Critique my welds please
- Thread starter fatjay
- Start date
- Views: 5711
pgk
Bronze Member
I haven't try it but I have heard that the Harbor Freight wire isn't to bad.. Worth a try...
handirifle
Veteran Member
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
Veteran Member
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.
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.
Mattt2778
Bronze Member
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
Gold Member
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
Gold Member
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
Bronze Member
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.
Welds look good. Hows penetration on the first the pass on cold steel.
Shield Arc
Super Member
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.
