Clamp vs Screw electrode holder

[JB4310]

I guess it is personal preference issue as both types hold the electrodes. In 40 years of heavy industrial construction, I think I saw one twister holder that a boilermaker brought in. Mostly we use the 200 amp Tweco which is similar to Lenco except the insulator on the holders are better quality. My only complaint with Tweco is that after using them for a few thousand pounds of welding rod, the grooves wear to where the only one left that will hold a 3/32"rod is the 90 degree groove on the very tip of the holder. This can be corrected with a file in a few minutes by filling away some of the holder base so the grooves arent so deep and you are good for another thousand pounds. If you burn the rods down to nubs, you will burn off the insulator eventually, so you need to leave about an 1.5" of rod to keep from overheating the insulator. Also dont use the electrode holder as a chipping hammer if you want the insulators to last.

That is the only one I use now, I use to use the groove that puts the rod out at an angle (45 ?) but now I seem to have better results with the 90 degree slot. Use 2 hands, bring my elbows in close to my body so I'm not stretching, not to be to stiff but to try and stabilise myself.

I don't have much insulation left on my stinger, but this is after years of occasional use. I'm guilty of being a nub burner
Another good reason to leave 1.5" of rod left, is so you can find them when you're cleaning up. Especially in your own shop/yard, otherwise they will try to find your tires!


JB.

 

[Haywire]

otherwise they will try to find your tires!

Hadn't thought of that. My shop floor is littered with them.

 

[JB4310]

Hadn't thought of that. My shop floor is littered with them.

Good time/place for a magnet !

.

 

[Shield Arc]

I always liked to use the tweco quick connect on the end of the whip for keeping my fitter in line. Less likely to get tangled up if a second shot is required.

"Ever hear the one about the parachutist who forgot his parachute? He said he could do without, just give him a couple hundred feet of welding lead, it would for sure hang up on something before he hit the ground".
Oh yeah, heard that ever since I was a pup.