Writing a 220 volt Chicago Electric Welding Systems 170 Amp MIG flux wire welder review gave me a lot of insight into US homes electric standards. Most homes in the USA uses 120 volt which is. When the electrical load is applied from a 120-volt conductor to the neutral the output is 120 volts.
However, when it is applied from one 120 volt conductor to the other conductor without a neutral, it becomes double 240. This is what happens with general electric equipment. Other than the USA, Japan and a few country UK and many other nations uses 220-volt electricity. People who have 220 volts in the USA can go with Chicago Electric Welding Systems 170 Amp. Finding one with such specification is tough. Other people before buying it or any electric gadget need to confirm this necessary information.
User-friendly
Chicago Electric Welding Systems 170 Amp is a light welder for beginners and home users. It gives a smooth arc and good penetration when combined with right sized wire and gas. It can weld 3/16" tubes or 1/4" steel plates easily. With 10lb wire spool setting, you will have better penetration.
Thermal overload protection
Thermal overload protection is the fancy word to tell that when the welder is running hot and at a full capacity beyond its duty cycle the system will protect you from an undue accident by shutting the system down. The source of this technique is similar to water heaters.
Four output settings
It will allow you to adjust the output speed and gas inhalation combination for up to four options. Also, a manual wire feed speed control gives you an extra edge on achieving desired output penetration.
Pros
- Good edge on duty cycle-20 - Duty cycle 20% at 110A, 60% at 60A and 100% at 30A.
- Weld almost all metals like Mild or low carbon steel, stainless steel except aluminum
- The advantage to using it out of the box with 6 ft. Welding cable,6 ft. Ground cable, clamp, 0.03 ". Flux cored wire. Please add the gas though if using solid wire.
Cons
It does not come with a long wire to the work site.
Solution- This add-on is something required for semi or thoroughly professional. Unfortunately, Chicago Electric Welding Systems 170 Amp does not have this accessory. 50' 30amp 220vac generator extension cord or any other cord of that size that you can get from Home Depot will help you resolve the problem.
It does not work on the international electric standard of 220.
Solution- It should be as this one is 220 volt, but if someone finds such problem, it is wise to change the plug or contact the customer care.
FAQ
Q-How can I add power to it?
Ans- An added capacitor would give you 25% more power and better performance.
Q- What are some sorts of home gadget I can work on with it?
Ans- All medium to flat steel plate like that on wood stoves, RV bumpers will be perfect to try your welder on also miscellaneous items like- power hammer frames, BP cannons and so on can be repaired too.
Q-If two Circuit breaker at 20amps each enough for it?
Ans-Yes that will do or you can use one 50 amp Circuit breaker
Q-What are the required shielding gases?
Ans- Shielding gas combination of argon 75/25 CO2 mix is used for this welder when using solid wire. Also without straight argon CO2 will work out well. For flux core no shielding gas required.
Conclusion
With Maximum amperage output of 170 Amp and Minimum amperage output of 30 amp Chicago Electric Welding Systems 170 Amp is a favorite welder among home welders. Blogs and YouTube give you a lot of insight into how to make it more powerful and better performer. At this price the arch it delivers is quite right. For flux core welding you will need not need to add even gas and use it out of the box.SO if your power source supports, this one is a gem.