Yep, you need a 220v outlet with wiring that can handle 30 amps. Basically, you need a dryer outlet. The welder doesnt come with a plug so you have to buy your own. Reason being is just as Jcushing said, there are too many different kinds of plugs.

 

So you could make it a permament welder by wiring it stright in? How do you think it would compare to the clark in the link above?

 

It wouldnt be a very good idea to permanently wire it in because the cord it comes with is only 4-5ft long. So I guess if you dont plan on moving it, you could do that. None of the Clarks are 220 volt welders so they dont compare at all. I'm sure Clarks is a bit higher quality though.

 

none of the clarkes in the link he sent you are 220 volt but that doesnt mean they dont make them. they have a 180en thats 220 volt that sells for about 380. i PERSONALLY have the clarke 130en. i bought it from weldingdepot with the clarke regulator/flowmeter couple spools of wire (one SS one Mild) for 400 bux shipped. great deal IMHO considering its the same welder they sell at sears (rebadged) for 350 + tax with NO regulator. i like my 130en, it lays nice beads with little work and its real nice not being tied down to a 220v outlet. i can plug mine into a HD ext cord and stick the damn thing in the middle of my driveway right next to my car or throw it in the trunk to take to a freinds house.

i ran a 1/4 lb starter spool of flux core that the welder came with on a bunch of scrap i had but after that ive only done gas welding with it.

 

I like the idea of 110volts instead of 220volts

 

i would stay away from using flux core, a friend of mine did and he had a flame shooting out of a pinhole in his manifold. a mig welder with gas will work perfect i think that is what was used on a manifold i bought from someone in canada and it is very strong. if you just want to weld a manifold i wouldnt try to spend an arm and a leg on a welder and also i wouldnt use a welder from harbor frieght to weld any exhaust manifolds.(home depot) AKA home depot racing has good deals on lincoln welders they are good welders (i own 2) and they get the job done.

 

So, a 130 amp clark welder will work just fine, specially with gas. What mixture of gas would be right for mild steel? Stainless? Aluminum? Also, can you use flux core wires to do stainless and aluminum?

 

mild = argon/co2 commonly called 75/25 cause the percentages
SS = argon/co2/ and %2 helium (tri mix) helium helps penetration on SS i only use 75/25 though
aluminum is straight helium

flux core is only mild

you can do aluminum but according to my welder manual you need to preheat the peice to 200 degrees and use acetone to get the oxidation off immediately before welding (all aluminum will oxidize when exposed to air)

IMHO flux core is mainly for use in making random metal garage projects or maybe tractor repairs in the field. if your in a garage just use gas, comes out better less cleanup

word of advice as far as a welder purchase, in all my research NO ONE has ever said man this harbor freight welder is great, and no one has ever used a clarke welder has said 1 negative thing about it. welding snobs tell ya to only by the big 3 but so far im real happy with my clarke, no spooling problems, good welds easy to use and a great deal.

 

I like the idea of 110volts instead of 220volts
dont get me wrong for the $ the 180en is a much better deal, you get 2 more heat settings better duty cycle more headroom, just i didnt have a 220 line in the garage so it would have cost me an assload to put one in just in materials. also if you wanted to make an extension cord it would cost you like 100 bux lol.

 

I know what I'm getting after I buy a new head....