new to me dial arc

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new to forum and novice to welding. I have a Lincoln weldpak 110 and a new to me Miller Dialarc 250. I haven't used a stick in several years and my welding with my mini-mig has only been tinkering doing small repairs. I have never welded anything that required a perfect weld, hopefully that will change. I want to build a wood splitter. I have an old tractor that I plan on using for parts. 1 cylinder for splitting, 1 cylinder for  log lift , and maybe 1 cylinder for a movable 4way wedge. also there is a hydro tank, hoses (some good,some dry rot), controls, and a pump. I assume the pump is single stage but I'm gunna try it out and see if it will work. I hope to find a 10 hp or larger engine to run it. I think I have an Ibeam also. the only stuff I will need is Misc steel, I think I have most of what I need. My main questions are:what guage wire do I use from my panel to the outlethow many amp breaker.what rod do I use for the splitter.
Reply:The Dial Arc draws ±90 amps at full power.  You could run a 50 or 60 amp breaker and 6/3 wire and get by, but you won't get full power.
Reply:I would go with 7018 rod in 3/32, 1/8, 5/32 for the splitter.  kind of depends on how many amps you can get out of the machine for the input power.   U can use smaller rod and less current you just need more joint prep. more passes tooTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by copeThe Dial Arc draws ±90 amps at full power.  You could run a 50 or 60 amp breaker and 6/3 wire and get by, but you won't get full power.
Reply:I was wrong on the model welder I have. Its a miller two fifty AC, not a dial arc 250. Its still a big welder so I'm not gunna complain. Now I have to ask the question again, tell me what I need to wire this up.Anyone have a manual for this welder?
Reply:Originally Posted by dave_376I was wrong on the model welder I have. Its a miller two fifty AC, not a dial arc 250. Its still a big welder so I'm not gunna complain. Now I have to ask the question again, tell me what I need to wire this up.Anyone have a manual for this welder?
Reply:Originally Posted by dave_376I was wrong on the model welder I have. Its a miller two fifty AC, not a dial arc 250. Its still a big welder so I'm not gunna complain. Now I have to ask the question again, tell me what I need to wire this up.Anyone have a manual for this welder?
Reply:here is a link to the manual. http://www.millerwelds.com/service/locate_om.php I will have to snap a pic of it.  It is a TWO FIFTY AC.  It has jumpers for the voltage in 208, 230, or 460 single phase 60hz. I will be installing this in my house with a 200amp service. I planned on adding a sub panel in the garage with a few  wall outlets and one for the welder.
Reply:This is the link to the manual:  http://www.millerwelds.com/om/o119_mil.pdfOn 230V they recommend a #2 copper line. "USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Dave, if it has Power Factor Correction, you can get by with a 60 amp breaker.
Reply:no power factor correction. I'm confused about the voltage jumpers. 208, 230, 440. I know I don't have 440. I read that 208 is common in commercial/industrial buildings. I was under the impression I had 220 not 230, is there a difference. Has AC changed since 1974 when the welder was made? I am assuming that I will have to set it to 230 VAC . Do I need a 90 amp breaker?
Reply:220 and 230 are two of the common designations for the same power supply. The older version is 220 volts, but either way it would be the same exact power available from any typical residential service. There is a variance in supplied voltage, depending on the usage in your area, length from the last power transformer, etc. This variance is quite normal and is considered within parameters. Think of it as the same situation as 110 vs 120 volts...same deal, newer terminology/designation.As far as the 90 amp breaker, you probably won't need to go that high IF you aren't planning on running the welder up to its limits. Still, I'm guessing that you will be running a new circuit anyway and you may as well max out your options now while it will only be a percentage of the expense instead of waiting and finding out that you will need to upgrade...at further expense. The difference in gauge for the wiring will be significant from 60 to 90 amps, but still a reasonable expense if you are already planning to run a new circuit or side panel.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:I read the first post and skimmed through the rest I had a dial arc 250 and from what you plan on building I would suggest using stick to build that splitter.......Tig isn't really your go to welder for thick plate  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock