Question for seasoned welders on M211

[Maineiac]

Received my new M211 yesterday. Today I gave it a test run. I adjusted it to weld two 1/8 inch flat washers. That worked great. Now I got under a 40 foot RV 5th wheel trailer. Had to weld a piece of steel boxed 1x2 x1/8 to a 1X2x1/8. I could not weld it because I could not get the base metal hot enough to even create a weld puddle. Now here is where I think my problem was. I ran a 115 volt line to the RV for about 75feet than from a receptical of the RV I ran another 115 volt line 50 long to the welder. I think I was running to long a line to the welder. Please tell me that was my problem or do you folks think it is something else. I know running that long a 115 line I must have had a voltage lost to the welder. When I adjusted the welder at my RV I had a 10 foot line from the power panel. I did not have any problems at all.

[Maineiac]

Received my new M211 yesterday. Today I gave it a test run. I adjusted it to weld two 1/8 inch flat washers. That worked great. Now I got under a 40 foot RV 5th wheel trailer. Had to weld a piece of steel boxed 1x2 x1/8 to a 1X2x1/8. I could not weld it because I could not get the base metal hot enough to even create a weld puddle. Now here is where I think my problem was. I ran a 115 volt line to the RV for about 75feet than from a receptical of the RV I ran another 115 volt line 50 long to the welder. I think I was running to long a line to the welder. Please tell me that was my problem or do you folks think it is something else. I know running that long a 115 line I must have had a voltage lost to the welder. When I adjusted the welder at my RV I had a 10 foot line from the power panel. I did not have any problems at all.

It's nice to be important. But it's much more important to be nice.

[Tryagn5]

way to long

cord is way to long unless it was 6 gauge!!

[ligito]

What guage extension were you using?

I am seasoned but not as a welder.

[walker]

Yep, shorter, bigger guage cord, and/or move the RV closer to the power. If you are down in Yuma right now try to find some of the cord that they connect the mobile homes to the power pedestals with. There are usually a few lengths to be had and they are fairly heavy guage.

[urch55]

I bet if you felt the cord at the plug it would be warm..You had so much voltage drop, and drawing so many amps I am surprized that a breaker did not trip. Just use the Generator on the RV and see what happens....Bob

[Maineiac]

Question for seasoned welders

Mr Ligito: I was using 12 Gauge and also 10 gauge. I'm pretty sure that was my problem. To long a run. What do you think?????:

[Maineiac]

Thanks Bob: that is what we are going to try tommrow. Start the generator on the trailer. Hope that works.

[Maineiac]

MR. Walker: I am not in Yuma right now. I am in Maine. I will get to Yuma in Oct. I will go look for more heavy duty leads at an RV salvage yard. I know where there is one on 32nd street. I find the metal in Yuma very expensive compaired to here in Maine. Alot of our new metal comes from Canada.Where do you buy your metal? I have alot to buy. Also have alot of aluminum to buy for modification that I have to make on my carport. I am even willing to travel to Phoenix area if I can get a good deal.

[FusionKing]

Just asking here because I really don't know how you are actually set-up. What is the possibility of switching up to higher volts? Then the longer runs are really not all that bad untill you go into the higher amps.
And on the genny as well for that matter?

[FusionKing]

MR. Walker: I am not in Yuma right now. I am in Maine. I will get to Yuma in Oct. I will go look for more heavy duty leads at an RV salvage yard. I know where there is one on 32nd street. I find the metal in Yuma very expensive compaired to here in Maine. Alot of our new metal comes from Canada.Where do you buy your metal? I have alot to buy. Also have alot of aluminum to buy for modification that I have to make on my carport. I am even willing to travel to Phoenix area if I can get a good deal.

Seems like with the trip you make you could score the best deal in the world and cruise in on your way. Lots of real estate between Maine and Arizona...my place included

[Maineiac]

Mr. FusionKing: This was my first welding job with this welder. And like I often do I wasn't thinking much, just all excited about getting under that RV and do a little project for my cousin here in the yard. I am pretty sure if I go to a higher voltage and a bigger cord all will be well. I know when I first set it up welding those two washers together,I was very impress. Thanks for your reply. PS: How far are you from Branson? I cannot stop on the way to Yuma this Sept, cause I am going to visit a friend in Ft. Collins CO.But comimg back to Maine in April is a possibility,cause we are now planning on going to Branson MO. on our way back to Maine in the spring. I'd love to see your welding equipment and to say Hey! Thanks

[mccutter]

I bet if you felt the cord at the plug it would be warm..You had so much voltage drop, and drawing so many amps I am surprized that a breaker did not trip. Just use the Generator on the RV and see what happens....Bob

My thoughts exactly. And I'd use 230V if your gen. has a terminal for it and can handle the amps. Might require constructing an adapter cable.

[Broccoli1]

Thanks Bob: that is what we are going to try tommrow. Start the generator on the trailer. Hope that works.

Just use the On board genset- did some work for a friend on his Bounder

[urch55]

Chop busting time

Just use the On board genset- did some work for a friend on his Bounder

Hey Ed what were you welding with the flashlite or the mig gun. You know you would create your own lite once you pulled the trigger. I know its getting there that you need the light, don't mind me I was busting your chops..Bob