I just picked up a 70's IdealArc TIG 300 machine for real cheap. The problem is that it's wired 3 phase. Anyone had any experience running a welder of this size off of a rotary phase convertor? Any other options?
Thanks

The problem with that is the size of converter you would need. Look at the data tag I'd bet it requires 60-100 amp input @ 230 volts. 60amps at 230 is 20hp. Volts x amps\ 755watts=hp. Todd

I wouldn't know this if we didn't do inventory at the end of the year a couple days ago, but we have one of those machines here. However, ours is a 480V. That's a pretty big machine to be running off a phase converter. I will check with our maintenance guy to see what he says and get back with you.

Cheers,

Matt

Thanks a lot.
I will check the stats on the welder to see exactly what I need to do and get back...

I bought the same welder and it was wired for single ph. I use it that way and it works fine. I will check and see if I can figure out how it is wired. Jack.

Hello All, Here is an image from my Tig 300 manual. Good Luck. JP

Cool,
It looks as though I can wire it single phase. Thanks JW. Anyone know a good spot to get the manual? How is this machine? It seems like a workhorse.
Thanks
Again

That diagram is only showing a change between 230&460 volts, not single and three phase. My guess is due to the age of the machine you could buy it either way, but not changeable. Todd

I got in touch with Lincoln and gave them the ser. # and they sent me a copy of the manual at N/C. Still havn't looked at my wiring but will look at it today, Jack.

Hi Jack, Check the top left center of the control panel. My specs look like this. Also my wiring diagram is on the inside of the connection cover. This will give you the info you need to help make a power decision or sell for a profit to someone with 3 phase. JP

You'r right, mine is a single phase only, dual voltage. Here are two pics showing the wire hookups.

Nice pics,
I just got time to have a good look at my machine and found out she is only single phase. The reason I thought it was three, at first glance, was that there was a 600V 3 phase power cord on the machine. My wiring is identical to yours Jack except one thing; the identity plate states that it is single phase 575 Volt 42 Amps. This is a little bumming because I would rather not use a transformer to step up the voltage but since my wiring is identical to yours I wonder if I could do the transformation to 230V even though it's not stated on the welder?
If comparing your photo with the manual diagram, what part do you move to get the higher (or lower) operating input voltage? The red square plate with 4 bolts on the left of L1 and L2 input? Is that the jumper plate? And where does it say the voltage?

Thanks Again

This new pic shows a box to the left . Mine ia a dual voltage machine, 230/ 460 as stated on the name plate on the face of the machine. If you look at the round window on the insulated jumper plate on the box to the left you can make out 230. If yours is wired for 575 volts it must be a triple voltage. You should have a box similar to mine except it will be larger and have 3 choices for voltage. My manual gives the directions to change voltage.
1. Turn off main power. (circuit breaker or disconnect switch)
2. Remove input side panel of welder case.
3. Remove insulated jumper plate by taking off the 4 nuts.
4. Place the jumper plate in the desired position that leaves your input voltage showing through the opening in the plate. Tighten all 4 nuts securelt.

Following these steps you should be able to wire yours for 230 volts. Jack.