Arc Welder Suggestions - Page 3

Reveeen · 11-22-2009, 12:53 PM

I do not have any 220v outlets in my garage or basement.

Very likely none of us did either. I'm not quite sure what you want someone to say? You either buy the stuff, and install your own, or you call an electrician, and get what you want installed. With some luck the wire run will not be too long from your fuse panel (you pay by the foot). I'm fairly sure it isn't a "real good" idea to run a welder in the basement (fumes). Quite realistically, the wiring will cost at least as much as the welder (if not more).

Alaskan-Dad · 11-22-2009, 02:34 PM

Well we are all steering you to more expensive tools than you can justify buying. That could be because most of us that weld work with thicker metal and know the importance of a stable arc. But really a small 110 v machine might do what you want.
It will be tricky to weld thin metal with a 110v buzz box, when a small (thin) rod sticks instead of breaking off it bends then it will glow and become even more flexible, but you will learn to pull it out of the stinger before it glows and use tools to break the rod off the weld. A hammer and chisel or even your slag hammer will do this quick and easy. Another trick you'll need to learn is using a filler rod (a rod with the flux broke off it) besides the hot rod in your stinger (using your arc like you its a torch and feeding the filler rod with your other hand), the reason to use of a filler rod is it allows you to put more metal into the arc, more metal cools your puddle which can help stop holes from blowing out and becoming larger. The filler rod is also handy for filling wide gaps. Use 6011 rod, 6013 Beauty rod leaves a weak weld, but you can make a good cover pass with it.
And always run a practice bead or two on metal similar to what your going to weld!

Good luck I'm sure you'll get some good welds with practice.

One last note: buy your welder local and make sure the store you purchase it at will honor the warranty, you don't want to send it to China for warranty repairs.
I am a journeyman welder ftter in the shipyards and pipe welder master craft in the refineries, so I do know a little something about welding

11-22-2009, 02:34 PM	#32
Alaskan-Dad Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Thorne Bay SE Alaska Posts: 131	Well we are all steering you to more expensive tools than you can justify buying. That could be because most of us that weld work with thicker metal and know the importance of a stable arc. But really a small 110 v machine might do what you want. It will be tricky to weld thin metal with a 110v buzz box, when a small (thin) rod sticks instead of breaking off it bends then it will glow and become even more flexible, but you will learn to pull it out of the stinger before it glows and use tools to break the rod off the weld. A hammer and chisel or even your slag hammer will do this quick and easy. Another trick you'll need to learn is using a filler rod (a rod with the flux broke off it) besides the hot rod in your stinger (using your arc like you its a torch and feeding the filler rod with your other hand), the reason to use of a filler rod is it allows you to put more metal into the arc, more metal cools your puddle which can help stop holes from blowing out and becoming larger. The filler rod is also handy for filling wide gaps. Use 6011 rod, 6013 Beauty rod leaves a weak weld, but you can make a good cover pass with it. And always run a practice bead or two on metal similar to what your going to weld! Good luck I'm sure you'll get some good welds with practice. One last note: buy your welder local and make sure the store you purchase it at will honor the warranty, you don't want to send it to China for warranty repairs. I am a journeyman welder ftter in the shipyards and pipe welder master craft in the refineries, so I do know a little something about welding __________________ Three Greys Lifan GY-5's
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11-22-2009, 12:53 PM	#31
Reveeen Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: orbital platform Posts: 741	I do not have any 220v outlets in my garage or basement. Very likely none of us did either. I'm not quite sure what you want someone to say? You either buy the stuff, and install your own, or you call an electrician, and get what you want installed. With some luck the wire run will not be too long from your fuse panel (you pay by the foot). I'm fairly sure it isn't a "real good" idea to run a welder in the basement (fumes). Quite realistically, the wiring will cost at least as much as the welder (if not more).
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