Can we HAVE any more setbacks? (Post #609) 4/30/2023

Apparently, yes, yes we can.

So if you’ve been a fan and reader for very many years you have probably heard me refer to the Okierover Rules. There are a few rules I try to live my life by, let me hit the top three:

• I will not live where I am not the highest tertiary consumer on the food chain.
• I don’t play with electricity.
• Don’t date girls with dagger tattoos.
• There are others…but lets stop there.

Unfortunately for me, I bought a welder that requires a 208 volt plug. My shop is only wired for 110 volt. You know that saying from Mr. Mom (1983) starring Michael Keaton:

Well that’s about the sum of it. I’m just about that clueless when it comes to the magic of powering our homes and shops.

According to a review on InboxQ.com:

“The Pro MIG 180’s convenient switch knob easily allows users to choose between output levels. The 120-volt option allows you to connect to any household power source and is perfect for working on light steel and thinner metals like aluminum sheets. If you want to work on thicker metals, just flick the knob opt to change to the 208-volt/230-volt option.”

I must have missed that day in shop class when they explained how to wire 110V like 208/220V. And that’s another thing…I’ve been around a few years and never have I ever heard of 208V. So again, I’m sitting here thinking, “I wish Mr. Murr would have let me take shop class like all the other kids.” In his fine evaluation of my brain power, he thought I was better suited to “go to college”. I had to get special permission to enroll in Vo-tech! Electronics never-the-less. This was before the Personal Computer revolution (think Fall of 1980). I can tell you for certain, electronics was not an “easy” class. I had to work at it. And frankly, college was unaffordable for me. I went anyway, but let’s just say, the trades probably would have been a better idea.

I asked the Evil German Dude what he thought of the wiring in the shop. He DID indeed go the trades route and worked for the electric company in Germany as a young man and understands the magic of electricity about as well as anyone. Seriously one of the smartest people I know. He did not believe the wiring from the house to the shop would support 220V. So, it looks like I need to get a professional opinion and probably get a quote to get it upgraded.

Yay! more money I don’t have today.

So I know a lot of you are keen to see SPARKS flying and welding of rust panels and fixin’ them holes. As am I, I’m ready to see some return on investment for the welding class and the welder expenses, but this is going to be put off for a little longer while I get the electricity supply sorted out.

I need to review the “just flip the switch” and use 110V. I didn’t see any of that in the user guide but that doesn’t mean its not in there. I just need to read it again and probably do more googling.

Thanks for reading and Happy Rovering.