Lets say I have a 220v stick welder, and I want to mig with it. How possible is it to put a wire feed on? I've looked at the welders at work and some of them have stand-alone wirefeeds. Would it hurt a buzz box to run it this way?

i know a lot of flux core boxes are powered by stick welders. i think you need an inverter, not sure though

Depends on the machine. If it looks like this:http://content.lincolnelectric.com/graphics/products/catalog/00002591.jpg it is not going to happen.

Something like this: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=135271&stc=1 is going to just require a wirefeeder ($1000+)

you can get a ready welder with the power inverter for the wire drive. $435 off Ebay. Its bulky though, but it works good.

you can get a ready welder with the power inverter for the wire drive. $435 off Ebay. Its bulky though, but it works good.

Better prices are to be had in the vendor section here: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252768&page=1&pp=25

The CC (I.E. Stick/Tig) power source must be DC as AC will not work. The transfer is spray as opposed to short circuit so thin weldements as well as position welds are going to be more difficult. This setup is specifically disallowed in the industry I work in because there is no assurance of the proper heat input as you have to "hunt" for your voltage off of the power sources volt/amp curve.

Just keep your buzz box and get a good mig also. I have two buzz boxes and I am saving money for a good mig.

It would be cheaper just to get a nice little 175 amp 220v wirefeed for like $500-600. I weld a lot and they seem to work pretty good for what it is. Of course bigger is always better! :grinpimp:

Depends on the machine. If it looks like this:http://content.lincolnelectric.com/graphics/products/catalog/00002591.jpg it is not going to happen.

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How about with a ready welder and bottle with regulator connected to this, I have a buzz box just like this. a/c with dc straight and reverse.

How about with a ready welder and bottle with regulator connected to this, I have a buzz box just like this. a/c with dc straight and reverse.


It is very doubtfull, nigh impossible a 225AC/125DC box is going to be able to achieve spray arc - not enough power. Using 0.030" wire and 98% Argon 2% Oxy you still need ~ 150 amps before you reach the transition current.

I thought MIG was constant voltage, and STICK was constant current.

Dave

This is the welder I have. I have not usd it yet as I have no leads. A local welding shop estimated $100 bucks for leads, ground clamp, stinger, etc.

I have a 110 volt mig welder that is no good for all but the lightest work.

Too bad I can't take my junk to work and use the 440 volt welders.

Seems like it may be better to invest in the stick box and spend some time practicing.

I thought MIG was constant voltage, and STICK was constant current.

Dave

As stated above, you can use a voltage sensing wire feeder with a CC (Constant Current) power source. Not ideal by any means but it will work, but only with the higher amperages that spray transfer occurs at. With hardwire this also means using Argon rich gas mixtures vs. C25.