Originally Posted by
GraemeCook
When I lived in the States (Boston) we had a four-wired electrical system, rather than the Australian three wire system. The wires were active, counterphase, return and earth. By connecting between either the active or counterphase and the return wire one got 110 volts AC single-phase. By connecting to between the active and counterphase you got 220 volts two-phase.
It seeems like you may have an American-standard welder. This may or may not comply with Australian standards. This raises all sorts of legal liability and insurance issues.
It may be prudent to check with your state electrical regulator before trying to use it.
Cheers