2013 Power Tig 185 Micro

[magichat]

I want to buy a new 2013 Power Tig 185 Micro, but I have to run it on my 220V 30Amp dryer plug. I don't plan on running over 120 Amps for what I am going to be tig welding. Am I OK? I'm good with everything from where the tig torch plugs into the welder, to the finished work piece, but electricity? Not much at all! Thanks in advance....magichat.

[zoama]

That will work fine... buy with confidence.

[performance]

You can buy a special adapter from Hobart (and others I presume) that goes from the 4 prong connection, like you'd find on your dryer or generator, to the 3 prong connection on the unit. About 40.00 bucks, but beats calling an electrician by about 100.00.

[magichat]

Also a big thanks to Mark and zoama585. I've only been on this site a couple of times, but found the information and helpfulness to one another, refreshing. Thanks again to all! magichat

[DaveO]

Hi, MagicHat, welcome to the forums! There are a lot of guys here in that same situation (including me), getting good results using the dryer circuit. The 185 is a dual voltage machine, as well, so it has the added ability to plug into a wall socket, which really enhances the portability of that machine. There are also a lot of posts here in the forum about wiring the plug and making extension cords (if you need to).

What kind of projects do you have planned, if you don't mind me asking?

[magichat]

Thanks so much DaveO! I appreciate all of you guys responding. Do I also need to run an earth ground from the machine frame to a copper ground rod for the high frequency? Thank you very much, again.

[magichat]

Davo, I'm sorry for not answering your question. I really don't have any special projects. My reason for the machine is that I used to weld pipe years ago, then taught for a while. Now I'm retired and want a nice little all around, but good machine. Thank you kindly for asking....magichat.

[DaveO]

Great to have a hobby! Were you TIG welding pipe back then? (I'm wondering if your question about the ground rod for high freq may be from your experience with transformer-based machines.) I've never heard of anyone needing a separate ground mechanism- you should be good to go.

[magichat]

Yes, I did mostly all tig roots, and 90% was done with portable machines, so we didn't care about interference with anyone's electronics, but I'm in a residential neighborhood, any don't want to cause any problems.

[sportbike]

Where are you located magichat?

You may be able to go to your local hardware store and get a NEMA 6-50 0receptacle, and whichever dryer plug you need, along with a length of 8 0r 10 awg cable (possibly a short drop from the "Scrap" bin for a significant discount) and make up your owm adapter. If you do go this route, I would consider getting something with some length if it is appropriate for your welding location.

John

[magichat]

Thank you John, the short time I've been here (and only on the "Tig" forum) I've taken notice of your willingness to offer advice, and I see you as an important asset to this forum. By the way I've done a lot of 4130 Chromoly. My family built race cars for a living, so I'v done some of that, and by you avatar, I guess we share the love of racing. Thanks again sportbike.....magichat

[sportbike]

By the way, I recently bought a PT185, in addition to a 200dx. I haven't really used the 185 much yet as I have not done much welding as of late.

I can run the 200DX at full power form the 30A dryer outlet without any issues so you certainly shouldn't have any problems with the 185 on a dryer outlet.

I am definitely addicted to racing...actually it isn't really the racing itself, it is the building and trying to figure out how to go a little quicker that I like.

[magichat]

If you can run your 200dx at full power on a 30 Amp dryer outlet, I am going to upgrade to the 200dx cause I really would like to have the pulsing feature. Thanks John. Magichat

[sportbike]

If you can run your 200dx at full power on a 30 Amp dryer outlet, I am going to upgrade to the 200dx cause I really would like to have the pulsing feature. Thanks John. Magichat

30A outlet is in my basement. I weld in my detached garage with the 200DX with a 10awg SOOW extension cord that is about 110-120ft long. You should have no problems with it.