Not a welder

[ptonsparky]

After connecting a 250hp motor I watched the welders patching up the belt guard. For some reason I noticed that there was no second lead attached to the frame. They explained that it was permanently attached to the structure a couple hundred feet away. Two of the last three repairs to this motor were attributed to bearing failure. All within 2 years. I suggested they use a portable rig to finish up with. I am not a welder and don't know if this practice is normal or would cause a problem with the bearings.

 

[iwire]

Tom, there is not a doubt in my mind that they should be placing the 'work' lead near where they are welding.

Check out this thread http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=105215

for more info.

 

[mxslick]

After connecting a 250hp motor I watched the welders patching up the belt guard. For some reason I noticed that there was no second lead attached to the frame. They explained that it was permanently attached to the structure a couple hundred feet away. Two of the last three repairs to this motor were attributed to bearing failure. All within 2 years. I suggested they use a portable rig to finish up with. I am not a welder and don't know if this practice is normal or would cause a problem with the bearings.

I'm willing to bet that you'll be connecting another new motor very soon. :grin:

 

[Rockyd]

Ground clamp needs to be close to where the stinger is going to weld!!! Otherwise, everypoint in between, will have a little teat, or dimple, (can you say bearings) from letting the current flow through.

Can't sabotage a job, as well as ignorance can set it back

 

[iwire]

Just to be clear the two leads on an arc welder are "Work" and "Electrode" neither of the leads are actually grounding leads even though most of us call the "work" lead the 'ground'.