Duty cycle, cooling time?

admin

Howdy, I'm new to welding anyways I recently bought a Miller thunderbolt 225/150 stick machine.I understand that it has 20% duty cycle at full amps/power.my question is Do I turn the machine off to cool off or do i leave the machine running so the Fan can help cool it down?
Reply:I just leave it on so it can have the fan run to blow the internals just don't strike an arc.
Reply:Most definitely leave it powered on, like you stated you want the fan to continue running to move/drw air thru the machine.
Reply:Unless you're running a ton of rod to learn how to run a good bead, or other type of practise stuff, it's highly unlikely you'll ever exceed the duty cycle.  Two Minutes arc time is quite a bit of actual welding. AND.... it has to be two minutes continuous arc, or near continuous arc.A good indicator is the heat buildup in the rod holder handle.  When it gets uncomfortably hot even while wearing gloves, it might be time to take a cigarette breakThese machines are very forgiving"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Alright that's what I was thinking, I just wasn't sure.Thanks for the Info