Would I have enough amps?

[MoreCowbell]

I've posted many times to this site, but this time it feels a little weird since it has nothing to do with my tractor. However, I always get great feedback, so here it goes:

I am fabricating new steel columns for my crawlspace-to-basement conversion project. I am using 1/2" steel for the top and bottom plates with 3.5" schedule 40 steel pipe in the middle (walls just shy of 1/4" thick).

I am a novice, self-taught, stick welder. I use a 240v AC-only Harbor Freight special I got on eBay for $38. I had it set at about 95A and used 3/32" 7013 rods to weld the top plates on.

My problem is that it looks like I will need to weld the base plates to the pipes once everything is in place below the house. I do not have a 240v/50A outlet down there. However, I do have several 120v outlets. I would love to use this as an excuse to pick up a 120v wire feeder and learn how to use it. My question is whether a 120v unit would have the power to weld the thickness material I am working with. I should note that these welds would not be structural in terms of supporting the house. They only need to provide lateral resistance if the columns get knocked into.

Thanks.

 

[Shield Arc]

How about renting an engine drive for this project? That way you're sure it is done correctly.

 

[toxicjeeper]

I personally dont think you will get the weld you need from a 110v welder..

You must have a dryer outlet.. Thats good for 30amp and more than enough to run any 220v stick welder.. That was all i used when i was a broke teenager living at home..Had a length heavy duty extension cord i got from work and used a dryer plug solder onto it..I will never forget Mom yelling at me every time for not pluging the dryer back in..

or just run a pig tail from your house panel and use 12 gauge heater wire as a temp extension cord..

Come to think of it i still have the extension cord I made as a kid but sold the welder..

 

[strum456]

A 120v wire feed is definitely NOT what you need for something like that. They work great for sheet metal though

 

[MoreCowbell]

Thanks for the replies. I may give that extension cord idea a try. The receptical is really not that far away, but there is a foundation wall in the way. However, I think I may be able to drill through the joist on top of it to run the wire.

 

[DieselMonk]

I used 100 feet of 240V extension cables with my AC welder no problems at all.

 

[strum456]

I used 100 feet of 240V extension cables with my AC welder no problems at all.

I have too. It can be done although making a cord might cost more than renting an engine drive like shieldarc suggested.

 

[cowski]

i have one of them little 140 everlasts.i think it will get close to 100 amps on 110.that should be enough for 1/8 6011,for sure 3/32 6011.the duty cycle is short but it should get the job done.

 

[jake98]

Not to discourage a welding project, but those plates are generally not welded in on residential jobs. Lumber yards have them with dimples that hold the column. They're around 3/16".

 

[DHJR43]

I think all replies have a valid point but I think what your looking to do would
be ok to do. Like you said there is no real structural stress on the weld but only to hold the verticals in place in case they are bumped. I have welded things with my miller 140 that should of had a bigger welder but prep is very important. If concerned I would bevel the edge and run root pass and then a couple of cover passes. I would suggest flux core which burns a lot hotter and avoid cords . If you need a cord then minimum of 12 gauge, preferably a 10 gauge cord.