precision tig 275

[scottsdale]

Need information or suggestions on wiring a precision 275 to be mobile.If anybody has one,how are they wired?

[JMcKeone]

I have a PT375 that is wired into a 100amp disconnect, the cord is only 6' but I am going to replace it with a 25' cord, combined the 25' torch, that should be more then enough to make it around my shop.

Heres a pic:

http://www.mckeone.net/photos/shop/P2200053.JPG

[scottsdale]

what size wie did you use?

[JMcKeone]

well from the panel to the disconnect I used 2AWG service entrance cable, the aluminum stuff, and from the disconnect to the welder, its whatever size came from the factory, i think its 6awg

[scottsdale]

The book that came with mine said I needed to run 4awg or 3 awg in metal ridged conduit making sure conduit had good connection to welder and both ends of conduit must be connected to a driven ground and entire length of conduit must be continous.I was wondering if all this is nessacary.In my opinion the welder came with undercarriage and self contained coolant system,so you should be able to move it around.I had bought roll of 6/3 SO cord for it but I guess that want work now.

[JMcKeone]

After looking at the oem cord on the PT375, its says its 8/3, I dont see why you cant get away with 6/3 for the extension. The machine draws around 94 amps at full power, most likely you wont be using anything over 250amps that often, thats all the torch is good for anyway.

[Corvus corax]

Hey all, I've been considering the purchase of the PT 275 over the Miller 250, or the Lincoln Invertec 205- How is the performance? Would I miss the variable frequency of the inverter? I am planning on working with mostly aluminum, and possibly some brass/ bronze both up to 1/2 inch thickness. I was informed the inverter would have a hard time of this, likely. The portability is not really an issue, it turns out, so since they are all three about the same price, which is my best choice?

[Sparkeee24]

Howdy! It's my understanding, that the inverter style machine is particularly suited for all the DC processes, and this allows easily incorporating such things as waveform shapes and pulsing with some of the machines. If you notice for example, all the multi-process inverter based machines, are only DC. I'm sure if it weren't difficult, they would have thrown in AC too. I notice the weight triples with the AC/DC machines, so it would stand to reason the inverters don't coincide with AC work. Now the reason to have AC option, is for the fantastic cleaning properties it has with aluminum welding, and a lil more variety of stick electrode choices for SMAW welding. In my welders bible, it states that with Helium, and DC, you can weld alluminum fine if it's over 1/8" thick, but 70% of heat is in the tungsten, hence a waste and problematic, also no cleaning action what so ever. The tungsten tends to melt in that polarity, comtaminating the weld if it drops off. This is NOT from experience, I have just been researching alot multi-process inverter machines and setting up my ideal shop. Consequently, I have come to the conclusion that I nead TWO machines to do everything excellent :P I am looking at the Lincoln Pro Mig 350 MP, and buying the aftermarket push pull setup for alloy and possibly a LF72 wire feeder for the cart as well so I can have steel and alloy setup with a third spair mig gun. Since this machine is inverter DC only, I am also looking into a lincoln precision tig 275 package, with it's AC/DC, water cooler and the pulser panel. I'm getting everything but the actual core machines at local shops, the core machines I'm getting through welding supply.com . Hope this 2 bits worth helps! Brian Lee, Sparkeee24

[Sparkeee24]

Howdy Once again!
After doing a lil more research, I was able to find a miller machine that was AC/DC tig in an inverter package about 100 lbs. So I will correct myself their. Also, I am interested in the Power mig 350 MP, not the Pro... OK Now to the Original question, lol. I would go ahead and use your 6-3 SO cord, so long as it's not too long. Too long being more then about 50 ft. Much longer and your voltage drop may become an issue at full power output. One reason for using size 3 or 4 guage in their literature is because it is being run in rigid conduit, which retains heat, and has a large derating factor, meaning the wires must be bigger then if they were not in conduit. This rigid conduit is for production facilities where fork lifts are being run around, and robotic operations with sparks flying everywhere all day long. In a fab shop, or for a weekend warrior, I don't see any problem with your 6-3 SO cord. Perhaps a Hubbel twist lock plugset would be a good idea though as it is a quality means of connection. I hope this might help a bit! Brian Lee Sparkeee24

[smawgmaw]

HTP also has a combo AC|DC inverter machine. Look around there are also several inverter AC|DC machines made by other companies.