Lincoln ac/dc, what is going wrong

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First, I am new to the forum so thanks in advance for any advice I can get.I have taken some welding classes (SMAW) and did fine in those.  I recently bought a Lincoln AC/DC buzz box that was used.  I tested it out when I bought it and it worked fine (I ran several beads with it). I now have it at home and can not get it to maintain an arc or even get one to start, I did not have this hard a time starting a bead on my first day of class.  What metal I was able The electrodes stick or sputter out.  I have tried 1/8 6013 and 3/32 6010 in all three settings (ac, dc-, dc+) and on multiple amperage settings (75-100).  I am running it off of a 8 gauge 220 extension cord off of my dryer outlet (I have a 220 line in my garage but it is hard lined into my air compressor).So is it:1. operator error2. problem with the welder3. problem with the power4.something I haven't thought ofThanks again.
Reply:hmmm if you bolixed up the cord you could have a hot case and 110 to the welder - - - I sure hope that isn't your problem . . . .  or the dryer outlet could be wired for 110v, dryer would run but wouldn't get very hot . . .Last edited by fredf; 01-05-2011 at 12:07 AM.-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:So you think jacked up extension cord or welder cord?
Reply:That's what I'm thinking.  Been done many times before.Need to have 230V between the two hots and 115V between each hot and the ground (no, it's not a neutral).MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Hello juggernautsb, I believe fredf likely is onto the root of your issue. Do you have a multimeter/voltage tester of any sort to check the voltage at the outlet end of your extension cord? Depending on the particular plug that the machine is equipped with you could  be supplying only half of the voltage that the machine needs to operate properly. One way you can test for the proper voltage is to first start off by determining which prong on the welder is the "ground', this can be accomplished by setting the test meter to the continuity position and attaching one of the test leads to the frame of the welder and touching the other lead to the different prongs of the welder plug while the machine is disconnected from power. Whichever prong shows continuity to ground on the welder plug should indicate the ground prong. The other two prongs left over should indicate the respective prongs which should be supplied with 110 volts each. Consider which slots in the power outlet on the extension will match these 2 prongs and then insert the tester leads(while it is set for voltage) into these slots, they should read 220 or pretty close to it. If not you will need to make the necessary corrections to get the connections done correctly. If you are unconfortable or unsure of this then contact a qualified electrician to make the necessary changes to make it right. Safety is certainly key. Good luck and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Remember:  Green is Ground!  It should NEVER be used to carry current.Black is HOTWhite:  is Neutral on 120v  OR Hot on 220v. To avoid confusion some RED tape, paint etc should be applied, (black can also be used) to the white wireTypically a ground pin is round or D shaped,  a neutral L shaped (can [at least in theory] be used as a ground IF AND ONLY IF IT IS NOT BEING USED AS A NEUTRAL FOR 120V.) I might add that if it is fed off a sub panel, it might not be a good idea either. If the neutral from the main to sub panel became unconnected or broken you would see voltage between neutral and ground -- and you would see that on the frame of your welderThe flat pins are typically hotsIf I have overlooked anything feel free to point it out -- remember there are reservations on use of neutral as ground fredLast edited by fredf; 01-05-2011 at 01:43 PM.-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:Thanks for the advice, I am going to have my neighbor who is an electrician look at the wiring and see if he can sort it out.
Reply:Let us know what he finds,  inquiring minds like to know :-)fred-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:Originally Posted by juggernautsbThanks for the advice, I am going to have my neighbor who is an electrician look at the wiring and see if he can sort it out.
Reply:You guys were right on, the adapter cord that I was using to run from the 4 prong dryer outlet to the 3 prong receptacle was wired wrong.  He said I wasn't getting 220. He squared it up and I am back to running beads.  Thanks again