Chicago Electric 90 amp welder mods?

[Mr. Spindle]

How could I mod my welder for better duty cycle and etc.? I just like modding stuff and I DO need the duty cycle.








Thanks in advance

 

[KartFab]

you dont mod those things. If you want the best performance, you hook it up to the right power source. When i had a little 115v mig welder, if i had it hooked up to a 15 amp breaker with crappy higher gage wiring feeding the outlet, it would not weld very good. If i hooked it up to a 20 amp breaker with lower gage wiring feeding the outlet, then it would run perfectly. That right there is probably the only variable you should be looking at other then just buying a different welder.

 

[supermanotorious]

add a 200amp bridge rectifier and some capacitors

 

[Kartorbust]

I wouldn't just because if something wrong happened, you could be zapped. I'd rather spend money on a better machine than modify an existing one. A Hobart 190 or 210 MVP (multi voltage plug, does 115 and 220 volt) will have better duty cycles.

For all intents and purposes, you shouldn't really ever hit the duty cycle, unless your doing welds longer than 6" continuous at high amps. My welder has a 20% duty cycle I believe at 20amps, which is 2 minutes of continuous welding and 8 minutes of down time to cool it. Which is enough time for joint and metal prep, especially in jigs and fixtures. The best welders have 30-40% duty cycles and I'll bet at a lower amperage you could extend that time by a bit. But 20% duty cycles are the best you'll get at entry level equipment.

 

[Bbqjoe]

Spindles, can't you just leave things alone?
Stop wrecking stuff, and just go play with them.

 

[supermanotorious]

to each their own, sure I have some pricey Lincolns but there are plenty of times it makes more sense to take my cheapo HF 90 amp, now, no matter the machine, I want good welds, the rectifier is a MUST in the 90 amp, capacitors should help with duty cycle, and I do agree about proper power supply, never try to weld with these machines on a 15amp circuit, I get decent welds on a 20 amp, and even better welds on a 25 amp (one leg of my generator) circuit

as for modding the machine, watch several install videos before you open the machine, MAKE SURE YOURE UNPLUGGED, then be sure to make super secure, protected connections, you'll be fine, if you dont have the confidence though- dont do it

 

[andrecht]

Duty cycle is is based on the temperature rise cycle of the transformer of the welder.
A basic way to increase the duty cycle is to improve the heat dissipation of your enclosure, weather its a oil cooled or air cool unit. Most large power transformers use forced cooling by means of fans controlled via temperature probes and contacts.
So, installing fans to your welder should keep it colder, thereby increasing your duty cycle.....

 

[pRoFiT]

Sell it for $100 and buy the next size up from HF Chicago Electric 170amp. Goes on sale for about $169. It is 220V so you have to have a place to plug it in. I disconnect my dryer to weld

 

[supermanotorious]

I will simply say DO NOT weld from your dryer outlet, unless you like the probability of starting a fire in your walls

 

[pRoFiT]

I will simply say DO NOT weld from your dryer outlet, unless you like the probability of starting a fire in your walls

Dont mean to hijack this thread. so i started a response to this in a new thread here

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=35322

 

[Randy H]

Spindles

I agree with the kart guys and profit.
I'm not saying you can't mod that machine, I am saying is not worth it IMHO.

Use the thing to make artwork and make some money. Then get a machine capable of running solid wire. You will be much happier.

 

[chancer]

You need adult supervision. DO NOT TRY TO MESS WITH THIS, YOU COULD DIE
That being said... You can, Wait never mind.

 

[Hellion]

Simple Mods:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YHWb93-6PU

AC to DC conversion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoYN4vx1WU8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozjFq5KXm1U

 

[Mr. Spindle]

Spindles, can't you just leave things alone?
Stop wrecking stuff, and just go play with them.

I cant help it! I can't stop touching stuff

---------- Post added at 06:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:03 PM ----------

add a 200amp bridge rectifier and some capacitors

How many?!

 

[pRoFiT]

I thought about the HF mod adding a large capacitor to the output to make it more steady. people say it makes a difference. I'm trying different wire first to see how it all feels. so far the hf 170 wire is okay. and Lincoln is a little better. also tried northern something. it was okay. Cap will just keep the output more steady. maybe I will try later down the line. im good using as is first year while I have warrenty. then I mod 6 more months.

 

[chancer]

If you guys are serious about this. Check out Supermanotorious' thread.
"My God given right to be rectified" (No I will not look up the link for you)
Also ask Questions and double check before plugging in.

 

[Hellion]

Thanks, Mr. Safety™ !