Yet another welder Q, 110 v 220 Options

[lapuwali]

I've read through a lot of the welder questions, and one topic regularly mentioned is 110 v 220, with "220 is better" usually being expressed.

Now, I can understand the amps v. volts v. power issue (power to actually melt something is measured in Watts, which is amps x volts. However, power through a wire is essentially amp-limited, and power through a household circuit is very much limited by the breaker, which is amp-limited). 110v x 20a is 2200W, where 220v x 20a is 4400W, so 220v definitely gives you more power.

However, how much power do you actually NEED for car work? Most of the time, you'd be welding 16-20g sheet, except for things like engine mounts, cages, and the like, where you might use thick-walled tube, but still you're unlikely to use much over 1/8" wall, even for a cage.

Aluminum welding would require more power, but (IMHO) would also really require TIG. So, for steel work using MIG, how much power do you really require? What's the highest amp setting normally seen when doing the kind of welding you'll see on a 914 (or any other typical car)?

[airsix]

QUOTE (jd74914 @ Nov 7 2005, 02:47 PM)

IIRC, most of the 110 units have a lesser duty cycle than the 220 ones.

This is the biggest PRACTICAL difference IMHO. With my 110v / 135 amp Hobart I've needed LESS power a lot more often than I've ever needed MORE. Granted, a more powerful welder could weld heavy stuff more quickly, but I've successfully welded 5/8" plate with it and had the welds pass an engineer's inspection. I can't imagine I'll have much need to weld thicker stuff than that. Where I HAVE had trouble is welding REALLY thin stuff (~20ga.)

-Ben M.