Welding Rods for beginners

[LD1]

Also watch your fan placement. It might be blowing your shield away.

Shouldnt be an issue with stick

 

[Shield Arc]

I thought I was doing pretty well for a newbie, until I wasn't...ok,

daugen that is a very tough task for anybody, with a stick welder. I've been welding for a couple weeks now, and I wouldn't attempt it with a stick welder!

 

[daugen]

got sidetracked with field mowing this morning but got that done, maybe this afternoon when it rains, if it rains, I'll get a chance to go
back to it. Took stock of my rod supply, about 13 pounds of 6011 and 7 pounds of 7014, both split between 1/8 and 3/32
Not that I can't buy something else for this. I have more pics, need advice on joining different size metals, so let me post them later, now
waiting for delivery by semi.

 

[daugen]

It is pretty clear to me I am not using the optimum equipment appropriate for the job at hand, but
then life and tools aren't always optimum are they?...So, if I can do this with stick, I will. If I can't there is
always Plan B. Sincere thanks for all feedback.

 

[k0ua]

It is pretty clear to me I am not using the optimum equipment appropriate for the job at hand, but
then life and tools aren't always optimum are they?...So, if I can do this with stick, I will. If I can't there is
always Plan B. Sincere thanks for all feedback.

It can be done with stick, I have done it. But I didn't do it as my first project. The 1/16 6013 stick are not a bad idea either. I keep some of those around too. They are available at Lowes. Keep at it, even if you don't have complete success, you will learn something.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

With stick, to fill a hole with a fill freeze rod, keep it buried. That helps keep the slag chased out.

 

[daugen]

Mark, thanks, please define an appropriate "fill freeze" rod.

here are some pics of the steel going over this area.
And part of what I'm dealing with involving big gaps
One area needs to be pulled into alignment, then tack welded, then get all the clamps
out and weld it properly.

in for a penny, in for two pounds

I have two of these wing mowers. One is already welded and fixed and just needs refinishing. This one was in such bad shape the dealer said two for one.
So this is the one that would have wound up in the scrap heap somewhere, so as long as it doesn't look like Frankenstein when I'm done with it,
the net of all this is positive. Besides that Honda engine runs fine. The thinness of this deck is clearly evident in the one corner where there are two little holes that look
like metallic moths had a party there.

and a pic of the welder, the accessories I have and the rods in stock.
will work on this some more tomorrow morning.
103 heat index here today, yuk

 

[Shield Arc]

daugen you need to pick up a bottle of argon for your Tig welder. You will be surprised how much you will use it. Especially for small projects. :thumbsup:

 

[Oldpath05]

Mark, thanks, please define an appropriate "fill freeze" rod.

here are some pics of the steel going over this area.
And part of what I'm dealing with involving big gaps
One area needs to be pulled into alignment, then tack welded, then get all the clamps
out and weld it properly.

in for a penny, in for two pounds

I have two of these wing mowers. One is already welded and fixed and just needs refinishing. This one was in such bad shape the dealer said two for one.
So this is the one that would have wound up in the scrap heap somewhere, so as long as it doesn't look like Frankenstein when I'm done with it,
the net of all this is positive. Besides that Honda engine runs fine. The thinness of this deck is clearly evident in the one corner where there are two little holes that look
like metallic moths had a party there.

and a pic of the welder, the accessories I have and the rods in stock.
will work on this some more tomorrow morning.
103 heat index here today, yuk

I know what you mean, was in the high 70's here today, yuk. You have a good selection of rods, my favorites, but me thinks that repair work is better suited for a small mig welder, with .023-030 70s6 wire, that will keep you from overheating.

 

[lennyzx11]

Daugen, I took some college courses in welding. The instructor made us start with 1/4" steel butt welds in all configurations. He said that we had to learn that before we'd ever have a chance to weld on anything smaller with a stick because thinner metal burns through to fast for a beginner.
My two cents.
Lenny