Welder extension cord issues...

[Landcruisin'60]

So I took the advice and decided to make my own extension cord instead of buy one. I got the cable and male plug from HD with out any problems. But I cant find the female plug anywhere locally. So I found one from McMaster Carr but its $50 which is pretty rediculous. All the places around here (HD and Grainger) said I should just put a box and a plug on the end but I dont think thats the right thing to do. Is it even safe? So should I just box it? Which box is better metal or plastic? Or a cheaper place to look for the plug?

 

[Koffer]

I put a box with plug in it .
Works fine, most shops I have seen around all do this .
If your going to use it in wet/damp areas use a outdoor box with a waterproof strain relief.
I bolted the box onto my welding cart for a clean install
$50 for a plug that you might run over is just not worth it .

 

[2badfjs]

i found my female end at lowes for like $12.

 

[Landcruisin'60]

Yeah I thought I was going to find one for $15 or so like the male plug. I dont have a Lowes around here but I figured HD would have it.

 

[fj40charles]

Yeah I thought I was going to find one for $15 or so like the male plug. I dont have a Lowes around here but I figured HD would have it.

Here is one that will work for you.
Eagle Welder Kiln Receptacle Outlet 6-50 50A 250V - eBay (item 250164345916 end time Feb-08-08 18:55:15 PST)

 

[D'Animal]

You can also check out places that sell RV's and RV accessories.

I bought my 30' extension cord for my miller 175 there "ready to go" cheaper than I could build it myself.

 

[Landcruisin'60]

Here is one that will work for you.
Eagle Welder Kiln Receptacle Outlet 6-50 50A 250V - eBay (item 250164345916 end time Feb-08-08 18:55:15 PST)

Sweet thats what I need.

 

[hydrogeo]

Not sure where you are in Vt, but Tractor Supply in N. Clarendon will probably have a plug. x2 on finding one (and everything else for the cord) at Lowes for like $14. 25' of wire with both male and female plugs cost about $60. Home Depot didn't have the plug or the wire.

 

[Landcruisin'60]

Got the plug. I found out today that we do have a lowes around here (its pretty new) and sure enough there it was $12. So now I have everything for the cord.

 

[lowenbrau]

If you are going to put it in a box, get a PVC one. Grinding dust loves metal boxes more than fire loves PVC.

 

[badmuthatrucka]

What gauge wire, and what voltage welder? The 220v stuff will be a little harder to find, but still not too hard or too expensive.

 

[Landcruisin'60]

Got the plug. I found out today that we do have a lowes around here (its pretty new) and sure enough there it was $12. So now I have everything for the cord.

Though its 8-3 and 220v

 

[bsevans]

You could have just gone on line with most any welding supply house and purchased the plug.

Cyberweld Power Products

 

[Landcruisin'60]

Yeah, cheaper at Lowes anyway.