Miller compactblu 183

[fineline]

Hello to everyone. I just bought a used Miller compactblu 183 welder. I have the wire feed set very low and the power cranked up to the maximum, yet it only just welds 1mm thick steel sheet. It was sold as a single phase machine but It looks like it can be changed between a single and 3 phase. On closer inspection it seems to have a 3 phase power cable, which has a basic household single phase plug on the end, I opened the plug and saw that it isn't using the black wire at all. Any help or advise would be great Thanks!

 

[Erie Fred]

First hook it up properly for your supply, and then try it.

 

[fineline]

I'm not sure what you mean by properly? I plugged it in and switched it on, I'm not sure what else I'm supposed to do?

 

[Erie Fred]

I'm not sure what you mean by properly? I plugged it in and switched it on, I'm not sure what else I'm supposed to do?

You need to refer to the chart on the cover (I can see it in the pix) that shows what links to hook where
for changing voltage & phase.
Make sure it's set properly for the voltage (It looks for like it's set for 240 vac) & phase (that I cannot see) that your feeding it.
and that the wires from your plug are correct.

 

[Hutcho]

Wonder if it’s three phase only - are you trying to use 240v household

 

[hotponyshoes]

Have you got a photo of the rating plate?
Normally on the outside of the case by the power inlet

 

[fineline]

Here's a pic of the plate on the outside of the machine. I am trying to use it 240v single phase...please tell me I haven't accidentally bought a 3 phase machine.

 

[Erie Fred]

Here's a pic of the plate on the outside of the machine. I am trying to use it 240v single phase...please tell me I haven't accidentally bought a 3 phase machine.

View attachment 425947

It looks that way.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Yea, unfortunately that's a 3-phase machine.
Although we only really see 415v 3-phase in this country the other voltages are used in 3-phase systems in other countries.

Don't slap yourself too hard as it's a fairly common mistake people make!

 

[hotponyshoes]

Although it's interesting that it is working and welding 1mm steel.
Do the welds come out ok?

 

[Erie Fred]

You could try wiring all (3) primaries in parallel to your incoming voltage.
Or do a Haas-Kemp conversion to it.

http://pounceatron.dreamhosters.com/docs/misc/CP-200_Single-Phase_Step-By-Step.pdf

 

[fineline]

Oh ***t !!! The first question I asked the seller was "is it single phase". Oh well it was only 600 quid plus an 18 hour round trip with an overnight stop. I won't try to think of the fuel cost either... Strangely the 1mm welding wasn't too bad. it wouldn't quite dial in, but not far off. Maybe a testament to how good the machine is...
Ooh a conversion...Thanks I'll have a read now.

 

[fineline]

That's a bit complicated for me. back to square one, find a single phase welder. Thanks for all the help.

 

[eddie49]

The Haas-Kamp modification is not too difficult. It requires the three primary coils to be driven as three separate loads in parallel from the single-phase supply. The third coil start/end is reversed with respect to the first coil, and the second coil is connected via two motor-run capacitors of about 60uF each, one at each end of the coil.