Use 120V on a 220V machine?

admin

There was a post by MAC702 in the general welding forum that said his Miller Passport 180 could use 120V power. Was this a typo, or can some of the 220V machines use 120V?
Reply:Some machines are dual voltage input, some are multi-phase and voltage capable. Especially inverter machines. I have the Lincoln invertec 205. I have done tig on aluminum with 120v(30A circuit). It gave me 130 amps to work with. So I could easily do 1/8 aluminum, and some 3/16. The output is reduced when volted down, but when you NEED to use it, it is nice to have it. I have a pro cut 25 plasma cutter that runs on dual voltage also. That little sucker is great, and does a decent job even on 120v.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:You beat me to it. After a little research I saw the inverter reference. So, my next question is which MIG machines have the inverter?
Reply:Originally Posted by scuba14cYou beat me to it. After a little research I saw the inverter reference. So, my next question is which MIG machines have the inverter?
Reply:Sure would be nice to be able to delete this accidental double-post caused by my computer's lag........Last edited by MAC702; 06-01-2007 at 02:18 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by Rojodiablo... you can get a used Millermatic 135, or Lincoln 100, 135, 140 for a decent price. Or Home Depot/ Lowes. You can do 3/16" with no problems at all, ....
Reply:Mac, If I can get a 220V machine that will work with 120V, I can do the lighter fabrication jobs (muffler/exhaust) until I find a way to get 220V. Is the Passport you have still for sale?Edit-Do any of the Lincoln or Hobart 220V welders have the inverter board?Last edited by scuba14c; 06-01-2007 at 02:29 PM.
Reply:Hobart doesn't have one.  I haven't looked through a Lincoln catalog in a few years, but you can check the products link at www.lincolnelectric.com and let us know if they yet have anything to compete with a Passport.  I've not seen it yet.Another option, though I think it's more of a waste, is the Millermatic DVI (Dual-Voltage Input).  It's a non-inverter, but still able to switch between 120V and 240V, almost the size of a MM212.The Passport is designed for portability, the only truly portable self-contained GMAW machine that I know of.  You seem more garage-based, right?  A DVI might work for you, and it's spoolgun-compatible for later, unlike the Passport.Passport still for sale, as posted in other thread.
Reply:Yeah, I'm based out of a garage. I haven't seen a Lincoln with the dual voltage capability, and I called a welding shop. The guy there said Miller is the only place with the voltage selector. The DVI would be nice, but the $1400 price isn't. I'm looking for sub $700.MAC-I sent you a pm about your Passport.
Reply:Originally Posted by MAC702So you have no problem with an amateur building vehicle frames from 3/16" steel with a 120V non-inverter MIG welder?
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloIf he practices until he gets competent, ...