What do you think of this stick welder?

[Shield Arc]

Haywire I found that my PowerArc 200 loves Hobart's 335A 6011, there must be an arc stabilizer in the flux, even I can run them almost as good as a pro! I can just do no wrong with the 335A 6011!

 

[rankrank1]

...I've read that 6011 doesn't work as well with DC as it does with AC, something different in the flux. Is the difference enough to hinder me learning on it or does it make sense to put out the effort to find the 6010?

thanks,
Ian

Never heard 6011 does not work well on DC. Yes it has arc stabilizers to aide with the AC users but that should help DC users too. Generally speaking any rod that will burn on AC will burn on DC slightly better as long as arc blow does not come into play. Many DC guys even use 7018AC rods instead of regular 7018 because the stabilizers allow it to burn easier - plus like 6011 it is easier to find in the commons stores like Lowes, HD, Menards, TSC, etc.

Regarding 6010: Lots of DC only welders will not run 6010 worth a hoot. Many of the Miller Maxstar Inverter guys have to use 6011 because it will not run 6010 at all. Even some of the Everlast guys complain of difficulties running 6010 even with the special port - others praise the Everlast as running 6010 with no problem. At minumum, these conflicting stories tell me 6010 is not easy to use. Most of the dedicated 6010 user's are pipeliners using high end motor driven power sources much superior to a backyard welding source. Even the old Lincoln Idealarc's or Miller Dialarc's are far superior units to the little buzzboxes or low end DC Inverter units.

Unless you are practicing for welding certification tests, then I would not fool with 6010. 6011 is easier to use, eaiser to find, and cheaper too.

My goto rods for average everyday common steel are 6011 for rusty metal, and then 6013 or 7014 for clean metal. While I have an AC only power source welder, these will still be my stocked rods if I ever do add DC capability - although I doubt that I ever will add DC capability as AC works fine for my needs.

 

[rankrank1]

...even I can run them almost as good as a pro! I can just do no wrong with the 335A 6011!

Now ShieldArc it should be someone like me making a statement like that. I am the self-proclaimed hack of a welder although I never be almost as good as a pro.

Craftsmen like you (and 4shorts) could probably make beautiful weld beads while using a book of cigarette matches as the power source - LOL.

That all said keep up the good work of providing helpful tips and photos. They certianly do give me something to aspire to be.

 

[Shield Arc]

rankrank1 thanks for all the kind words!
I'm not a pro, its been well over 20-years since, (pushing 30) I worked as a weldor. I did weld for years, then went into rigging full time, and then into management. Just the last few years since retiring I've got back into welding, and collecting old pipeline welding machines. Man can I throw the money away!:laughing:

 

[Haywire]

Thanks for straightening me out on that guys... 5/32" 6011 it is. Gotta go... late for work.

Ian

 

[dcyrilc]

Ok, I guess I'm committed now (or need to be committed). I picked up an auto-darkening helmet, gloves, chipping hammer, soapstone markers and a couple of those magnetic doohickeys that hold piece-parts at 45 or 90 degrees for welding.

Going for the PowerArc200.

Ian

I'm right there with you as I bought the hammer, gloves, and magnetic doohickeys last week. The auto darkening helmet is next week, and I think it will be an I-Mig 200 in a few weeks after that.:thumbsup:

I think my first attempt at a project will be a welding table.

Picked up a Miller Elite series autodarkening yesterday.:thumbsup: Only thing left now is the welder. Mark already gave me a price so I just have to get the extra $ stuffed away for that.

 

[Haywire]

Waiting on Wednesday... or rather Thursday morning. It should be delivered Wednesday but with me on nights, I won't see till Thursday.

Anyone want to speculate how long till the first spatter burn appears?

Ian

 

[dcyrilc]

Waiting on Wednesday... or rather Thursday morning. It should be delivered Wednesday but with me on nights, I won't see till Thursday.

Anyone want to speculate how long till the first spatter burn appears?

Ian

I'm guessing Thursday.

I'm figuring between 2 and 4 weeks before I can buy mine. Keep us posted after you get yours.:thumbsup:

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

dcyrilc

The 200's with 110/220V are IN. We have a couple left of the regular 220V.

 

[Haywire]

What are the dual voltage 200s costing? (Just my luck to buy one of the last of a discontinued model LOL)