Picked up my first welder today

[Shield Arc]

I have heard it described a million times how to do it, and I can never get it right.

Shorten up the arc length, stand the rod up 90-degrees to the plate, and back up a little bit.
Shortening up the arc length is the big one! The closer the rod is to the plate the colder the puddle will be. Cold puddle will allow more fill.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Those are nice looking welds Shield Arc!

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Do you guys have any tips on a comfortable position for horizontal?

 

[Shield Arc]

Those are nice looking welds Shield Arc!

Thank you! Not bad for a hobbyist.

Do you guys have any tips on a comfortable position for horizontal?

Always try to keep your elbows tucked into your rib cage. If working on a table place your off hand elbow on the table to brace your self. Sometimes I'll use vise grips on the plate to rest my hand on. A lot of different ways to get comfortable.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Thanks again Shield Arc, I was outside this evening trying out the new leads I made up and running some beads on scrap, having fun! I was working on picking up the end of a bead and trying to blend the joining bead so it would look halfway presentable.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Here on the farm we have an old Lincoln gas welder on wheels, it's a 200 amp model. My grandfather bought it used in the late 80s, probably been 25 years since it's been run. I just remembered it was there. Do you think it might be worth looking into getting it going or just look at newer technology when the time comes? It would give me more amperage than my little one.



Lincoln's site says it's a 1969?

 

[joshuabardwell]

Here on the farm we have an old Lincoln gas welder on wheels, it's a 200 amp model. My grandfather bought it used in the late 80s, probably been 25 years since it's been run. I just remembered it was there. Do you think it might be worth looking into getting it going or just look at newer technology when the time comes? It would give me more amperage than my little one.

The SA-200 is a venerable welder that you will still find on pipelines around the world. The one you've got looks to be a bit worse for wear. If it doesn't run, you should get someone who specializes in SA-200 restoration to tell you if it's worth fixing up. In good condition, they can fetch a few thousand dollars. In poor condition, they may part out for a few hundred. When it's running right, an SA-200 will weld as good as anything in the world.

For hobby fabrication, I don't think an engine drive welder is usually the right choice. They are more expensive to run than mains power, and you constantly have to listen to an engine roaring in your ear. If you want more power, there are any number of welders in the 200 amp range that can be had for around $500 or thereabouts. The exception would be if you knew you were going to be working in a lot of places where you don't have 220v mains power.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

It's been sitting for quite a while. It's been covered with a heavy tarp. I never paid it much mind. It was my Grandfather's and he passed in 1993. I've known it's been there for many years, but never bothered looking at it. Seeing as I started the welding class recently, I was curious and took a look. Maybe it'll make a project some day.

 

[joshuabardwell]

Here's a fun video from a guy who loves his SA welders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW_g9PhIldQ

 

[dragoneggs]

Here's a fun video from a guy who loves his SA welders.

I think you missed attaching the link???