garage wiring

[fj-rankenstein]

so, I have a new lincoln 255c and a thermal dynamics cutmaster 51 that are requiring 40-50 amp 240 volts and I dont know which way to go about this.....

every store I have gone to(rona, home depot, etc.) all say that the 50 amp plugs and recepticles that they sell are fine for what I need....my questions are I guess more about what is safe and what is not as far as wire size goes...
I basically want to run a plug in off my circuit box and then make an extension cord of about 25 feet so I can reach anywhere in my garage... both machines have a 3 wire # 8 awg cord coming out of them so would this mean that # 8 wire is what I would need for an extension cord??? it covers both the amperage and voltage of what I am running but I am worried for the fact that i am running 25 feet of it is all....

my second concern is, I have a #6 wire with a 60 amp breaker coming from the house that feeds the garage... in the fuse box in the garage, is it ok to put another 60 amp breaker for what the welder or plasma cutter will work from??

I dont think I have any issues but I am just a little unclear of laws, code and what not.... I am gonna do some more reading regarding 240 volt stuff but if anyone has any comments regarding my questions please feel free to comment...

 

[fj40charles]

50 amp plugs/receptacle (6-50P and 6-50R) are fine. These are normally referred to as "welder plugs."

I would not put a 60 amp breaker in the sub panel for your welder. Install the proper size breaker (probably 50 amps). #6 wire is good for 50 amps. You could get some #8 gauge extension cords for you Lincoln 255.

Consult you city for any codes issue since it could be more stringent that the NEC.

You will not notice a voltage drop at 25 feet so it is an non issue IMHO.

Read the thread about making an extension cord. I would buy the pre-made 25' extension cord for $69.

 

[splitshot]

If it were me, I'd run #2 from the main (house) panel and install a 100 amp sub panel in the garage. That would provide you enough service for any future adds.
#6 depending on the insulation on the conductors will give you 65+- amps. Ok, but doesn't leave you much.