welding tips

[dbc112]

So i need to slightly modify my trailer to fit the new quad.. I purchased a small 70 amp welder from pep boys.. the steel I am welding is only 1/8 so it should work.


I am having a heck of a time getting the spark to start it is so close the electrode keeps sticking to the metal..

any suggestions? Is this welder so underpowered it cant even start?

all cable are pulled straight.. have a 15 amp breaker.. says runs on 120v so not sure what to do.

[05LSR250R]

Use a scratching motion with the stick to get it started.
If it continues to stick.....your to cold!

What type of rod? 7018?
What size rod?

[dbc112]

Continues to stick, I am using 6013 1/16.

To cold means not enough juice?

I may grind down the steel a bit where i am welding for better penetration. This is on top of bolting the angle iron to the frame. Just wanted to play a bit.

BUYERS REMORSE!!!

Edit: just realized I am running it off a 15 amp breaker non dedicated. The manual calls specifically for a 20 amp dedicated.. time to wire in a new box

[mikeB]

when i arch weld i usually just tap it and then pull away and keep a distance of about 1/8 inch and drag the puddle.

depends on the rods.

[05LSR250R]

You should definitely feel the rod on the metal makin contact with the metal. If you pull the rod up away from the meteal and create a gap then you are basically exposing it to the atmosphere.......not good! The flux is on the rod to shroud the actual arc from atmospheric contaminants!

[IdahoMX]

Do you have the acetalyne bottle? Sounds like a either to cold or wire speed to fast

[05LSR250R]

Good question! I thought we were talkin stick welding!

[underpowered]

grinding the paint will help for sure. a stick will burn through rust and paint much better than a mig will, but clean metal is always best.

and yes, yoru should keep contact with the rod at all times, don't pull away.

BTW, stick not mig, no bottle to deal with, nor wire speed.

[fastredrider44]

Originally posted by dbc112
Continues to stick, I am using 6013 1/16.

To cold means not enough juice?



That is a poor penetrating rod and 1/16th is about the smallest rod you are going to find. You would be better off to get some 7018 rods. They penetrate better, are stronger, and still make a good looking weld. But on 1/8th inch material, a mig welder would be better suited.

And too cold means not enough amperage. If the welder is running, it's not the breaker, until the breaker starts kicking out.

[tri5ron]

how old is the Rods you are using?
they do not have an indefinate shelf life.

and also I agree on the Mig for 1/8th material.
solid wire,with 75/25% argon gas, as opposed to flux core wire is preffered.

[wilkin250r]

How much experience have you had welding?

I've found that a hot rod and workpiece start much easier than a cold rod and workpiece. If you're really having trouble, maybe throw a torch or heat gun on it, to the point that it's too hot to touch.

Sure, MIG is better and easier, but that information only helps if you have access to one.

[fastredrider44]

Originally posted by tri5ron
how old is the Rods you are using?
they do not have an indefinate shelf life.



Main thing is that moisture will make some rods very difficult to work and the flux wont flow like it's suppossed to. 1/8 inch material isn't going to be a good thing to start welding on, but if it were me, I would be running about 60 amps, and welding fast, watching carefully not to blow through the material. Good luck.

[redrider91]

im assuming this is an ac welder the rod you are using is a good rod for it you just need to turn up the amps. and jus scratch or tap it

[fastredrider44]

Originally posted by redrider91
the rod you are using is a good rod for it or tap it

They weld easy and look pretty when done right, but a 6013 lacks penetration. Are you welding something for strength or just to hold it in place?