Effects of extension cords on welding

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I weld out of a shed and using an extension cord is all i've known.  I know I shouldn't but I kind of have to.  I've been able to get everything I needed to get done done so far but I would like to know what's happening.  Am I losing power?
Reply:Depending on load and a lot of factors surrounding the extension cord you may have a drop in voltage.What welding machine are you using?What amperage are you operating the machine at (weld output setting)?What is the gauge of the wire in the extension cord?How long is the extension cord?GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:I weld with a 50' extension cord, 10-3 SOOW for my 220 needs on my DV tig. Never gets warm, even at full bore. For a 110 machine, the extension cord will reduce power slightly. If its a run of the mill walmart jobbie with 16 gauge wiring, i would suggest stepping up to a 14 or 12 if you can find them. If its a 220 i wouldnt trust anything under 12, and thats on the edge of danger. I couldnt find 8 gauge, which is why I went 10 gauge SOOW when I made my own cord.
Reply:I have a HARBOR FREIGHT fluxcore mig and it welds just fine on a 30 amp breaker as is.Add 1 extension cord of any size or length and after 30 seconds... forget it....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I bought two of these below.  8ga "welding" extension cords for 220v. I normally just use the one 25-footer, but if I need to go further down the driveway, I have 50'. Out of my four machines, the buzzbox draws the most amperage (50A) set on 225 amps.  As a test, I ran my buzzbox for a little over two minutes straight, (pushing the duty cycle) by running several 5/32" 7024 electrodes on 225A with the one 25' cord.  No serious heat issues from either the cord nor the outlet.  (Outlet: 50a, #6AWG solid wire and only two feet from the breaker panel).  These extension cords keep going up in price and you can buy them in 25' and 50' lengths from what I've seen.  I only paid $60.00 each when I bought them.  I've currently seen them now anywhere between $85-120 in the 25-footer lengths.  I swear by them!  They are very heavy duty quality.  The end are illuminated to remind you when they are "juiced up" with current. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Welder-Exten...-/181410324233 Attached ImagesLast edited by SuperArc; 05-16-2014 at 12:44 AM.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:Originally Posted by RbpercussionI would like to know what's happening.  Am I losing power?
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelDepending on load and a lot of factors surrounding the extension cord you may have a drop in voltage.What welding machine are you using?What amperage are you operating the machine at (weld output setting)?What is the gauge of the wire in the extension cord?How long is the extension cord?