Misplaced leads for stick welder

[breakjeepparts]

I recently picked up a welder that came with leads but somehow they got misplaced or stolen, I'm not sure. So I need to pick up a new set of leads. I'm having a lot of trouble finding a set though. Are leads universal or do I need a specific kind? They are for a Miller Thunderbolt 225. Thanks for any help, I hope these aren't too expensive, I only paid 100 for the welder/leads.

[mike]

The plugs are specific, but your local welding shop should know what you need. It's really only a few types.

[breakjeepparts]

The plugs are specific, but your local welding shop should know what you need. It's really only a few types.

thanks for the quick reply mike, I'll run by my local store tomorrow. Any idea on what I might expect to pay? Thanks again.

[mike]

Been a while since I bought, or made any (you can get the connectors and the clamp/rod holder and make your own... cheaper..) so nope, don't have a clue :)

[4x401cj]

thanks for the quick reply mike, I'll run by my local store tomorrow. Any idea on what I might expect to pay? Thanks again.

The correct connectors should run around $10 - $15 each. Cable is going to run $1 - $2 per ft. depending on gauge.

[breakjeepparts]

I may be able to borrow a set of leads from a friend who has a near new miller stick welder. Does anyone know if these leads will work with my earlier generation thunderbolt? :confused:

[Albin]

I recently picked up a welder that came with leads but somehow they got misplaced or stolen, I'm not sure. So I need to pick up a new set of leads. I'm having a lot of trouble finding a set though. Are leads universal or do I need a specific kind? They are for a Miller Thunderbolt 225. Thanks for any help, I hope these aren't too expensive, I only paid 100 for the welder/leads.

When you replace them, make careful measurements as to how long they should be, then double or triple it (make sure gauge is still good for length). You'll thank me later.

Good luck.

Al

[rockmup]

When you replace them, make careful measurements as to how long they should be, then double or triple it (make sure gauge is still good for length). You'll thank me later.

Good luck.

Al

yup. Up the gauge and make them longer.
Personally mine has Tweeko (sp) conections at both ends. just makes it nice for me to store the leads.

[Jeepermat]

I had 20 ft cables and wish they were twice that long, spend the money, you will be glad you did later

[breakjeepparts]

Thanks for all the info guys. Like suggested earlier, I'll probably just go to my local welding supplier and have him help me build my own longer set. Sounds like its worth the $50 or so.

edit: when it comes to electrode holders and ground clamps, do I really need the $20 ones? Like I said I lost my original set so I'll need to pick up a new pair. Not sure if the different prices really reflect quality or not. Thanks again!

[Albin]

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edit: when it comes to electrode holders and ground clamps, do I really need the $20 ones? Like I said I lost my original set so I'll need to pick up a new pair. Not sure if the different prices really reflect quality or not. Thanks again!

It depends on what you want to do: Buy cheap and then post up here wondering why your welds look like crap or buy the good ones and then post up here with pics of beautiful welds. Your choice.

Good luck.

[rangermaniac]

If you need more length but don't need it all the time you can make a shorter set of leads then you can make adapters that will go to that set then the welder for more length so the extra length won't get in the way while in the shop it works well.

[coolmudrunner]

It depends on what you want to do: Buy cheap and then post up here wondering why your welds look like crap or buy the good ones and then post up here with pics of beautiful welds. Your choice.

Good luck.

:shaking: So if he buys the most expensive stuff, then he is going to weld like a pro?

[KWTMECH]

If you need more length but don't need it all the time you can make a shorter set of leads then you can make adapters that will go to that set then the welder for more length so the extra length won't get in the way while in the shop it works well.


Did that myself, comes in handy once in a while. My extension leads are 25' long

[breakjeepparts]

thanks for the replies fellas, my uncle actually surprised me with a brand new set of leads he had hanging around. they fit snug into the outputs on the welder but I notice that some of the plug is still exposed. Am I good to go as long as the leads fit nice and snug in there? There is maybe 1/4 inch of the connector that can't fit into the plug.

[Albin]

:shaking: So if he buys the most expensive stuff, then he is going to weld like a pro?

Just tryin' to keep it simple. And you have to admit: There are some things to cheap out on, this isn't one of them.

[KWTMECH]

There is maybe 1/4 inch of the connector that can't fit into the plug.


As long as the leads are tight in the machine, you should be good to go