Lincoln 125 not running to full potential.

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I have a Lincoln 125 flux welder hooked up to a non-dedicated 20 amp breaker. I've never reached the duty cycle on the machine because I always throw the breaker before I reach that point. I'm closing on a new (to me, built 1958) home this month and plan to add a dedicated 120v 30amp breaker with the correct gague wire to run on. What kind of improvement will I see? By that I mean will the machine also run hotter or just longer?Last edited by danny243; 08-03-2013 at 04:40 AM.
Reply:You might see some slight improvement in power if your current circuit has significant voltage drop.  The welder will draw more current at the slightly lower voltage, so it's a losing proposition on the 20A circuit.  The 30 Amp circuit should get you where you need to be to get the most out of it.As for duty cycle, it is what it is.  I guess a slightly low line voltage/higher input current would tend to heat up the unit more.  At least you won't be blowing the breaker."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Does breaker trip because of other loads+welder?I would have thought a 120v. mig machine would draw 20 amps or less,and a dedicated 20amp cicuit would be enough.Is there a 120v. receptacle rated for 30 amps?Miller a/c-d/c Thunderbolt XLMillermatic 180 Purox O/ASmith Littletorch O/AHobart Champion Elite
Reply:A NEMA 5-30 is rated at 30."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by danny243I have a Lincoln 125 flux welder hooked up to a non-dedicated 20 amp breaker. I've never reached the duty cycle on the machine because I always throw the breaker before I reach that point. I'm closing on a new (to me, built 1958) home this month and plan to add a dedicated 120v 30amp breaker with the correct gague wire to run on. What kind of improvement will I see? By that I mean will the machine also run hotter or just longer?
Reply:Originally Posted by jpump5Does breaker trip because of other loads+welder?I would have thought a 120v. mig machine would draw 20 amps or less,and a dedicated 20amp cicuit would be enough.Is there a 120v. receptacle rated for 30 amps?
Reply:Lincoln Pro-Core 125 manual:In order to utilize the maximum output capability ofthe machine, a branch circuit capable of 25 amps at120 volts, 60 Hertz is required. Now if we knew what welder the OP really had it would be helpful.I do agree that if a 30A circuit is run, it should be 4 wire so that it could be wired up as either 120 or 240 in the future.  The cost of one extra wire is relatively low.Last edited by Oldendum; 08-03-2013 at 01:08 PM."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumLincoln Pro-Core 125 manual:In order to utilize the maximum output capability ofthe machine, a branch circuit capable of 25 amps at120 volts, 60 Hertz is required. Now if we knew what welder the OP really had it would be helpful.I do agree that if a 30A circuit is run, it should be 4 wire so that it could be wired up as either 120 or 240 in the future.  The cost of one extra wire is relatively low.
Reply:Hey, thanks for all the great info! It is a pro-core 125 and I think reddevil hit the nail on the head. It slipped my mind that a ref AND a freezer are probably both hooked up to the same line as well as some other small appliences. Who knows how many amps they are all drawing. Also, I think hooking up the new house with 4 lines is a great idea, I'd like to upgrade to a Hobart 210 mig and a Longevity Weldmax 205i one day.
Reply:Originally Posted by danny243Hey, thanks for all the great info! It is a pro-core 125 and I think reddevil hit the nail on the head. It slipped my mind that a ref AND a freezer are probably both hooked up to the same line as well as some other small appliences. Who knows how many amps they are all drawing. Also, I think hooking up the new house with 4 lines is a great idea, I'd like to upgrade to a Hobart 210 mig and a Longevity Weldmax 205i one day.
Reply:If you are going to ad a circuit for the new place, add a 60 or so amp 230vac circuit with a small sub panel  in the garage. You will then have the option of buying bigger and better equipment
Reply:I tell people to put in a 100 amp panel in the garage if they weld for a hobby.With a 60 amp panel, running a normal 240 volt welder, your building turns off when you are welding and the compressor kicks in   Same for running a big plasma with the compressor running.  My plasma draws 65 amps at full load.  So at max power I have to start with a full compressor and then shut it off.I'm running almost 20 amps worth of lights (I'm pretty blind without a lot of light) - so that leaves me 80 amps to play with.  I wish I had put in 200 amps in my shop.  The Airco 300 can trip the main with just the lights on! (btw - even hobby welding gets out of hand pretty quickly )Dave J.Last edited by MinnesotaDave; 08-03-2013 at 08:12 PM.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:(btw - even hobby welding gets out of hand pretty quickly )Yeah, I'm starting to see that On the topic of compressors: I'd like something portable that can run; plasma, impact tools, nailer, LVLP paint, texture sprayer, etc. Anyone have experience with the HF 2HP 29gal belt-drive oil compressor?
Reply:For a compressor I would just keep your eye on CL. I ran a 20 gal 3HP (really I think it was 2 hp, as it drew 20MPS) Campbell Hausfeld. I rand that compressor for about 15 years and beat the snot out of it. It did everything I wanted until i got a sandblast cabinet. You can usually pick them up for about $100. Make sure they are belt drive. I'd stay away from HF.
Reply:Originally Posted by danny243(btw - even hobby welding gets out of hand pretty quickly )Yeah, I'm starting to see that On the topic of compressors: I'd like something portable that can run; plasma, impact tools, nailer, LVLP paint, texture sprayer, etc. Anyone have experience with the HF 2HP 29gal belt-drive oil compressor?
Reply:I had a 100A panel put in when we built the garage (has 3 unfinished rooms above).  Thought we might add a heat pump and maybe get "a welder" some day.  6 welders later ... "USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by danny243(btw - even hobby welding gets out of hand pretty quickly )Yeah, I'm starting to see that On the topic of compressors: I'd like something portable that can run; plasma, impact tools, nailer, LVLP paint, texture sprayer, etc. Anyone have experience with the HF 2HP 29gal belt-drive oil compressor?
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumI had a 100A panel put in when we built the garage (has 3 unfinished rooms above).  Thought we might add a heat pump and maybe get "a welder" some day.  6 welders later ...
Reply:I'm a breaker collector.  I have a live display panel in the garage with the following circuits:6 - 20A  120V7 - 15A 120V1 - 30A 240V1- 50A 240V1- 70A 240VFortunately (?), I have 300A service to the house."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Do yourself a serious favor.  Dump the Lincoln 125.  That and the "weldpak 100" were always a SERIOUS embarrassment produced by Lincoln.  Go out and buy yourself either a Lincoln 140C or 180C (230V) model.  You'll thank me later.   Whoever invented the Lincoln 125, should be hung.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:The lincoln 125 is a good enough machine for now. I got it cheap on CL and I can easily get my money back when I'm ready to upgrade. I just weld for hobby and haven't welded anything over 1/8 right now and I probably won't go past 3/16 with this machine. I have about a million expences before I upgrade but if anyone in the El Paso area wants to trade me a lincoln or hobart 180+ for a pre 64 win model 70 send me a pm.
Reply:Originally Posted by danny243The lincoln 125 is a good enough machine for now. I got it cheap on CL and I can easily get my money back when I'm ready to upgrade. I just weld for hobby and haven't welded anything over 1/8 right now and I probably won't go past 3/16 with this machine. I have about a million expences before I upgrade but if anyone in the El Paso area wants to trade me a lincoln or hobart 180+ for a pre 64 win model 70 send me a pm.
Reply:Remember this.....Every time your breaker blows it loses a little of its value......Blowing at less than the numerical strength.......Try a new breaker before doing anything else........  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock