Getting into arc welding

A a r o n · Fri May 22, 2009 11:06 pm

I want to get an arc welder so I can build stuff. I learned some basic stuff in a high school metal working class last year.

Would this be a good welder for a beginner?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... mber=97717

kiwi of nitro · Fri May 22, 2009 11:31 pm

Horror Freight usually sells crap, I would not suggest buying anything from them.

Technician1002 · Fri May 22, 2009 11:42 pm

kiwi of nitro wrote:Horror Freight usually sells crap, I would not suggest buying anything from them.

Need to give examples. They sell inexpensive stuff. It is not the same quality as Craftsman and Snap On. On a budget, much of their stuff is servicable.

I have one of the $40 drill presses (crap but functional) and a small compressor that will work on my car inverter. Meets spec, but undersize which is OK as it will run on my undersize power source.

For those learning and can deal with the K Mart of tools, it's OK. If he was looking for a Pro Welder, I would steer him to something industrial duty.

Edit, be aware of the duty cycle of that welder. It is light duty and the current is not high enough for any heavy work. I learned on a 250 Amp welder. I don't think I have ever welded anything on that low of current. it may be OK for muffler and tailpipe repairs but useless for 1/4 inch steel plate. That welder is for 18 gauge to 1/8th inch.

Most stick welding is done between 40 and 225 amps depending on the penetration needed. Pick a welder to meet your requirements.

hi · Sat May 23, 2009 12:12 am

I would suggest getting a used Lincoln electric on eBay or a similar site. They are great welders and will allow you to weld thicker metal. 70 amps isn't very much for an arc welder. its takes about 115 amps to weld 1/4 mild steel.

I'm also in a welding class at my high school and have experience with arc welding. trust me when I say that you should get quality equipment, it pays off in the long run.

Technician1002 · Sat May 23, 2009 12:17 am

hi wrote:I would suggest getting a used Lincoln electric on eBay or a similar site. They are great welders and will allow you to weld thicker metal. 70 amps isn't very much for an arc welder. its takes about 115 amps to weld 1/4 mild steel.

I'm also in a welding class at my high school and have experience with arc welding. trust me when I say that you should get quality equipment, it pays off in the long run.

On consideration for students and other non home owners, they may be limited in power to a 120 volt circuit instead of a 30 amp 240 volt outlet.

It is a big reason I went with gas welding instead. I have a full selection of tips, a cutting torch and can braze, weld, cut, etc, and isn't limited to the location power.

Carlman · Sat May 23, 2009 6:06 am

I purchased a Cigweld 140amp turbo pro arc welder about a year ago and it has given me no problems and i use it 3 - 4 times a week on various things.

Cigweld or Lincoln are the ones to go for.

inonickname · Sat May 23, 2009 7:40 am

I can say that your better of with a MIG welder. Though there's not too much wrong with arc welders though.

We have a magmate, and I can say that they are very good. (it's MIG, and has a lot more than 70 amps, but still good, and not too expensive). As far as arcs go I don't have many suggestions, but that one has a very low duty cycle and underpowered as far as amperage goes. Try get one with a higher duty cycle and more amperage to really drive thicker tips into thicker metal.

If you have a squiz around instructables, people have made arcs from MOT's, but I wouldn't bother.

You want more duty cycle, otherwise you'll be waitin for the thing for a long time.

Also consider oxy-fuel welding/brazing. There are other options such as TIG welding but they may be slightly out of reach for you.

Carlman · Sat May 23, 2009 8:09 am

I prefer acrs as its easy to get a good weld with and you end up with a much stronger weld, not to mention not having to pay for gas. (gasless migs suck)

inonickname · Sat May 23, 2009 8:14 am

Carlman wrote:I prefer acrs as its easy to get a good weld with and you end up with a much stronger weld, not to mention not having to pay for gas. (gasless migs suck)

I don't agree. I started out using a MIG before arcs, and I find neither easier as I have excellent dexterity. I believe either can make a satisfactory weld, though TIG undoubtedly beats them both.

Not paying for gas is good, though you still have sticks to use up.

far_cry · Sat May 23, 2009 8:46 am

china is starting to manufacturer human beans

Carlman · Sat May 23, 2009 11:03 am

And then you have wire to use, each to his own i suppose. Arc takes more skill to master, thats why i enjoy it. i was doing an appprentiship as a boilermaker and didnt find it exiting enough as all i had to do was set the thing and pull a trigger basically. But anyway...

USGF · Sat May 23, 2009 2:13 pm

Bang for the dollar, it'll be hard to beat an arc stick welder. As Tech and others mention, a Lincoln, Miller, Sears etc buzz box can be found at garage sales or on Ebay. Don't forget flea markets and swap meets. Stick to brand name stuff. Use 3/32" rod if you lack power, 1/8" for best selection of rods. You can weld Aluminum, stainless, steel etc. simply by swapping rods. Not so with a MIG welder.

We use MIG for smaller detail work on machine frames, brackets, stuff under 3/8" thick that needs to look good. Swapping to stainless steel is easy but very expensive as you need a different shield gas. For heavy structural work, we go to stick welding.

I have used small 110 volt MIG welders with and without shield gas. Not easy to use and not capable of sructural welds. They are very handy for sheet metal work. Light duty autobody work for example.

frankrede · Sat May 23, 2009 6:40 pm

I am a certified structural steel welder and I have used both Miller, Lincoln and Hobart machines, all of the welding schools I have been too and at my local Union Pipefitters hall use Miller machines almost exclusively. Miller makes a damn good quality welder, you don't want to skimp out by buying a crap machine, like all things it is best to invest in a quality product that will last you many years to come.

POLAND_SPUD · Sat May 23, 2009 10:18 pm

sorry for going odd topic with this...
but is it true that welding can make you sterile ? I've read and heard stories that it does but I don't know if it's just an urban legend or somehting

inonickname · Sat May 23, 2009 10:27 pm

POLAND_SPUD wrote:sorry for going odd topic with this...
but is it true that welding can make you sterile ? I've read and heard stories that it does but I don't know if it's just an urban legend or something

Probably just rubbish.

Though that said, don't breathe in fumes. Galvanized, aluminum, stainless and other fumes are bad. Also, arc stick flux is a mix of various chemicals that you wouldn't want to breathe in when used.

Most gasses used in shielding are inert and safe, but are often asphyxiants.

Getting into arc welding

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