Breaker Size

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I have a Lincoln AC225 stick machine. I am having a 220 line installed in my shop. My question is, how large a breaker should I  get to get max performance from my Lincoln? , 50 or 60 amp? Would that work? Also, I have a 110  Hobart MIG. Im pretty sure I need a 30 amp dedicated breaker for that. is that correct?I know very little about electricity and need some expert advise.Thanks....Doc
Reply:You didn't tell us what size wire you are useingThe main thing is not to panic or get excited Bobcat 250, X-Treme 12VS,  MM211Meltabo, Milwaukee,Porter Cable,Dewalt,MakitaVictor O/A, Ingersoll-RandEvolution Rage2, 40 amp PlasmaLincoln 225 AC/DC
Reply:Either the 50 or 60 amp breaker would work as long as the wire size is correct for the length of the run. As far as the dedicated 30 amp run, you don't have to run one, but it gives you the best chance of getting the most out of a small machine like that.If you are thinking about running 2 lines to the garage, you might think about running a 100 amp sub panel to the garage instead, then running your branch circuits. That way you can more easily expand later if you need to, say to add a 230v compressor, more outlets for grinding or lights etc..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:If you want to plan for growth, then 100 amps 240V to the garage with a sub-panel there would be best.   Depending on what welder you might have in the future, you might want the entire 100 amps.   Good size compressors draw 25 amps at 240 V, with more on surge.However, I run my shop on a 50 amp 240 circuit, shared between two welders, a plasma cutter, and a compressor.   Sometimes I run the plasma and the compressor together, without problems.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Yeah, you need to work up a tentative "electrical demand factor" calculation to give you a better picture of how you need to run that feeder circuit to your shop.  You can start listing the 30 amps needed for your present 110 VAC welder, then add up the name plate amp draw from any other stuff you might have (or plan to buy).  The total sum of all those items used simultaneously can give you a "ball park" estimate of what size cable and panel breakers you will need for the sub panel job.If you can HONESTLY say you will not ever use more than 1 branch circuit at a time in the feeder panel, then you can "get by" by simply sizing the feeder cable and breakers at the "largest amp draw circuit" rating.  That's not exactly up to NEC guidelines but I have seen it done a few times (by others, not none of me) where cheapskatism reigned over the desire to comply with NEC.
Reply:Even though my Dynasty 200 does not require it, I installed a 50-amp 220v breaker as a dedicated welding circuit.
Reply:Thanks for all the great advise. Thou I will probably never actually need the additional amperage, I am usually guilty of overkill, so the 100 A setup sounds like the best plan for me. I forgot to ask about the the cable size. What do you guys recommend? Again, I lean towards overkill.Thanks again for your great help....Doc
Reply:It again depends on length of run and type of wire. In a short run #4 for copper and #2 for Aluminum, bare minimum. Obviously installing Aluminum requires different techniques to keep it safe. #2 copper or 1/0 would be overkill for a 100 amp feed to a sub panel. Or you could get stupidly expensive and bury yourself 1000kcmil copper (roughly 600 amp) of course the service to your home isn't that large so you're basically throwing money in a hole.http://www.usawire-cable.com/pdfs/NEC%20AMPACITIES.pdf