Welding Tips and Tricks

Damnit, it's been a while!

I need a little help selecting an extension cord for my WeldPak 125HD ("little" 120v Lincoln flux-core). I think a 50ft, 3/10 will do for it, but I want to also be able to make adapters so that I can use it for my AC/DC 225/125. Will 10 gauge be good enough for the stick welder too, or should I go for 8 gauge?

P.S. I sure missed you guys!

nathan wrote:Damnit, it's been a while!

I need a little help selecting an extension cord for my WeldPak 125HD ("little" 120v Lincoln flux-core). I think a 50ft, 3/10 will do for it, but I want to also be able to make adapters so that I can use it for my AC/DC 225/125. Will 10 gauge be good enough for the stick welder too, or should I go for 8 gauge?

P.S. I sure missed you guys!

The 10 ga. will be fine. At twice the voltage (220), you'll have half the current for the same power. Ohm's law.

50' of 10/2 w/ground (May be 10/3 or 10/2 and a 12 or 14 for ground) should be more than adequate. Remember, stranded wire as in an extension cord will carry easily 25% more current than solid wire like in your house due to the "skin effect" with AC.

Steve S