Im considering buying an xmt 304. I went to try it out today i took my miller big 40 with me to use as a power source. I plugged up the xmt and tried to stick weld with it. I would get the rod to strike off then it would stop welding and help-6 would show on the display. i noticed a fuse would pop out on the back of the machine facing the back it was the one on the far right. I would really like to buy this machine but not if there is a serious problem. What does help 6 mean?
Help 6 Display Indicates that the input voltage is too low and the unit has automatically shut down. Operation will continue when the voltage is within the acceptable lower range limit (15% below the applicable input voltage). If this display is shown, have an electrician check the input voltage.
I would guess that your big 40 is the model with 5500wats aux power. If this is the case it will nor run the XMT because it does not make enough power to run it. You can get on millerwelds.com and look up any serial number and get an operators/ parts/ service manual for that equipment. I would recommend that you do this for each machine as its free, this will tell you with a little looking what each machine can and can't do and maybe save you some coin. On another note if the XMT is a really good deal you can't go wrong with one because they are awesome power sources. I use mine in the shop all the time, I have taken it out in the field a time or too but it's home is usually in the shop running on 240 single phase.
thanks for the info i will get the information from millers website. would i be able to set the welder up for use at home? what kind of breaker would i need to use 50 amp?
I would bet that the one you are looking at can be plugged into 230 single phase, print the owners manual out by using the SN# and make sure. I would suggest that you get in touch with a qualified electrician and set up your wiring if thats the direction you go. He/she can properly size everything you will need for a 230V plug. It's best to set it up for a 50Amp so you can use other equipment also in the future. You have to have the proper size wire for the distance and load it will be suppling.
Note that there are other 304 manuals, this is the 230 volt capable machine.
Note that there are several Big 40 manuals listed, this is just 1 of them.
Note that while the machine will draw 47.4 amps at 60% duty cycle rated single phase output [225 amps] the wiring chart calls for minimum #8 solid wire and 60 or 80 amp FUSE depending on type.
If it were Me, I would use #6 wire and a 60 amp breaker.
Will it run on a 50 amp breaker ? Sure, just don't use over 225 amps.