Arc welder questions

[MarkStewart]

I just got a welder given to me by a friend of mine. I really don't know too much about welders or electricity. So maybe someone here can help me with some of my questions. It is a homelite 135dc welder with I think a 5 or 8 hp robin engine. It has what looks like an electrical outlet on the side of it. Next to the outlet it says 120v dc. Can I use the outlet for a power drill etc.? Or is dc power for certain kind of appliances? Also what thickness of steel could I expect to weld with 135amp maximum? Thanks

 

[DieselD]

That works just like a generator, use it for anything you what except your computer, not real clean power.
135 amps can do up-to 1/2" with the right rods
Danny

 

[Glenn9643]

I'm not knowledgeable about welders, but 120VDC would indicate direct current to me. You might not want to try regular AC tools, etc. on DC. Household electricity is alternating current (AC)

 

[pruntyc]

I agree, use 120VDC, with a AC tool, kiss the AC tool goodbuy, it will be gone. AC with AC. DC with DC.

 

[CJDave]

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Mark.....those outlets will power almost any tool that HAS BRUSHES. Drills, saws, etc., they'll usually work. Fans, pumps, and other types of motors....won't. 135 AMPs will weld up to 1/2" if you use 1/8" rod and really get a good "sewing" movement....keeping the puddle really hot. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Hambone]

Something that might save a lot of time and trouble. Contact a local technical school and see if they have welding classes available. They are usually inexpensive compared to the knowledge that you learn that last a lifetime.

 

[Nelson]

My advice would be to get a hold of the operators manual for your machine and read in front to back. Also, check the voltage of that outlet with a meter to find out if it is ac or dc so you can use it corectly. It might just be labeled incorrectly. Call the local trade school, take a beginners welding class. There is too much to find out about welding through advice on TBN. Once you get some basic skills and knowledge, you just need time under the hood to get good.

 

[Skeptic]

I will second that on taking a welding class at a local community college or technical school.
That is what I have done and I am having a great time.
I am taking a class that is more aimed at welding in the building and maritime trades, but the concepts are the same.
We are getting exposed to all processes. Oxy-fuel, Stick, MIG, TIG, Dual Flux, etc. are available and we get to work with each one.

 

[MarkStewart]

Thanks eveyone for the info. I do want to take a course if I find the time, hopefully my local community college offers one. Until then I will practice with it and make some cruddy welds. I already welded one little project, it didn't turn out to pretty. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[rrw1238]

Like the man said many power tools work on either AC or Dc. Chop saws, grinders, wire brushes etc. If they have Brushes they are ok.
I just got a new to me welder. I Had an old Lincoln 225 AC unit and Century mig machine for over 20 years. I had just about quit welding because of my eyes. Then I bought one of those automatic darkning shieds that you can adjust the darkness on. I can wear my glasses in it and its great.
It was so much fun that I started looking for a better welder and found a 200 amp 20 HP Onan diesel on Ebay and bought it. I think its a pretty old machine (over 20 years) but it sure welds nice. While I didnt own a good welder until now I have used others at work and friends. This machine is easier to use than any I have ever used before . It appears to be a Miller clone. But I have not been able to find a manual for it.
If anyone has any experiance with a McGraw Edison Onan Pro 200 I would appreciate hearing from them. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif