Extension Cord or longer cables.

admin

Ok boys. First off I'm new to welding and this forum. I'm 35 and decided that I'm gonna learn to weld. I bought a lincoln ac 225 stick welder. Things are going pretty good. I have some 6010 rod and a small pile of scrap and have been playing for a couple of weeks. My only complaint is the length of the cables. Eventually, I'm gonna want to get farther away from the plug than 12'-15'. What's the best choice. Should i use an extension cord or just buy longer cables. Please give me the details for each. Size of cord, size of cables, Etc. Thanks everyone
Reply:If you consider the cost of an ext. cord compared to what welding leads cost, I know what I'd do!
Reply:depends on what you want to do.  I have found that for garage use, 25ft of extension cord plus 25ft leads will get you out into the driveway.  You need the leads for crawling under, on top of, and around things like trailers.  You need the extension cord to get the machine close enough to that trailer so you have enough lead to crawl under, on top of, and around.  Get it?I just grab my maxstar and 50 ft of cord.   I do wish it had a couple more feet of lead though so I wouldn't have to set it on top of a ladder.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Agreed with boostin^^^^^But also if you have a AC 225 lincoln "buzz box" 6010 will run like crap because of the AC current. 6010 is a DC rod. Get some 7018 H8R AC rod (Its runs great on AC) or some 6011 or 6013.
Reply:I asked this same question, sometime last year.  The best advice I got was " do both".  Make or buy an extension cord, AND get longer cables.Nctox,  Stickmate LX  235AC/160DC  HH210
Reply:I have had a 230 amp crackerbox with a DC rectifier setting on top of it in the garage for a loooong time. I put much longer leads on it and leave that heavy mess sitting in one spot even though it is on wheels. I have hooks above the machine to roll my leads on. It has worked very well for me. I agree that a good extension cord would save money but I think it is easier to just unroll the leads than do all the moving in and out of the equipment.