picture worth a thousand words

[MossflowerWoods]

I just want to say this is a great thread. All of the posters are awesome good folk to know.

Candyman,

You are WAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY ahead of me!

Keep up the good effort!

Practice makes permanent!

Be well,
David

 

[Redneck in training]

I don't know how old you are, but you might start looking at dollar store reading glasses. Try to find ones that give you the clearest vision at about 12 to 16 inches from your eyes. If / when you start Tig welding you'll want the focal point a little closer.

Second that. Or get fresnel lense insert for your helmet. Miller Welding Helmet Magnifying Lens 212235
Welding Helmet Magnifying Lens, 2.50 - Welding Helmet Accessories - Supplies - 2AAV2 : Grainger Industrial Supply
welding magnifier lenses - BuyCheapr.com

 

[sixdogs]

Second that. Or get fresnel lense insert for your helmet. Miller Welding Helmet Magnifying Lens 212235
Welding Helmet Magnifying Lens, 2.50 - Welding Helmet Accessories - Supplies - 2AAV2 : Grainger Industrial Supply
welding magnifier lenses - BuyCheapr.com

These are great. I have seen guys use them for TIG but would they have any application for MIG?

 

[rhett]

Candyman,

Learning to weld using a generator as the power source is a tough one. Because of the power delay while the gen-set ramps up when striking the arc, it makes electrode sticking that much more of an issue. The only tip I can think of is to intentionally strike a long arc for a second or two letting the gen-set ramp up the power, then close in and start working the puddle.

Honestly, I believe that if you could get a 220v 30Amp power cord for use and practice near the house you will have a much easier go at it. Once you get the feel for it, use the gen-set. The extension cord will be good to have for many other high current draw uses (ie. emergency power).

Make sure to get the Wife LOTS OF CHOCOLATE (Candy-man) Today, helping sway her towards the need.

 

[weldermike]

Candyman,

Learning to weld using a generator as the power source is a tough one. Because of the power delay while the gen-set ramps up when striking the arc, it makes electrode sticking that much more of an issue. The only tip I can think of is to intentionally strike a long arc for a second or two letting the gen-set ramp up the power, then close in and start working the puddle.

Honestly, I believe that if you could get a 220v 30Amp power cord for use and practice near the house you will have a much easier go at it. Once you get the feel for it, use the gen-set. The extension cord will be good to have for many other high current draw uses (ie. emergency power).

Make sure to get the Wife LOTS OF CHOCOLATE (Candy-man) Today, helping sway her towards the need.

Try a scratch drag to let the generator spike, and then dive in quick. Should help with your sticking problem with some practice. If you are a righty, try two hands with your rod inbetween your left middle and index finger like a pool stick till you get going, then slowly slide back and two hand the stinger. Watch your puddle behind you and for now, drag your rod and you wont have to fight with arc length till you get comfortable. Flat position of coarse!

 

[Shield Arc]

I know you have a nice stick welder but some tasks, like filling drill holes in sheet metal, are more easily done with a low powered mig fluxcore unit. Used 110v machines can be had for a hundred bucks and would increase the versatility of your welding tools.

If I had my choice I'd go for Mig every time. I got involved in filling thirteen 7/8 inch dia missed drilled holes in a 2 inch thick sole plate that was embedded in a concrete column. The holes had to be welded up and pass UT testing. I used a hole saw to cut a 10-GA thick plug, drove the plug to the bottom of the hole, used a Mig welder to fill the holes. All 13 holes passed the UT.

 

[IslandTractor]

If I had my choice I'd go for Mig every time. I got involved in filling thirteen 7/8 inch dia missed drilled holes in a 2 inch thick sole plate that was embedded in a concrete column. The holes had to be welded up and pass UT testing. I used a hole saw to cut a 10-GA thick plug, drove the plug to the bottom of the hole, used a Mig welder to fill the holes. All 13 holes passed the UT.

Well, you just did it that way because you are an inexperienced amateur!

I think some of the stick vs mig arguments are pretty silly and anyone would benefit from knowing both techniques and more importantly knowing when to use one or the other. Add O/A and Tig to the list too. :thumbsup:

 

[IslandTractor]

These are great. I have seen guys use them for TIG but would they have any application for MIG?

I use the cheater inserts for both MIG and TIG. I have two different strengths and use the higher power for TIG. Sure beats putting on reading glasses that need to be removed in order to walk across the room to the grinder etc and also allows you to wear wrap around safety glasses in addition. At about $7-10 each, get a few to find the best strength. I just change out the cheater insert depending on what process I will be using or sometimes with MIG depending on how close I will be to the work.

 

[KubotainNH]

Lots of good tips here and me being a novice probably won't add much but.... I used to stick all the time, then lose patience and the rod starts getting shaky which makes things worse. You gotta just take some time and try different ranges with one type of rod. When you get the one that works best, write down the amp setting for next time as a starting point. Two hands and resting your arm or side of hand against something stationary is a huge help. I also like the scratch like a match to get the arc started. Like someone else mentioned, try it on house power to make sure it's not generator related. Lastly, I have a cheap 110v HF wire feed welder that I use for most of my small jobs. For the $90 I paid the thing does a great job and is easy to learn. I use the stick for the big stuff but that little HF unit has created some strong welds. Good luck and keep at it.

 

[2manyrocks]

It never hurts to mention that welding can throw hot sparks a long way from where you are welding that can start a fire in something you don't expect. It's not the best place to weld, but I try to weld outside to avoid surprises.

I hadn't stick welded in a while until about a month ago. Thought it would be no big deal, and then it took me a while just to strike an arc. :ashamed: