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anyone want to trade?

C'mon man, don't give up that quick. Keep practicing, you'll get better. I've got both and have needs for both, this is just an excuse for you to buy another welder. :waytogo: What rods are you trying to use? Are you keeping them dry?
 
im using both 6018 (or somthing close) and 7011 (or somthing close) and yes there kept dry. i can weld it just looks terrible. i will keep practicing. thanks man
 
If your working with 1/8 to 3/8 mild steel use a 7018 rod.

To get a better weld or penetration with some thick material, grind the joint to a 30 degree bevel and make multiple passes.

Or make the first pass with a 6010 rod, then make a "cap" with a 7018 rod

7024 rod is for alot of beginners the easiest to use. Its a "drag rod" the rods thick flux automatically maintains the correct arc length, which allows you to drag the rod directly along the work piece and eliminates the problem of being to close or too far.


Holding the electrode too closely will make the welding voltage drop. This makes an inconsistent arc that may cause the rod to freeze or stick. This also might cause your weld bead to be really high or have a crown to it.

Excessively long arcs with the rod will make for too much voltage and produce spatter, undercuts and maybe porous welds "holes in the weld"

if the metal is 1/4 inch and under try a drag method and it will keep from the weld building up

3/8 and up, try a "z" pattern, semi circles


if your welding verticle, spend more time near the sides and not the metal and allow the puddle to catch up.

when welding from say 1/4" to 3/8" spend more time towards the thicker material.

if your welding horazontaly or over head, use a backhand or drag technique and hold the rod at a slight angle towards the direction of travel.

if your pushing a weld verticly up, use a push or forehand technique and tilt the top of the rod slightly away from the direction of travel.

also you need a good view of the weld puddle. Otherwise, you can't see if you're welding in the joint, keeping the arc/rod on the leading edge of the puddle and using the right amount of heat. Keep your head off to the side and out of the smoke so you can easily see the puddle.


I had some serious **** fits till I had a field mechanic hand me some 7018 rod and a few tips. I only use mig now but I miss the days when I did everything with arc as I truly enjoyed the learning and small victories as I got better at it and could get the desired results.


wow that was long winded, anyways pm me or post if you have some questions
 
535? My brother bought the same welder at either lowes or home depot for 300.

It is a PITA on the colder stuff but it runs awesome as long as you crank the heat up.

"edit... his isn't ac/dc."

Have you thought about buying a tig torch for it? Arc welding is and art but it takes practice. Once your there you'll be able to lay down nice beads with one hand behind your back.

Tig is cool for aluminum and delicate stuff.
 
No, you didn't get screwed, there is an almost identical machine for $300 that is AC only. AC/DC is more spendy (and more useful)

Rene
 
No you did good actually

I edited my post to say that right after I posted... Just looked at the pic and assumed it was the dc only welder.

When I say it's a PITA on the colder stuff I mean the thinner material. No need to preheat unless it's really thick material. I just meant turn the heat up on the machine. Make sure you have some decent rod also. Harbor freight rod doesn't run as good as lincoln rod.

I've just found that with the dc machine welds like crap unless your amps cranked up. Just play around with the heat and practice. Keep at it man. I know foremans with 20 years experience that can't arc very good. It's not easy for some. Others pick it right up.

The smaller machines don't weld like the shop units either but I can vouch for that welder... it does lay some nice beads once you get comfortable with it.
 
I kinda miss stick welding, been about a year since I have. My go to rod was 7018.
 
You need to take some lessons from a skilled weldor. Most all skilled weldors are more than happy to share the secrets of the craft.

All it takes is about 5 minutes of tutoring and then you'll be 100% better..
 
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