What size breaker - general rule of thumb ?

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Hi Guys.., the electrician is at my house and was planning on putting a 60amp breaker in for the 220v single phase line to my garage.  The Tig welder I have is the Miller Econotig, light duty I know.., but the rating on the back of the machine says it's rated to 56 amps.., so then to I need to install a breaker that is larger then 60amps ?  What's the rule of thumb ?  The electrician is concerned about startup.., he has no idea how much this Tig pulls at startup and if afraid 60amp is to small. Thanks !Philo
Reply:Despite the Econo tig being "Light Duty" it is a little power hogSpecs from Miller6g wire 60amp breakerhttp://www.millerwelds.com/om/o303v_mil.pdfEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:the 6-50 receptacle is only rated for 50 amps. I wouldn't put larger than a 60 amp breaker behind it.
Reply:Thanks !.., that's the plan.  6G and 60amp breaker..  Only issue is the run from the main panel.., it will be around 65-70 feet.
Reply:6 ga should suffice.   My synchrowave 180 manual suggested 8 ga wire.   I recall that a 60 amp breaker would typically use 3ga wire, but the NEC rules for wiring welders are complex, but can allow use of smaller conductors than would typically be used with a given breaker size.  Consult an expert. I don't think that 65 or 70 feet is an especially long run.  I looked up the voltage drop over 75 feet of 6 ga wire at 60 amps, 3% drop.   5% voltage drop generally considered acceptable.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Wow.., you guys rock.  Great info.  Reminds me of a car forum I belong to.., love forums.. it's like a little virtual slice of small town USA Question.., I fired up the tig and it;s not welding that well so I think I have a setting wrong.  True.., it's been 20 years since I welded stainless and titanium.., but I still have the rhythm.., just need to get the correct heat range.  Here's what's going on.  I'm welding some thin gauge stainless for practice.  Doing lap welds, butt, Ts, etc..  So while trying to run my first bead I find that I have to floor the pedal to get the puddle to pool nice and round.  I was at 20 amps so I cranked up the heat.., 30., then 40.., and now I'm at 50amps and it still seems like I have to stomp on the pedal to get a nice puddle.  I really think  setting is wrong.  Here's what I have the tig set to.3/16th stainlessArgon gasGas flow 20 aproxTig setting - Electrode Negative.Also.. I can't seem to get color.  The beads are dark grayish / black.Any suggestions ?