oxford stick question

[arther dailey]

Looking at a Oxford stick welder on the net, now I realise they are old but good, my question is on the plate on top it stated to be used with two phase and neutral.
Is this the only option on that machine or are there alternative tappings connections available to use it on a single phase supply ?
also if possible would that be a 16amp or 32 amp supply, thanks in advance. Arther

 

[HughF]

There will be a 230 and a 415v tapping. Just wire it to the 230v terminal and the 0 terminal. Probably a 32a required or a d16

 

[arther dailey]

Cheers, that was quick !

 

[WorkshopChris]

As above but when used with a 3 phase supply you must only connect 2 phases, not 2 and neutral.

 

[arther dailey]

Thank W.Chris, was just double checking as dont know how tappings are done on those, I geuss they are good as long as working, presume if bought good idea to drain /change oil due to any condensation, generally I wouldnt expect that to cause a problem untill machine is moved.(as in a van)
Thanks Arther

 

[HughF]

As above but when used with a 3 phase supply you must only connect 2 phases, not 2 and neutral.

Yep, one phase on 0 stud, one phase on 415 stud.

I've got a pickhill I need to shift Arthur?

 

[WorkshopChris]

Once you have one if your not sure just post up a pic of the terminal plate, there are many variations. i have on that has tappings for 110v , 220, 415v. As far as the oil goes i would just lift the tank and make sure there is no obvious signs of water contamination. Very heavy you will probably need a chain block or similar.
Not sure if you have seen it but there is a picture on a few posts that brightspark posted showing the internals.

 

[Turbo]

As said there are variations on the connections, one of mine had 0, 220, 240 & 415. I connected neutral to 0 and live to the 220 terminal. Ideally you would need a 32a supply for a 180a welder but you could get away with 16a if you don't use the higher settings.

When you get it home let it settle for a few days then use a hoist to lift the windings out of the tank. The oil should be clear but any water will be at the bottom of the tank. You can either try to suck this out or even better take out the good oil, wash the tank out & put the oil back in. Don't worry if the oil looks low, they are only filled just over half way.

When you are working with the oil make sure you are well gloved up. Some of these transformer oils contain harmful pcbs which are quite bad for you!

 

[arther dailey]

Cheers appreciate it.Arther

 

[oilcooled :)]

Generally but not always the 250amps are the highest end single phase. Some of the 300amps where single phase by request i presume. The rt 250 225 180 the bantam the rt140 and the rt110 where all single and three phase. Check the nameplate