What machine and what stick or wire

[fishfactory]

Hello everyone

I welded over 30 years ago in a production environment. Railcars were fluxcore and stick. I used mig for other industrial equipment. I know nothing of the theory or the machines I was using. For my purposes I know how to make a good weld - I hope!!
I have a project to repair my own building and I would like some suggestions on what will do the job.
I have 200 volt power - not the home dryer kind but the real stuff on a separate meter. Close enough to 240 I would expect. It say 5kW on the bill and powers an elevator and a large compressor.
The building is made of huge 12 inch girders. I want to repair the curtain wall in places. I need to weld 1/4 inch angle iron to the girders and also weld c-channel which is under an 1/8 of an inch. Some of the material is pretty rusty.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Regards Gary

[DesertRider33]

DC stick welder with the electrode on the positive side and 6010 (or AC stick welder and 6011) for the root, then cover it with 7018 (or 7018-AC with the AC machine).... or... mig welder with E71T-11 (Lincoln NR-211MP) fluxcore wire, or E71T-8 (Lincoln NR-232) fluxcore wire. Grind everything clean as best you can before welding it.

[Craig in Denver]

Since you're running an elevator, make sure to verify whether you have 1 phase or 3 phase.

[David R]

What ever you are comfortable with. For MIG, or cored wire, you need a Constant Voltage welder. For stick, you need a constant current welder.

Most anything will do what you need. I have an Invertec V155-S that will run 1/8" rod with no problems. I have many others too, but this one is the smallest.

David

[fishfactory]

HI

Thanks for all the replies.
I think it would be 3 phase. I'll have a look tomorrow . If I remember correctly the 100V has 2 wires from the meter and the 200V has 3 wires.
I am not sure what machine I'll buy yet.

Thanks

[A_DAB_will_do]

Seems to me that Desertrider33 has it covered. Grind off that rust and paint, then have at it with 6010 or 6011 for the first pass. Then cover over with 7018. If you are working on a tight budget or don't anticipate doing much more welding, look for a used Lincoln Tombstone AC225 or Miller Thunderbolt welder. New they're about $250-$300. Throw in another $100 for hood, gloves, hand tools, and you're good to go...

[fishfactory]

Hi

Sorry for the delay.
I am pretty sure I have 3 phase 200Volt.

Gary

[DesertRider33]

If you have 3-phase, you can can run a single-phase machine from the line by dropping the 3rd leg and just hook up the 2 hots and the ground.

[MAC702]

You need to know exactly what power you have. While you probably have 120V (not 100V), the higher voltage could likely be either 208V or 240V depending on whether you have a wye-connected or delta-connected transformer. Both are common in industrial settings, but higher-voltage equipment is rarely designed to work well from both. You will need the right machine for the power you have.

Both will need only two wires plus the ground.

[Craig in Denver]

Since the answer may be regional, your location might help the electricians help you. USA, Canada, Mexico, etc.

If you'd like, you can go up to the left side of the page, to User CP and fill in your location.

[fishfactory]

I'm in Japan.
Yep 100V and 200V. I was planning to buy a US welder and put it in a container I have coming from the US.
I think I'll pick up one on Yahoo Auction here.
The big ones seem to go very cheap.
If I buy one and it is the right voltage but do not enough power for it what happens?
Will it work at lower settings or will it just not work at all?
http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d92681453
This one is a monster at 400 pounds! If it does not work I can sell it for scrap and get my money back!
http://page10.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/m64935641
This one from Panasonic - at least I can pick it up - might work.

Thanks

[fishfactory]

http://page21.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/j25565788 go to bottom of page
Heres a big Lincoln Idealarc DC - 600. What is that Bernard Box for?

Thanks

[weldbead]

tig torch water cooler?

[Sparky#1]

Originally Posted by fishfactory

I'm in Japan.
Yep 100V and 200V. I was planning to buy a US welder and put it in a container I have coming from the US.
I think I'll pick up one on Yahoo Auction here.
The big ones seem to go very cheap.
If I buy one and it is the right voltage but do not enough power for it what happens?
Will it work at lower settings or will it just not work at all?
http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d92681453
This one is a monster at 400 pounds! If it does not work I can sell it for scrap and get my money back!
http://page10.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/m64935641
This one from Panasonic - at least I can pick it up - might work.

Thanks

Make sure you know what voltage range the machine works under before purchasing a U.S model and check the Hz also. Most of your premium brands of welders should suffice but check the specs.

[DesertRider33]

If you have the right voltage service but not enough current, the machine will likely run on low power settings, but blow the breaker if you crank it up.

[fishfactory]

Hi

I just ordered this small Lincoln to keep it simple
AC/DC 225/125 K1297
Should do the trick.

It'll take awhile before I get to it but I'll let you know how it goes.


Thanks for the help

[fishfactory]

Originally Posted by DesertRider33

If you have the right voltage service but not enough current, the machine will likely run on low power settings, but blow the breaker if you crank it up.

Thats what I thought!
Thanks

[MAC702]

Originally Posted by fishfactory

...I just ordered this small Lincoln to keep it simple
AC/DC 225/125 K1297 ...

That's an excellent Stick welder, but you seemed to have ignored the advice to make sure the frequency was compatible. That machine is only rated for 60 Hz. Aside from lowering your duty cycles because the transformer is less efficient at lower frequencies like your 50 Hz, it may also burn up the fan motor. I don't know if it can cause other issues or not.

It's also designed for 220 - 240 volts (nominal 230V). That may cause fan motor and other problems as well, and your amperage settings are likely to be a little off.

Lincoln makes Product K1299, which is the exact same machine designed for 50 Hz and nominal 220V (instead of 230V). You should have at least ordered that one.

[lugweld]

I think that in Japan, from what I have seen, they have sufficient converters and such for a myriad of uses. I believe that machine may operate fine on 50 hertz. I think there is some leeway. Although after checking it specifically gives the rating of 60 Hertz for the domestic model.

[MAC702]

And they specifically sell an identical machine that is specifically rated for only 50 Hz.

My point was if you're going to ORDER a machine, why would you get one that needs conversion? Why not just ORDER the right machine?

[fishfactory]

Changed order to K1299 AC/DC 225/125 220/1/50

Thanks all.
I won't make any more mistakes....promise...

[Magnetic Mechanic]

Would it not be easier to rent a welder?

[farmersamm]

Is that earthquake damage in the pics???

[fishfactory]

""Would it not be easier to rent a welder? ""

Actually it would be cheaper and easier just to hire someone.

No earthquake damage. Must be my camera angle.

Thanks all.

[fishfactory]

The 50 hertz model is 200 dollars more.
How would the 60 hertz work on 50 really?
FYI west Japan is 60 hertz and east Japan is 50 hertz.

cheers