Some NOS PowerArc 160's

[k0ua]

are these still available can i tig weld aluminum or no? do i need to pm or will you pm me?

No, in general you will not be able to TIG weld Aluminum. Ok, Ok, there is a way, as pointed out, using helium, but TIG Aluminum is generally done with HF AC. Also, while you can scratch start TIG with this machine after you buy a torch, and supplies and regulator and an argon cylinder, it is "old School" TIG. The way things were done in the beginning. Not saying it is bad, and it is good enough for me, but it is not the modern ideal of a dedicated TIG rig with a foot pedal control, HF start, Variable AC frequency, gas solenoid, variable pulse, post flow, pre flow etc.

TIG on this machine is down and dirty, old school, and is for steel, SS and copper/brass materials only. NOT generally for Aluminum.
This is primarily a good small DC stick (SMAW) machine.

Keep in mind this machine being offered does NOT come with any TIG torches, supplies, regulators etc.

 

[k0ua]

This is what I use we have this on our 150 amp maxstar and I put one on my Everlast when it came in the other day. I know it's borderline but realistically you'll never hardly ever run over 80-90 amps so it works fine for me your mileage may vary but it works for us.

Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems Plug, 6-2P, 2A, 25V HBL5466C | Zoro.com

Well the welder could pull up to 30 amps, so why not use the normal "welder" plug and receptacle set that most welders come with: the 6-50P. Once set up with this receptacle, you are going to be set up with the most common plug set.

 

[k0ua]

I probably am overthinking it, BUT neither I nor two countermen could understand the info on the plate on the back of the welder. I'll try to put up a pic so you can explain it to me.

See my post with the links and the picture.. This is what you want. trust me on this.

 

[aarolar]

Well the welder could pull up to 30 amps, so why not use the normal "welder" plug and receptacle set that most welders come with: the 6-50P. Once set up with this receptacle, you are going to be set up with the most common plug set.

Well the Maxstar is dual voltage and we tend to run it off just anything anywhere most of the time and as far as my Everlast it's what I had on hand and the same receptical my Craftsman RAS uses. Like I said it works for me, when I build my new shop I likely will include a better setup for hopefully a nice full feature tig setup.

 

[k0ua]

Well the Maxstar is dual voltage and we tend to run it off just anything anywhere most of the time and as far as my Everlast it's what I had on hand and the same receptical my Craftsman RAS uses. Like I said it works for me, when I build my new shop I likely will include a better setup for hopefully a nice full feature tig setup.

Some people use a dryer plug too, which is 30 amp, and that would be enough for this small welder, but I used to have an old Lincoln 225 and it came with the 6-50P plug on it so I have always wired up with the proper sized wire and a 50 amp breaker. A lot of welders will have this plug on them from the factory. Unfortunately this little everlast came with some chinese "thing" that is about worthless. I discarded it immediately and put on a proper plug.

 

[aarolar]

Yep that plug has been on the Maxstar for going on 9 years no with no issues to date. We run these on all our 3 phase stuff at work they are good stuff.

LEVITON Locking Plug, 3 Amps, 48VAC Voltage, NEMA Configuration':' L16-3P, Number of Poles':' 3 - Locking Plugs - 5HYR6'|'2731 - Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[stuckmotor]

Aarolar,
Thanks! I bought one with the same specs at Lowes. I want to make sure Mark approves because I don't want t void the 5 year warranty.

 

[LittleBill21]

is there an advantage of inverter based machines over non inverter other then the fact that my generator won't run it?

 

[Shield Arc]

is there an advantage of inverter based machines over non inverter

Inverters have so much more control over the puddle, then transformer machines have.

 

[stuckmotor]

See my post with the links and the picture.. This is what you want. trust me on this.

KOua,
I missed your first message. Thank you very much.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The NEMA 6-50 should be available at home depot, lowe's, and about any standard electrical supply store. I buy most of mine at lowe's or Home depot, or have bought them at CES and City electric. If they don't know what one is, then I'd question doing any business with them at a local level since it is a common plug and there is no mystery about what is standard to them. As far as the nomenclature on the machine, that too is standard.

 

[aarolar]

Yea I just want to say Koua is doing it the right way the plug I linked is minimal for what the max amps are on that machine however that said I can't think of anytime you need to run that machine at it max settings and that's what I bank on been doing it that way for a long time now with no issues.

 

[crackerjack222]

The plug and socket KOua showed is what I used on mine and is the same as on several other welders I have. But, IIRC, I did not find the socket in the electical dept at HD, but did find it in the welder display. Same at a local hardware store, not in the electrical section but with the welder supplies.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

They usually are in the bins at HD or Lowe's right in the mix.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Ok,
I think I've pm'ed everyone that sent me a message. Will get to any phone calls missed tomorrow. If I missed you, pm me. We still have some. Enough to cover all requests so far plus a few more...so if you are still interested let me know.

 

[stuckmotor]

They usually are in the bins at HD or Lowe's right in the mix.

Mark,
I think I see where I went wrong. I didn't know what a NEMA 6-50 plug looked like. Using the info on the supplied 20 amp plug as a guide, I went to Lowes looking in the vacinity of plugs of similar size. Maybe the NEMA 6-50 plugs are with the big brown plugs similar to the ones KOua pictured. For the same reason, I showed the supplied plug to the counter men who, after asking me about the size of the welder, didn't think it would draw 50 amps. Maybe they have the NEMA 6-50 and didn't try to sell it to me. I'll try again when I get a chance.

 

[stuckmotor]

K0ua,
Again many thanks, I went back to Lowes and got the plug with the stock number at the link you provided. The smaller plugs have the NEMA number clearly visible on the bins, I was never able to find it on the bin this one was in, but in black print thats hard to see without moving the black plug over is a picture of the blade configurarion and under it is 6-50P. All the other stores probably had it too. I should never have shown them the plug that came with the welder.
Stuck

 

[k0ua]

K0ua,
Again many thanks, I went back to Lowes and got the plug with the stock number at the link you provided. The smaller plugs have the NEMA number clearly visible on the bins, I was never able to find it on the bin this one was in, but in relatively small print on the clear plastic is a picture of the blade configurarion and under it is 6-50P. All the other stores probably had it too. I should never have shown them the plug that came with the welder.
Stuck

Glad you got going. There is a dizzy array of plugs and receptacles. I don't know why there have to be so darn many, but it is what it is. But the NEMA 6-50P is what you will find on most welders, and I thought I would stick with that one, and besides I already had the receptacle on the wall.

 

[k0ua]

The actual photo I took is of an extension cord I made so that the welder could be located some distance from the actual outlet on the wall. As you know the cord that comes with the welder is quite short so I made up this extension using SO cord. But suffice it to say that the welder plug itself and the wall receptacle are the same.

 

[stuckmotor]

K0ua,
I'm glad you mentioned an extension. I may want to make one in the future. Right now I'm trying to fill out my registration. My next question should come up shortly.