Which Welder?

[k0ua]

I am absolutely terrible at stick; definitely would be a bad judge for how it performs. I first tried stick welding when I was 13 years old and that day I thought "so this is why they call it stick", the rod was stuck down every time. I'm not much better these days. I will give it a try though.

It requires practice. You can't just attempt welding every once in a while and expect good results. We ALL stick rods sometimes, but with more practice the results get better and better. A good DC welder, a good auto darkening helmet and good working conditions will go a long way to getting some good results.

 

[yomax4]

Not a master at stick here either But. If you ever run a stick machine equipped with variable Hot Start and Arc Force you can make stick welding as smooth and easy as Mig. No cold puddles, No Stuck Rods.

 

[searcyfarms]

I think the MP210 has something like that on it for the stick - you can elevate the power when you start to your liking/stick type - I don't know if it better on DC or not because I only have an AC machine and I know I can stick on it if im not paying attention

 

[yomax4]

I think the MP210 has something like that on it for the stick - you can elevate the power when you start to your liking/stick type - I don't know if it better on DC or not because I only have an AC machine and I know I can stick on it if im not paying attention

As long as you can repair your broken stuff and mess with other enjoyable welding projects you are good. There is a really big world out there when it comes to welding equipment. I could go on for hours. Having a good time is the most important.

 

[otlski]

So I tried out the 210 MP this afternoon; everything works as it should. It was nice having more than one feed speed. My drive rollers look to be running true which was one of the problems some machines had. I found myself dialing the feed speed down a bit from the pre-selected values. Maybe it was because although I was test welding 1/4" to 3/8" the pieces were small scraps and heated up thoroughly.

Question, given that I will likely be using flux core and not MIG, why would I want to learn stick? What advantages does it have over flux core, when would flux core be advantageous over stick? The only immediate advantage I see of stick over flux core is that you can reach into tighter spaces.

 

[searcyfarms]

biggest thing I have heard is you don't have the options of different metals you are only using the wire itself and not various types of rod such as a 6011/6013/7014/7018 which have different tensile strengths etc.... and they are much better for welding things rusty/dirty/paint etc.....gives you more options not to mention the different sizes of rod for different situations for gaps/metal thickness/types of metal im not that familiar with flux core but maybe you can buy different rolls of wire types? I know with the gas you cant weld outside very well if its windy vs flux core so probably a good choice.

I would think you could maintain different sizes of puddles with a stick over flux core also.

that is about as much as I know - I learned a long time ago and we didn't have the fancy stuff there is now days so im not much of a resource other than trial and error.

 

[MoArk Willy]

I sure never meant to cause any issues by posing my question -

Rest assured, you didn't with me. As far as the three machines go I wouldn't necessarily go that route either. I was just answering the question as I thought it was asked. Actually for what I personally need I probably wouldn't get a plasma. And I have no intention of upgrading my little Amico unless it fails.
Apparently it is destined to (lol). I have been warned against Eastwood migs and of course any imports. Not that I agree with that observation since most things we buy are imports or partially constructed with import labor or materials. Rather than a plasma, I would opt for a set of torches.
The Hobart would still be the mig of my choice but until the need arises I'll stick with my buzz box for simple repairs.

 

[MoArk Willy]

I can too. Willy felt entitled to make comments about different welders and thought that Mark wasn't. .

Well...not exactly. It's not that Mark isn't entitled to his comments....we all are.
But when you represent a specific brand you really cannot be objective.....in my opinion.
Go to a Ford dealer and ask about the new Chevy truck. Do you believe that they can offer an opinion that isn't biased?
That was the point I was making. Nothing bad about Mark or Everlast.
Perhaps I rattled the chain a bit too much. I apologize for that....and that apology goes to Mark as well if I offended him.

 

[dragoneggs]

Rest assured, you didn't with me. As far as the three machines go I wouldn't necessarily go that route either. I was just answering the question as I thought it was asked. Actually for what I personally need I probably wouldn't get a plasma. And I have no intention of upgrading my little Amico unless it fails.
Apparently it is destined to (lol). I have been warned against Eastwood migs and of course any imports. Not that I agree with that observation since most things we buy are imports or partially constructed with import labor or materials. Rather than a plasma, I would opt for a set of torches.
The Hobart would still be the mig of my choice but until the need arises I'll stick with my buzz box for simple repairs.

Obviously to each his own... small width plate can be easily handled with a chop or angled grinder with cut off wheel. Anything with a long cut or not straight... then plasma is your best friend. I admit... I am not from the O/A era so I don't have that to set aside. Yes I have used O/A for cutting but always my FIL equipment. When it became time to get serious with cutting, the plasma choice became obvious.

 

[BukitCase]

Cutting - old school vs. new school...

VS.

cutting stainless -
old school - don't bother; try it, you WON'T like it
new school - bring it on; if it's conductive, you can cut it...

Cutting thicker material -
old school - put a bigger tip on, turn up the pressure (tip about $10 on Ebay)
new school - buy a bigger plasma (from about $600 to a few THOU$AND)

Welding with same equipment -
old school (O/A) change torch tip, set regulators, grab coat hanger weld (no electricity necessary)
new school - buy a mig, tig and/or stick welder, plug in where plasma WAS ($300 - several THOU$AND)...

Heating, bending -
old school - rosebud, or cutting attachment (don't push the lever )
new school - use old school, or $$$ for induction heater...

Bottom line - BOTH have their uses, I wouldn't "kick 'em outa the shop fer eatin' crackers" ... Steve