In a message dated 97-07-07 00:17:12 EDT, tboicey@brit.ca (Trevor Boicey)
writes:
> Also another MIG question, all these baby MIGs plug into
> common outlets which seems great, but can I use them on normal
> circuits or do I need a special high amperage circuit?
Trevor:
I can't speak for Canada, but I doubt it is much different than here. Most
modern homes (built within the last 30 years or so) have 20 amp circuits for
the outlets. Some of the older homes, and occasionally, some newer ones, have
15 amp circuits. Most of the small home MIG units pull less than this,
usually under 15. Appliances that draw up to 15 amps have one type plug, and
those from 15 to 20 have another. The normal outlets (even on a 20 amp
circuit) are designed to accept only the 15 amp plugs. A 20 amp plug will not
fit a 15 amp outlet, but a 15 amp plug will fit a 20 amp outlet. One of the
legs of a 20 amp plug/outlet is turned 90 degrees from the other. Basically,
what I'm saying is, that if the plug fits, it will not overload the circuit.
> Sounds like MIG is the way to go. Purchasing advice welcome.
The biggest difference between the "economical" home units and the
professional units is in the feed mechanism. Many of the lower priced units
will not feed the wire smoothly after a few hours of usage. That can be
frustrating to say the least! The unit I have, a Cebora from Daytona Mig, has
that problem. I have to use a piece of foam rubber, carefully adjusted, to
apply pressure to the feed wheel to keep the wire flowing smoothly. The
original pressure adjuster didn't work very long.
Dan Masters,
Alcoa, TN
'71 TR6---------3000mile/year driver, fully restored
'71 TR6---------undergoing full restoration and Ford 5.0 V8 insertion - see:
http://www.sky.net/~boballen/mg/Masters/
'74 MGBGT---3000mile/year driver, original condition
'68 MGBGT---organ donor for the '74
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