My First Stick Welding Project

Gordon Gould · Jan 16, 2016

I bought myself an old tombstone AC welder and I am learning how to use it. This is my "ventilation" system plus I have the cellar door open a crack. Works good. I can see all the smoke going into the "hood" as I weld. I don't even set the smoke detector off and my wife says there is no smell upstairs.

Anyway, I thought I should do something that doesn't matter for a first project. But I wanted to do something heavy. So I built up some worn down plow shoes. Harmless enough. These are utilitarian welds not those of a craftsman.

Doing this is a lot more interesting than just laying beads like I have been doing.

gg

Shield Arc · Jan 16, 2016

If you go to buy some 6011, I really like Hobart's 335A 6011.

ovrszd · Jan 16, 2016

I agree. When my shop burned I replaced my Hobart rod with Radnor rod. Not impressed at all

Gordon Gould · Jan 16, 2016

That is Lincoln Fleetweld 180 (6011). An almost full 5 lb box came with the welder along with some 6013 and 7014 which I have not tried yet. The 6011 is just about gone now I might try the Hobart. I have been keeping everything the same so I can see if I am getting any better at it. Which I am, even thought you can see from my work I have a long way to go.

Arc weld · Jan 16, 2016

A shop vac isn't really a substitute for a fume extractor as it can catch on fire.

Tractor Seabee · Jan 16, 2016

Second on Arc Weld. Also looks like you have a lot wood around that welding. Hope you have a big fire extinguisher.

Ron

Tractor Seabee · Jan 16, 2016

Second on Arc Weld. Also looks like you have a lot wood around that welding. Hope you have a big fire extinguisher.

Ron

dragoneggs · Jan 17, 2016

Looks like a very nice welding table GG! Way to dive in on a big weld... at least for some of us. Yeah not you, SA.

Gordon Gould · Jan 17, 2016

Arc weld said:
A shop vac isn't really a substitute for a fume extractor as it can catch on fire.

No argument from me on this. It is one of those Do Not Try This At Home Yourself things.

And yes I have two good size fire extinguishers within an arms length and I stay down in the shop for an hour after I am through welding to make sure everything is still good. I agree it is a very poor welding environment but it is better than out in the snow.

Thanks Dragoneggs. I built the table with my torch set along with some advise I got here. In the same "shop". It is one of the handiest things I have. I use it for everything it seems. It was my first major welding project.