Circuit Breaker Amp for Hobart 180?

[Konstructor]

I have welded with Oxy-acetylene for several years building chairs and making small metal repairs. Now I am moving up to MIG and I am getting ready to wire a 240-volt receptacle and circuit breaker for a Hobart Handler 180. My question concerns the amp requirements for the circuit breaker. The manufacturer says that this welder can handle between 20 -180 amps, but what is the recommended amp rating for the circuit breaker? Knowing the amperage required for the circuit breaker, I can then get the most appropriate wiring to handle that load, but I have not been able to find what the suggested circuit breaker amp is for this welder. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Sberry]

The machine takes a 6-50-R recept but it calls for a 20A breaker in the OM. Depends on distance from the panel as to the wire choice, 12 minimum but a number 10 is better and would allow for the next size up in breakers for other machines. It will keep voltage drop to a minimum also. The 180 has its own built in thermal overload protection which allows it to be run on 50A welder circuits also but if I was tailoring a circuit for this machine it would be 10 wire with the 20A breaker.

[Konstructor]

This is going to be a dedicated circuit and the distance is maybe 20-30 feet from my main panel. I plan to pick up the materials you recommend and have it installed by the weekend. Thanks a ton for you input, you have made it easy for me now.

By the way, I joined this forum just to ask this question, and I appreciate your help and the WeldingWeb™ for their support of the free exchange of information and ideas here!