Extension Cord for MM180

admin

Ok, I did search and did not find what I was looking for.I am getting a MM180 this week. I want to get or make an extension cord so I can move it around my garage a little easier.I found a 50' 8/3 on the net for $105 plus S&H. I don't know much about electrical stuff, but have been reading up on it. I read where one guy made his own by running three runs of 8 gauge wire through a garden house and put a plug on each end.Where can you get this big wire?How much does it and the plugs run?Is it gonna save me money to make it versus order one?What's the best way to make one? (Wire in garden hose)?Thanks
Reply:I would go with two 25 footers for garage use.  You likely won't need the full 50' very often.
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmI would go with two 25 footers for garage use.  You likely won't need the full 50' very often.
Reply:I have a hobart 180 with 50' of 10/2 wgnd and 25' of 12/2 wgnd hooked to it and have had no problomes as the plate says it only draws 19 Amps so # 12 is good for that all the way but the #10 will last longer dragging it through the yard  I didn't say that did I it's dangerous though I guessLincoln 225 Tombstone,Miller Big 20,Hobart 180,150' Argon,A/D hobart hood 22 Ton Log splitter,79 F350 dump eats 4.75 TONS and still turns cutters,grinders,And a  Hypertherm POWERMAX 30
Reply:Don't do the garden hose thing and don't do the romex thing. The 8 gauge cord is way heavier than you need but if you think it's a good price, do it. Will it have the ends on it that you need?
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyDon't do the garden hose thing and don't do the romex thing. The 8 gauge cord is way heavier than you need but if you think it's a good price, do it. Will it have the ends on it that you need?
Reply:I have looked at the cords for RV's at menards before.  They seemed to be cheaper than buying the wire and ends separately.  I think they are 10ga (good for 30amps).  I prefer two  shorter cords cuz you can always hook them together.  With one long one you always have to wind up the whole thing and they can be bulky and heavy.  If you like the price of the 50 footer, you could always cut it in half.  I knew a farmer that always used a 14ga cord and it would get hot.  I finally got him to upgrade to a heavier cord when the first one caught fire.
Reply:Originally Posted by FirescoobyWhat size do I need?What plugs/ ends do I need?Thanks
Reply:I bought 25 feet of 8/3 wire from Home Depot a few years ago so I could weld outside my shop.  I bought a male plug & female plug for 220V & wired it up.  Just kept the green wire as the ground, then the black & white were to the blades on the sides.  Made sure the black/white wires went to the same pole as the other end.Not hard to make, the 8/3 was way heavier than I needed but it was on sale & they didn't have any 10/3.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:I made a 65ft 10/3 cord from home depot parts. It works well but I'm seriously thinking about cutting it in half and having a 20ft and a 40ft. It's just too cumbersome and a tripping hazard.I'm not sure why I made it so long???Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:10/3 is running about $2 a foot at HD right now. Figure about $10 -12 more for the ends.Scooby - make sure your getting stranded wire, not solid. And don't be getting advice from people that make extension cords out of garden hose!"We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities. "   - Oscar WildeMaxstar STL150Eagle CPM30 Bender
Reply:I did the same as skywest!Got 65 feet of 10/3AWG and made an extension cord out of it.I put a hook on the wall and it rests there most of the time, but it sure is nice to have that extra length when I need it.#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:Originally Posted by FirescoobyOk, I did search and did not find what I was looking for.Thanks