Dc or ac welder

[dirt clod]

Sounds likeLincoln ac/dc is the way to go.
Anybody know much about these two? Are this there a differant brand/model I should look at?


Lincoln K1297 AC/DC 225/125 Stick Welder, 40-225 AMP


Hobart 500421 Stickmate LX 235 AC/DC

 

[xlr82v2]

If you're going AC/DC, I'd highly recommend the Hobart Stickmate over the Lincoln.

The Hobart will output 160 amps DC whereas the Lincoln will only put out 125...Those 35 amps are enough to make a difference at times.

If you're going to stick with AC only machines, then I'd recommend either one... whichever you can get the best price on. They're both bulletproof.

Rod storage: ANY welding rod left exposed to the atmosphere for longer than 20 minutes absorbs enough moisture that it is no longer considered usable for code welding. However, since most don't do welding requiring xray inspection, etc, storage in a plastic welding rod storage tube is very adequate. It's how I store mine. They will hold 10 lbs of rods.

PW,

That's the first I've heard of that. Normally, only low hydrogen electrodes such as 7018 are the only ones concerned with moisture in the coating.

Other electrodes such as 6011 and 6013 require a certain ammount of moisture in the coatings to run properly. Too dry, and the coating will not perform to spec.

Not argueing here, just I haven't heard the ANY rod left exposed statement before...

For the welding that probably 98% of us do here on this website, even 7018 left exposed to the atmosphere for a year or more is still more than adequate. It just has lost it's "low hydrogen" properties, and as such will probably not pass X-Ray inspection... just like all the other non-low hydrogen rods.

 

[ray66v]

ANY welding rod left exposed to the atmosphere for longer than 20 minutes absorbs enough moisture that it is no longer considered usable for code welding. However, since most don't do welding requiring xray inspection, etc, storage in a plastic welding rod storage tube is very adequate. It's how I store mine. They will hold 10 lbs of rods.

A friend of mine is a welding contractor, I get all my rods for free from him, because he will not use any rod on a job, that has been left sitting out.

 

[SPYDERLK]

If you're going AC/DC, I'd highly recommend the Hobart Stickmate over the Lincoln.

The Hobart will output 160 amps DC whereas the Lincoln will only put out 125...Those 35 amps are enough to make a difference at times.

PW,

[[[That's the first I've heard of that. Normally, only low hydrogen electrodes such as 7018 are the only ones concerned with moisture in the coating.

Other electrodes such as 6011 and 6013 require a certain ammount of moisture in the coatings to run properly. Too dry, and the coating will not perform to spec.]]]

Not argueing here, just I haven't heard the ANY rod left exposed statement before...

For the welding that probably 98% of us do here on this website, even 7018 left exposed to the atmosphere for a year or more is still more than adequate. It just has lost it's "low hydrogen" properties, and as such will probably not pass X-Ray inspection... just like all the other non-low hydrogen rods.

[[[I have heard that strict exposure thing, but my experience with 6011 both ways tells me that storage at about 50% H is better than dry.]]]

I do get better and easier welds with low hydrogen rods DRY tho.
larry

 

[xlr82v2]

Yep... for "moist" 7018, just short circuit them until they "smoke", then weld away. Definitely not for "code" or x-ray work, but for what most of us are doing, this technique drys them adequately when being used for general welding.

 

[bjr]

I agree weld prep and slag removal is esential. I use a HF air powered needle scaler a lot on my thicker steel projects. I also use a notted 3" wire wheel to clean up. I'm just repairing old farm implements though. bjr