DC Welding

[bigdad]

Need some guidance......

I've been splattering around the shop with an old Wards stickwelder for the past 15 years. Recently I got my hands on a nice little Miller "Thunderbolt" AC/DC package.

Question: What is the advantge of using the DC option? Control?

Thanks in advance....... Big Dad

 

[Casey1]

Need some guidance......

I've been splattering around the shop with an old Wards stickwelder for the past 15 years. Recently I got my hands on a nice little Miller "Thunderbolt" AC/DC package.

Question: What is the advantge of using the DC option? Control?

Thanks in advance....... Big Dad

DC output adds better control on thin work and easier out-of-position welding, as well as fewer arc outages, less sticking and spatter.

I pulled that out of a Miller ad. However I have wondered why the same welder puts out 225 amps AC but only 150 amps DC. I am sure the answer is simple and obvious but for some reason I have never run across an explanation.

 

[bigdad]

Thanks Casey.....

I suppose that the rectification of the AC to DC drops some voltage. I wouldn't think that the amperage would be cut in half.

Sounds like I got a nicer unit than I had.

 

[Dirthog]

DC you can run low hydrogen rod higher strength welds also easer to weld muitl-position but low hydrogen rod is a little harder to run and make nice looking welds the rod is more sentisive to moisture too.

 

[shaley]

A good DC welder will give you good reactance in the arc. This will mean soft starts, stable arc, smooth weld metal xfer. DC reverse (electrode +) will give deeper penetration and keep most od the heat on the electrode. Thin sheet metal can be welded in DC Rev by flattening the rod angle and using a high iron powder coated rod.
These are just some of the things I like about DC welding.
May I suggest you purchase some 1/8" Lincoln 6013 rod (Lowes or HD) and see how smooth DC will weld. Slag will fall right off when the weld cools and the bead will look great.

 

[bigdad]

Thanks Shaley!

I knew you guys would have some great tips and experience.

 

[Soundguy]

Check out RMS and how it compairs to peak , and peak to peak AC voltages, and DC votlage.

That may help you some... that and ohms law.. etc..

soundguy

DC output adds better control on thin work and easier out-of-position welding, as well as fewer arc outages, less sticking and spatter.

I pulled that out of a Miller ad. However I have wondered why the same welder puts out 225 amps AC but only 150 amps DC. I am sure the answer is simple and obvious but for some reason I have never run across an explanation.

 

[Tom_Veatch]

Check out RMS and how it compairs to peak , and peak to peak AC voltages, and DC votlage.

That may help you some... that and ohms law.. etc..

soundguy

"standard" utility electrical service - are the voltages Peak to Peak, or RMS? I've always assumed RMS, but never really had any reason to find out for sure.

 

[Farwell]

Welding with DC is something I have always wanted to try but have not yet been able to find the justification for buying a DC welder when I already have a couple AC welders. If I buy another welder it will be an AC/DC or straight DC. I have heard that the the DC weld is cleaner, smoother, easier to strike and hold an arc.
I have a welding question, I am looking of information on 9013 (also called SAE9) welding rod has anyone here used this rod and if so where can it be purchased?

 

[mrutkaus]

That may be it, RMS ac amps = 225 x .707 = 159

That is, the ac amps are not quite real, but the dc ones are!

Mike