145 ED Opinions?

[..DAZ..]

Anybody here used the 145ED? I have had one sitting in the shed for ages, bought it for one job and couldn't afford anything better at the time. All I can remember from it was that it kept shutting off and I couldn't keep it running for long. I know it is dual voltage 110/240. Would using the 110v help it fun for longer? I am thinking of sticking a fan or two on it to keep it cool. The reason for asking is I have some thick (ish) metal to weld and although I have a 200A mig I think the stick welder would be a better choice, am I wrong in thinking this? First of all though I need to get some practise in, haven't touched a stick welder in ages!!!
cheers
daz

 

[wyn]

How long would it run for before cutting out ?

I used to have a 140 amp (sip weldmate i think) transformer welder, it used to last about 10 - 15 minutes before cutting out using 3.2 rods. The trouble i found was that once it had cooled down enough to use again, it wasn't really that cold and would trip out again in a shorter time. I got rid of it and bought a 200 Amp transformer that wouldn't really cut out on 3.2 rods ...still got it for emergencies.

A fan could well help if it doesn't have one already.

 

[..DAZ..]

Same as yours Wyn, 10-15 minutes the first time, 5-10 minutes the second time, then completely useless. It doesn't have fans on it at present which is why I was thinking of adding two of the same flow, one in one out. I have a 3kva 110v transformer so was wondering if it would run better from that. Will go into the shed later and try and find some info on the plate for the two voltages. I have access to loads of the following as we go through dozens of them at work
cheers
daz

 

[wyn]

I think i even resorted to using a desk type fan from the house to blow air into it.

I'm not too sure if it would be better on 110 v....it would take more amps to run it and that might heat it up quicker...Maybe, i'm not that certain.?

 

[brightspark]

Same as yours Wyn, 10-15 minutes the first time, 5-10 minutes the second time, then completely useless. It doesn't have fans on it at present which is why I was thinking of adding two of the same flow, one in one out. I have a 3kva 110v transformer so was wondering if it would run better from that. Will go into the shed later and try and find some info on the plate for the two voltages. I have access to loads of the following as we go through dozens of them at work
cheers
daz

better off putting both fans flowing through at one end. in one direction double the cfm if u have one pushing and one pulling nothing to be gained acts as one because theres no airflow restricton between