New to arc welding--very new

[k0ua]

We are assuming the breaker in the breaker box on the wall is a double breaker and not 2 single breakers, (I have seen people do that) and that you have between 220 and 240 volts coming to the welder and you haven't lost a "leg" of the supply voltage?

 

[flyerdan]

The old tombstones were pretty simply and reliable, but if it has set for a long time, pulling the cover and blowing it out, making sure the contacts are clean and the springs are good, and the cable connection are good is advisable. Since it has longer leads it's even more important to make sure the connections are good. If I recall, the ocv on them was about 16-20 volts which is why they tended to stick so bad. When I bought a neighbor's Airco many years ago I was amazed at how much easier it was to strike an arc with the higher ocv.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Probably your contacts on the selector. Take some GRC "lectramotive" and spray it good and clean them up with a bit of emory paper if you can get at it.

 

[WranglerX]

On one I had the contacts on selector switch were the only problem I ever had... Cycle switch back and forth (between stops) several times and try it again... Might remove some of the crud and corrosion off contacts.... Make sure switch contacts are "mated" ...

Dale

 

[Cord]

Because you are "very new" to welding, did you by chance get the rod to weld it's self to the work piece?

 

[jaxs]

Turn your breaker off and back on. Check your plug for power on both phases.

What type of electrode? 7018 is hard to restrike.

Also note your welder is AC. Stick with the rods that work well on AC like 6011 and 6014..

What he^^^ said,esp about 7018. File or cut end of rod off then try it.

 

[Pilot]

Original poster here. Thanks for all the suggestions. Going to start with the ground. I have a 1/4" sheet I am setting the parts on and clamp the ground to that. It's pretty rusty so I spent some time on it with my belt sander and when the weather improves I'll give it a try. The rust is a known problem, so it makes sense to start there. The shop was wired by an electrician specifically for the welder so I don't think mis-wiring is an issue. I have some 7018 rod, so I'll switch to that from the unkinown rod that came with the unit. Thanks again. I hope you won't have to hear from me again!

 

[RNeumann]

Original poster here. Thanks for all the suggestions. Going to start with the ground. I have a 1/4" sheet I am setting the parts on and clamp the ground to that. It's pretty rusty so I spent some time on it with my belt sander and when the weather improves I'll give it a try. The rust is a known problem, so it makes sense to start there. The shop was wired by an electrician specifically for the welder so I don't think mis-wiring is an issue. I have some 7018 rod, so I'll switch to that from the unkinown rod that came with the unit. Thanks again. I hope you won't have to hear from me again!

Unfortunately normal 7018 isn’t designed for an AC welder........and the 225 is typically AC only. Unless you have a DC version of that welder I’d stick (no pun intended) with the common ones like 6011 or 6013 - especially while you learn.

 

[searcyfarms]

turn it up to about 180 and then try to strike and arc, that should tell you if its working!!!

when you turn it on the fan should come on even if you only have 110volts, if it wont strike and arc on 180 maybe you lost a 110leg/wire/breaker or like they said selectors not making contact but if you try a couple of the high amperage units you should be good to make and arc

 

[Pilot]

Problem solved--TaDa!
Rod wasn't cleaned down to shiny metal. Now it's time to learn how to actually weld. Thanks for all the suggestions and now if I have another problem I can check all the ideas you guys presented. BTW the 7018 rod is what the guy at the welding shop suggested. Now I have downloaded a rod chart. And for the amount of welding I expect to do I'll get rods in the future from HF--unless someone here says they are no good.