Power Arc 140ST

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I'm not sure if it's still there, but there was a thread on WW about making your own welding extension chord. There was ton's of debate about thickness, but using a 10-3 bulldog power chord is a cheaper alternative. Just change the plugs to match what you need.
50'
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...4937_200314937
100' not sure if 10 gauge is thick enough for 100'
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...4939_200314939
50'
http://www.harborfreight.com/general...ord-93670.html

Was looking at the cord from HF just yesterday. Not sure how the neon bulbs at the ends will like 220v instead of 110v ... note to self, more research. Cord is rated to 300v and is 10 gauge. I also saw one on Amazon with the same gauge, no lights on the ends for slightly cheaper - no charge shipping!

[Rodsmachineshop]

lol i think the light on the cord are stupid me myself i dont like them i think is just a craze to sell the product but dose let you know if the cord is plugged in pluss works for a night lite if scared of the dark lol

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I had a really quick look at the breaker box in my garage as I was heading out. It is really, really small with what looked like a single cutout for a single 110v breaker. I'll need to look around and see if anyone I know has an electrician friend. Wiring something in there would require opening up a section of wall to put a receptacle in and see what can be done with that small breaker box. Given how much I will be welding in the short term, maybe rigging up a extension would be the best road to take as it will allow me to be somewhat 220v portable. I can't weld in the garage anyway. Sorry, catching myself thinking out loud ....

[Rodsmachineshop]

thing to do just take a pic and i can tell you if you can do a 220 breaker

[Brian Ski]

thing to do just take a pic and i can tell you if you can do a 220 breaker

Was thinking the same thing... Just take the cover off and take a pic... Hard to say if he has 220 even coming into the box. Or what size wires going to it. Or what is powering the box from the house. (one 20 amp breaker)

The best if he can fight the wife over the dryer outlet is an extension cord... you can always use it in the garage if you get that wired right later.

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Was thinking the same thing... Just take the cover off and take a pic... Hard to say if he has 220 even coming into the box. Or what size wires going to it. Or what is powering the box from the house. (one 20 amp breaker)

The best if he can fight the wife over the dryer outlet is an extension cord... you can always use it in the garage if you get that wired right later.

Sorry, only had time to take an external shot but it shows the existing 110v breaker. I didn't notice the cutout on the left that isn't occupied. I guess to really tell if there is 220v service in the garage is to take the cover off as Brian and Rod suggested. That will need to be another day though as (I embarrassed to say) there is too much "stuff" in front of it for me to access it. Brian is right though, even with 220v in the garage, I'll still need an extension cord as I can't weld in there. Geez guys, thanks for all of the help. It's really helping me get my head straight and my thoughts aligned with a few people pointing me in the right direction. Thanks!

[Brian Ski]

Sorry, only had time to take an external shot but it shows the existing 110v breaker. I didn't notice the cutout on the left that isn't occupied. I guess to really tell if there is 220v service in the garage is to take the cover off as Brian and Rod suggested. That will need to be another day though as (I embarrassed to say) there is too much "stuff" in front of it for me to access it. Brian is right though, even with 220v in the garage, I'll still need an extension cord as I can't weld in there. Geez guys, thanks for all of the help. It's really helping me get my head straight and my thoughts aligned with a few people pointing me in the right direction. Thanks!

I would probably pass on taking the cover off. That is a 110 volt breaker even if you could take it out and get a double pole using both spots... you would still be short a breaker for the garage.

The extension cord from the dryer outlet or a new outlet near the house breaker box (if there is room) sounds like the best choice... I can hear it now... Sorry honey no drying clothes I need to get this welded....

[Rodsmachineshop]

looking at picture also it amazes me how lazy dry wall guys are when doing a clean job would of only took him a couple of extra minutes to clean around box cover when doing around the box

[Rodsmachineshop]

that a 4 box .. looks like only space for 2 breakers but this will do 1 double thin 220v breaker center and 1 thin 110v on each end or if not using 220v will do 4 separate 110v breakers . http://www.azpartsmaster.com/Product...KRTHQP250.aspx here is the breaker i am talking about , they put those in garages for 220 water heaters and dryers . Also that box if done rite should have a 30 amp or higher 220v breaker in main breaker box that powers that box . mite even be gfi breaker on the main box.. I lucked out since have family that are electrical contractors and always get free stuff when wiring my shop .

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that a 4 box .. looks like only space for 2 breakers but this will do 1 double thin 220v breaker center and 1 thin 110v on each end or if not using 220v will do 4 separate 110v breakers . http://www.azpartsmaster.com/Product...KRTHQP250.aspx here is the breaker i am talking about , they put those in garages for 220 water heaters and dryers . Also that box if done rite should have a 30 amp or higher 220v breaker in main breaker box that powers that box . mite even be gfi breaker on the main box.. I lucked out since have family that are electrical contractors and always get free stuff when wiring my shop .

OK, I get it now. Breaker in the main box wired to the breaker box in the garage. Sooooo, I took a look at my main breaker box and there is only a 110v breaker for the garage ..... I suspect that has determined my options for me.

You definitely lucked out on your relatives! Thanks for all of your help.

[SeanMurphy265]

Was looking at the cord from HF just yesterday. Not sure how the neon bulbs at the ends will like 220v instead of 110v ... note to self, more research. Cord is rated to 300v and is 10 gauge. I also saw one on Amazon with the same gauge, no lights on the ends for slightly cheaper - no charge shipping!

I would cut the existing plugs off the cord, and replace them with 220v plugs. That's a cheaper way of getting a 50' welding cord.