Critique my welds please

[Shield Arc]

I did an endurance test with an Everlast i140 Mig welder on a 15-amp breaker.

 

[pgk]

I haven't try it but I have heard that the Harbor Freight wire isn't to bad.. Worth a try...

 

[handirifle]

I tried HF wire before and it seemed to me like it didn't hold consistent spark. It could have been me, for sure, but the next wire I got was Lincoln (flux core on both) and it seems like it holds a much smoother, more consistent arc. I am NOT a welder, but I weld for my needs, if that helps any.

 

[handirifle]

fatjay
Pull the outlet and see if it's 12 or 14ga wire. I have seen, on occasion, someone stuck a 15a breaker on a 12ga wire circuit. Just make sure it goes all the way back to the breaker as 12ga if it is. If that was the case you could swap in a 20amp breaker, but you would have to verify all the wire on that circuit. Not a small job, but easier than a 60ft trench and a new driveway.

 

[CAVEMANN]

I don't like the HF wire, the lincoln n211, and forney wires I have used are ok too.

 

[Mattt2778]

fatjay
Pull the outlet and see if it's 12 or 14ga wire. I have seen, on occasion, someone stuck a 15a breaker on a 12ga wire circuit. Just make sure it goes all the way back to the breaker as 12ga if it is. If that was the case you could swap in a 20amp breaker, but you would have to verify all the wire on that circuit. Not a small job, but easier than a 60ft trench and a new driveway.

May not be the safest advice. If it's a long run (likely going to a detached garage) there may be too much voltage drop to allow for 20 amps on a 12 gauge.

 

[MoArk Willy]

I specialized in stick, but I don't have the power in my garage to handle it,

If you want an inexpensive stick welder look at the Amico DC inverter welder. Less than $150 delivered.
It's a 120/240 welder and I have used it at about 130 on 120v with no problem. With the DC however I have to keep turning it down.
I bought one back in December and I, like you haven't welded for a while. It's a very nice, lightweight welder that I think you would like.
The DC is very stable and I have had good luck on both clean and dirty material.

 

[Sebculb]

If you want an inexpensive stick welder look at the Amico DC inverter welder. Less than $150 delivered.
It's a 120/240 welder and I have used it at about 130 on 120v with no problem. With the DC however I have to keep turning it down.
I bought one back in December and I, like you haven't welded for a while. It's a very nice, lightweight welder that I think you would like.
The DC is very stable and I have had good luck on both clean and dirty material.

Yeah, those cheap little inverters are great! I dunno how long a $150-200 one will last but my 180 amp is over a year old and gets periodic heavy use. If it breaks I'll just call it a cost of doing business but it's already worked hard. Plugs into any old light socket and never tripped a breaker although it can get low on power with inadequate current. Just turn it up and keep cooking.

Like everyone else said, grind it out some, and shove a 3/32 stick down deep with the current turned up. Make multiple passes chipping out the slag and perhaps cleaning with the disc if needed. Perhaps use 1/8 on subsequent passes, cook it hot! 5/8 is thick.

 

[Evan03]

So whos going to run a 6ft bead with a 140v welder?. Just saying


Welds look good. Hows penetration on the first the pass on cold steel.

 

[Shield Arc]

Hows penetration on the first the pass on cold steel.

Evan03 I did some etching of Mig welds. First two pictures are of what a 120-volt Mig welder can do. The third and fourth pictures is what a 220-volt Mig welder can do.