New from South Florida

[Diabolical]

Thanks for the welcome Jake. I have my eye on the Power I-MIG 250 p.
I can guarantee you I will put it to the test. When I start a project I like to finish it.
A typical Fabricated rear takes me about 6 to 8hrs to complete.
Once I put it in the jig. It's go time.
Lets see what info shows up.

BTW, I do understand welder duty cycle but, It's still possible I am a little hard on the welders.

Mike

[todmorg]

BTW, I do understand welder duty cycle but, It's still possible I am a little hard on the welders.

Mike

Mike, be sure to check the duty cycles on the Everlast units, according to many threads and posts, if you get an Everlast welder that is rated at 100% duty cycle at a specific amperage, it still needs to cool at the end of each 10 minute cycle for an unspecified amount of time. I've never come across this rating system with other brands, and it seems to cause some confusion.

[zoama]

Mike, be sure to check the duty cycles on the Everlast units, according to many threads and posts, if you get an Everlast welder that is rated at 100% duty cycle at a specific amperage, it still needs to cool at the end of each 10 minute cycle for an unspecified amount of time. I've never come across this rating system with other brands, and it seems to cause some confusion.

I thought that was weird too, so I asked Sjon Delmore of CK Worldwide for a definition of 100% duty cycle... here's his email response.

Hi James,

Glad to hear you received everything and are pleased with our TIG Products. Yes, your statement below is correct regarding duty cycle:

A power source rated at 100% duty cycle can be run continuously at the rated output 24/7/365.

Thanks,
Sjon

[Diabolical]

Thanks for the info guys.
zoama585, I usually weld a little hot. When you start your welds, have you had any issues with being too close before you pull the trigger? I am usually about a 1/4" away from my work when I first start a bead.
A lot of these guys who buy parts from me like the welds to look aesthetically pleasing. I'm not sure if they really understand that the "stack of dimes" look is not always the best.
But I dont want to have to stop in the middle of a good run.

todmorg,
Thank you. Thats what my impression of 100% duty cycle as well.
Some of the chargers we put on the trains have a 100% duty cycle rated at 200amps/480v
They are capable of 250amps. And on a "quick charge". We have seen issues with boards if people continuously use the "quick charge" option exclusively.

Here is a sample of what I like to offer for "exposed work".


I know I didnt get full coverage, It's just a quick sample on some mild steel.
Its what I am limited to with my TIG right now.
I need a MIG bad!!

[zoama]

Thanks for the info guys.
zoama585, I usually weld a little hot. When you start your welds, have you had any issues with being too close before you pull the trigger? I am usually about a 1/4" away from my work when I first start a bead.

I haven't had any problems, just minor things I linked to in post #6.

[Joe from NY]

Mike, be sure to check the duty cycles on the Everlast units, according to many threads and posts, if you get an Everlast welder that is rated at 100% duty cycle at a specific amperage, it still needs to cool at the end of each 10 minute cycle for an unspecified amount of time. I've never come across this rating system with other brands, and it seems to cause some confusion.

That nonsense does not seem to be in line with industry standards. For example, according to the Miller site, their XL225 machine "has a 100 percent duty cycle, meaning you can weld without stopping."

[todmorg]

That nonsense does not seem to be in line with industry standards. For example, according to the Miller site, their XL225 machine "has a 100 percent duty cycle, meaning you can weld without stopping."

Here's a quote from Everlast in another post, I think this method of rating allows higher numbers than other industry standards.

"You have been running at 10 minutes straight with a 100% duty cycle, you cannot complain if the welder kicks into protection mode in the 11th minute. Once you near or exceed 100% of the 10 minute time limitation, you are operating the welder in an abusive manner. I've seen some things that say you should actually rest a full 10 minutes after a full 10 minutes of welding...others at least 5 minutes."

[zoama]

I think it's time for water cooled power supplies and true 100% duty cycle for nonstop use when need be, or to at least take duty cycle out of consideration.

[Diabolical]

Well,
As I stated before.. That 10min. window is not continuous welding. Maybe 10sec.. 15 tops.. Then move/reposition. weld again.
In that 10min. window the welder was actually welding for maybe 2min. total.

I guess this thread is getting out of context since it's the "introduction thread".
I will find the correct section and continue this quest.

Thanks for all the help so far. It's nice to see the site has active, helpful participants.

Mike

[Joe from NY]

Yeah, if you want to see a really active participant, check out the posts from a brother called Gunner.