Welder Wanabe

[Sinner70]

looks like I opened a can of worms. So for general around the house stuff, some minor stuff to my Camaro and possible mini bike winter project(s) go with the stick welder? How much are we talking about too? Thanks

[Oldsalt]

Originally Posted by Sinner70

looks like I opened a can of worms. So for general around the house stuff, some minor stuff to my Camaro and possible mini bike winter project(s) go with the stick welder? How much are we talking about too? Thanks

It's a can of worms because there's so many options. If you got the loot, or find a really good deal on a used MIG [set up with gas], buy it. You'll never be sorry that you own it and you'll need to buy one sooner or later. You won't be willing to live without it forever. But a new 230 V. single phase cracker box won't set you back more that about a 100 bucks new. With a hood and some rod, gloves, SAFETY GLASSES, and etc. you will be makeing smoke for 150.

[Sinner70]

Originally Posted by Oldsalt

It's a can of worms because there's so many options. If you got the loot, or find a really good deal on a used MIG [set up with gas], buy it. You'll never be sorry that you own it and you'll need to buy one sooner or later. You won't be willing to live without it forever. But a new 230 V. single phase cracker box won't set you back more that about a 100 bucks new. With a hood and some rod, gloves, SAFETY GLASSES, and etc. you will be makeing smoke for 150.

sounds good. Thanks man

[Fullthrottle]

I agree Oldsalt. I've been a certified pipe welder in the Pipefitters Local #4 since 85. You can run that 6010 and 6011 rod uphill, downhill, flat and overhead. If he wants a smoother weld, run 6010 or 6011 first pass [called root pass], then run a 7018 for a cover pass. Just don't run the 7018 downhill, not made for it. Also grind down the 6010-6011 smooth before you run a second pass if needed.

[bmwdr]

Keep in mind that Sinner has no welding experience at all. Anyone can figure out a MIG in about an hour, but a stick welder takes some skill and a lot of practice to get the hang of. One thing about a MIG that no one mentioned is that it's quick and precise to heat. When you need to worry about surrounding metal or components your less likely to catch the carpet, seat, wiring harness, etc. on fire.

[Oldsalt]

Originally Posted by bmwdr

Keep in mind that Sinner has no welding experience at all. Anyone can figure out a MIG in about an hour, but a stick welder takes some skill and a lot of practice to get the hang of. One thing about a MIG that no one mentioned is that it's quick and precise to heat. When you need to worry about surrounding metal or components your less likely to catch the carpet, seat, wiring harness, etc. on fire.

That's certinally the downside for arc welding. But I got the idea that he's commited enough to spend the time and effort to get good at it. Hell, you and I learned! But, there can be no doubt, if he's not really interested in going to the trouble of developeing the needed hand/eye coordination he should go straight to a MIG and not look back. A friend of mine's wife wishes to learn to weld to do some metal art work. I'll have her start with the MIG. She'll have to have a LOT more interest in welding before it would be worthwhile for her to go to more difficult methods.

I still got the idea that there can be some problems with a MIG, that a new weldor would have to cope with, that can't happen with a cracker box. Like running out of consumables such as a liner or tips or a cup or finding you have an empty tank on Sunday morning. With an arc welder you ether got rod or you ain't got rod. Also there can be problems with keeping even a top quality MIG in operation. A tight curve in the liner of a MIG can cause the wire to slow down or stop. You can tie knots in the arc welder cable and it dosen't know it. Worn drive roll or dirty liner or worn tip can cause all sorts of discontent. Does not apply to an arc welder. The arc welder could not care less if there's a wind blowing. Need to thaw frozen pipes? An arc welder can. Need to weld 100 feet at the top of a tower? Just get exrtra cable. Ya, I know, some of this is a streach but, being an oldtimer, I can't help it. Years ago us weldors used to say "Highway Patrolmen don't get tickets and weldors don't buy welding rod". This was chanted [to remind us of the rightness of our actions] before we got past the guard at the time clock with full boots. Well, a couple of weeks ago I had to buy some Nirod. First rod I ever bought in 45 years of hobbying.

[Sinner70]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I am hooked on this sort of stuff and am excited to learn a new skill. I'll let you know how I make out. Thanks again.