foot can get most places that you can get the truck close to. I have another 300 feet in 50 foot chunks and buy more when needed. I also have QDs at the machine and store the leads in the truck box when not in use.
Reply:Go with the tweco quick connects.  Very common everywhere.  We've had bad luck with Jackson quick Connects I know.  I've had 400 feet strung out in 50' sections and it all still works just fine.  Also if you plan on taking that stinger to a lot of job sites make sure it isn't any shorter than 10'.  I had a safety guy bust us for having only an 8' stinger and he said they had to be 10' for "saftey".  So now we make them all 11'.  Probably doesn't apply here but just a thought
Reply:I like these on my welders. I think Tweco makes them too. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI like these on my welders. I think Tweco makes them too.
Reply:Originally Posted by PipelinerYes CEP those are Tweco 2-AF (angled female) connectors you are using on the welders that you are leaving me in your will.    The male counterparts are Tweco 2MPC and are used for 1/0 - 3/0 cable. The 1MPC and 1AF are used for #4 - #1 cable.
Reply:Originally Posted by Pipelinerusing on the welders that you are leaving me in your will.
Reply:I just got 55' of lead with quick connect going into the machine and a set of quick connects for my stinger end which is 6' long and has a 200 amp tweco on it (All 1/0 gauge welding lead). The ground I bought was #1 lead cable 25' long. with a 300 amp tweco brass ground clamp. This is all I need for now. Once I start needing more leads I am going to buy 50-60' at a time and add quick connects as I go. I would much rather carry 50 foot of leads at a time than 100 foot. Personally. I don't plan on getting on a job where I need 400' of lead. LOL because this guy right here isn't fixing to be dragging leads all day long. Ill stick my truck in a mud hole just to get closer for the time being. there are bulldozers, tractors and fork lifts that will get me out haha. Unless I have a hand with me. He can deal with the leads.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI got 4-grandsons who only care about video games!
Reply:I would either keep them 100', or if that'a too long, make 50 footers out of them. Most everybody I know has 50' or 100' increments, because it just works best in most situations. Your never guessing which pile of lead is how long. Also, I have really grown fond of Lenco LC40 quick connects, which are interchangeable with Tweco's, but they're a little more compact and just as high quality. And they might be a little cheaper, and they come in different colors. I use red's and black's, so if I am welding in another zip code , I can easily tell which is which if I have to switch polarity. I use weldingsupply.comLenco complete (male/female) BLACK - 05050Lenco complete (male/female) RED - 05051As far as a whip for your stinger, I would go with a 10'-15' #2 lead. And Lenco, or Tweco, makes a compact quick connect for a stinger.Lenco Whip Cable Connector Reducer BLACK - 05070Lenco Whip Cable Connector Reducer RED - 05071 As for my work clamp, I like a 1'-2' 1/0 whip on it, and a quick connect. (You can change that size smaller if need be) I have different work clamps, regular, magnetic, C-clamp, etc."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Myself, I go with 50' lengths of 1/0 with male/female Tweco connectors. Probably have 800-900 ft. spread out over 3 trucks and the shop. For whips I run 20' of 2ga. for a stinger lead with a 200 amp Tweco stinger for most work. Each truck also has a 300 amp stinger on a 10' 1/0 lead for heavy stuff. Ground whips are 5' of 1/0 with either a 300 amp Tweco clamp or a 300 amp Western magnetic ground for pipe work.
Reply:Im with CEP i have had up to 1000' of lead out at one time  with 4/0 near the machine and 2/0 closer to the work.     as long as your machine has enough guts to power through the line loss then more the merryier.    Oh but having a bunch of excess lead coiled up will create a magnetic field.   I have burned up some leads by leaving them coiled up and running big ampsVantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.