Welder OCV Question

Have you welded with it??? I have an old 250 amp Hobart that sits idle for a year at a time. It doesn't really put out until I have burned off at least one rod. I am guessing the load helps the brushes seat and the magnetic fields to get up to full strength. I am not expert here but it works for me on my old girl.

It sat for a very long time. I tried welding with it running a 1/8 6013 rod at 130 amps on 1/4 pipe,and that wasnt enough. It seemed like it needed 30-40 amps more. The aux power outlet gets it power from the weld output studs. Thanks cdldoug

Where are you taking your readings for your ocv. If you are taking them at the welding leads you have to account for a voltage drop. Try taking them at the welding terminal's at the machine itself. You will be surprised at the difference it will make.

If you find the you have to adjust the ocv, it can be done by locating the main brushes of the machine, ( usually located behind the two small set of brushes that create the aux power) loosening the rack set screw and manually rotating the entire rack(while you watch the volt meter). Note that it takes very little movement in the main brushes to exert HUGE differences in the welding characteristics

"Corall/Trevor Wilson" wrote in news:rrlvc.266$jl6.90@edtnps89:

I would be very surprised if there was a noticeable difference, since you are measuring "OCV" i.e. Open Circuit Voltage - no current, no voltage drop in the cables. For this purpose, the timy amount that would flow though your voltmeter is low enough to call it zero. Arc voltage is a different kettle of fish...

Rob