Amps Output, Arc v Wire ?

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Hi,  Im. wondering with a Ranger 8 putting out 200 amps @ 100% duty cycle, connected to a wire feeder Would that still give around 200a usable amps @ the feeder? I know wire requires more amps than arc, But wondering if they are measured differently?   Appreciate any replies.  Thanks Josey
Reply:Hello Josey, actually amps are amps. Differences will be see when voltage/amperage ratios are introduced. There is a lot of theory and science that will explain this very basic statement that I just made. I know that there are others on the site here who could probably explain in very specific detail about this, I am not one of them. However, SMAW with specific amps will deliver different voltages when the arc length is increased(volts up) or decreased(volts down). As to FCAW/GMAW, specific voltage will see different amperage's when the wire is increased(amperage increases) or decreased(amperage decreases) relative to a set voltage. I, along with you, will be looking for other replies. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Like Allan said, amps are amps. Short-arc MIG and Innershield are fairly low-voltage processes so you shouldn't run into any problems as long as you don't exceed the welder's duty cycle. Gas-shielded flux core and spray-transfer MIG require higher voltages and you may run out of volts before you run out of amps at higher wire speeds.A more important point is that if your machine does not have a CV setting for wire, you have to use a voltage-sensing feeder. I know next to nothing about engine drives, so I don't know whether your Ranger has that setting or not.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:I can really only address a few variables.  I don't work with anything but stick, and self shielding wire.  And I'm running a Ranger 250 GXT.The Ranger 8 puts out CV according to the specs, if these are equivalent specs http://www.lincolnelectric.com/asset...857-1/e689.pdf  28v is more than adequate for NR211.  You'd be good for up to .045 dia wire without running out of amps.  http://www.lincolnelectric.com/asset...P/c3200010.pdf  At lower wire speeds you can goose up the wire size, but at the midpoint you'll run into amp problems.Do a search at Lincoln to find the appropriate parameters for the type of wire you intend to run.  It's pretty simple"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Well CRAP!!  Found the exact specs for the machine this timehttp://www.manualslib.com/manual/951...-8.html#manualAgain, see what your wire requires, and go from there"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by JoseyHi,  Im. wondering with a Ranger 8 putting out 200 amps @ 100% duty cycle, connected to a wire feeder Would that still give around 200a usable amps @ the feeder? I know wire requires more amps than arc, But wondering if they are measured differently?   Appreciate any replies.  Thanks Josey