transformer welder amp increase

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Inverter welders that are able to run on 110/115 voltage, get a significant kick upward when powered by a 220 amp circuit. (from 100 to as much as 160 amp welding output) I question if the same thing can be accomplished with a 100 amp transformer welder that runs on 110/115 if it was modified with the proper plug to attach to a 220 circuit or will the old transformer type welder's insides not allow this without some internal modifications as well?

 

[monckywrench]

Small transformers aren't designed for that in most cases and would promptly overheat. Don't bother, enjoy them for what they do.

Fortunately, used 220 single-phase transformer machines are tough and often LESS expensive than a new consumer-grade machine. They are fairly common under 500 bucks.

Serious transformer machines are a joy to use and if you can score a Lincoln Idealarc or Miller Dialarc or 330 AB/P you'll be delighted with the performance and power and durability.

A 50A breaker is sufficient for most use.

Check threads in the weldingweb, Miller, and Hobart forums for more info as there is too much to fit in one post. Manuals and info are easily available for most machines so post pics and preferably the info on the data plate for whatever you are considering.

You can do a surprising amount of work with an AC stick machine like the Lincoln or Hobart Stickmate etc. If bucks are tight look for an ugly one with
a nasty-looking case. Paint is cheap and ugly stuff sells cheaper.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Inverter welders that are able to run on 110/115 voltage, get a significant kick upward when powered by a 220 amp circuit. (from 100 to as much as 160 amp welding output) I question if the same thing can be accomplished with a 100 amp transformer welder that runs on 110/115 if it was modified with the proper plug to attach to a 220 circuit or will the old transformer type welder's insides not allow this without some internal modifications as well?

Typically a inverter welder designed for dual voltage use like this does NOT have that much of an amp loss...because of the maximum size of the unit. Mostly it would be somewhere around 50 amps or so...some may not see any amp loss.

 

[Chilly807]

Typically a inverter welder designed for dual voltage use like this does NOT have that much of an amp loss...because of the maximum size of the unit. Mostly it would be somewhere around 50 amps or so...some may not see any amp loss.

I think you might have misunderstood the question Mark, or maybe I did..

I think he was asking if you hooked up 220V to a welder designed to run on 110V if your current output would increase accordingly. I think it would, but likely not for very long..:laughing:

Sean

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I took the cue from his word "able" to run and then the discussion following it about running on 220V. An inverter OR transformer designed to run on 220V only won't run very long at all. However, if you have a unit that will run on both, which is possible with a transformer and an inverter welder, the amp kick you get out of it won't be as large as stated, especially the transformer since it draws more amps than an inverter. Its all in the main transformer any way....But definitely it may work for a few seconds, minutes or even hours, but it won't be happy for long if its not designed for it.