what to look for in a used stick welder

[k0ua]

I'm hoping to put my 7018s in the original tin canister and keep it near'ish to the pilot light of the furnace or hot water tank. Will probably buy a toaster oven to heat the rods before using them. I don't live in an area where the humidity is very high.

One of the products of combustion of propane or Natural gas is water. The pilot light also of course puts out a lot of water into the air. I would think that anywhere near a gas appliance including a BBQ grill is a high moisture environment. This is why rod heaters are always electric.

James K0UA

 

[undercut]

One of the products of combustion of propane or Natural gas is water. The pilot light also of course puts out a lot of water into the air. I would think that anywhere near a gas appliance including a BBQ grill is a high moisture environment. This is why rod heaters are always electric.

James K0UA

Thanks, James. Forgot all about that. Thanks for reminding me. Can you think of any issues about near the condenser coil of the refrigerator? I'm not going to get too wrapped up about this. Nothing I'll be doing soon involves critical welds but I do want my rods to keep for a (potentially long) while.

 

[k0ua]

Thanks, James. Forgot all about that. Thanks for reminding me. Can you think of any issues about near the condenser coil of the refrigerator? I'm not going to get too wrapped up about this. Nothing I'll be doing soon involves critical welds but I do want my rods to keep for a (potentially long) while.

Cant think of any problem right off. I just keep mine in one of those harbor freight rod holders with a rubber gasket. I believer it to be airtight. Many have commented you have not really welded with a 7018 unless you have welded with a fresh HOT 7018 from a rod oven. I have though about buying one and I have found some that maybe I could afford, but I have not done it. But my results with the stored 7018 have been good.

James K0UA

 

[undercut]

Cant think of any problem right off. I just keep mine in one of those harbor freight rod holders with a rubber gasket. I believer it to be airtight. Many have commented you have not really welded with a 7018 unless you have welded with a fresh HOT 7018 from a rod oven. I have though about buying one and I have found some that maybe I could afford, but I have not done it. But my results with the stored 7018 have been good.

James K0UA

Thanks, James. You are helpful as always!

 

[AmericanTractorDriver]

The amperage core should move throughout its travel without binding (if it's a little stiff it probably needs cleaning and a spot of lube).

Although a different machine, i just got a used old Lincoln
225 to mess around with. It actually has about a dozen "stops" (preset options) on the voltage selector, rather than a smooth variable flow. Is this an outdated model? Will i find myself wishing i had options in between these presets? Thanks!

 

[k0ua]

Although a different machine, i just got a used old Lincoln
225 to mess around with. It actually has about a dozen "stops" (preset options) on the voltage selector, rather than a smooth variable flow. Is this an outdated model? Will i find myself wishing i had options in between these presets? Thanks!

Outdated model? No they still make and sell them. Will you want current settings between the tapped current selections? Yes. When someday you get to use a DC machine instead of the AC machine will you be in heaven? Yes.

James K0UA

 

[flyerdan]

The 225 tombstones are pretty much the AK-47 of welders; they're inexpensive, found everywhere and virtually indestructible. The biggest drawback, especially for someone just beginning, is the low ocv that tends to stick the rod when striking an arc. There's a tuneup guide for these machines to improve the performance somewhat if you want to spend the time and effort.

 

[AmericanTractorDriver]

Thanks for the tuneup link. I'll look it over tonight after work. I already have the machine apart and have cleaned the dirt out. Next will be cleaning up the electronics. I am going to replace the input wire since it looks like it's starting to crack.

I paid $80 cash + $20 worth of gas for the machine. After I agreed to buy it, the seller threw in a chip hammer and what he says is about $70 worth of rod (though I have not priced the rods yet).

I see that AC current and higher OCV makes for a little easier weld. Maybe it'll do me some good to learn on this old machine.