Thread: welding

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I am interested in learning to weld. Is this a good welder to start out on. A friend of my hubbys gave this to him and i would really love to use it. I am interested in small welding like seat runners and small holes.

Lincoln Electric AC225 Stick Welder - LEWK1170

I learned to weld with a unit similar to that one about 40 years ago. It is not the easiest welder to learn with. A mig welder is much more easy to learn on.

It is probably the most popular welder sold throughout the world, and is still in use in many places like farms and shops. Arc welding has been pretty much replaced by Mig and Tig, but it is an excellent way to join two pieces of steel together. My entire '27 frame and suspension is arc welded, and in the hands of someone who knows how to weld (not me ) can produce nice looking, strong welds.

They aren't good for light stuff too much, and tend to burn through, so even a 110 volt mig might be a better choice for you. Chances are you won't be building any frames for a while, so for your applications a small mig would be a good start. You might want to add a bottle of gas to the mig because you will get less splatter than using flux core.

Don

I just noticed you said you already got one from a friend. Then go ahead and practice with it. Bonehead does lots of welding, so he knows what he is talking about, they are more difficult to use than mig, but if you pick up some of those powdered rods (I call them "contact" rods but they have a proper name that I forget) they make it easier because they won't stick like regular rods tend to.

only reason that i chose this one is because it is free. can anyone tell me where i can get a good starting book to learn by?

Call your local votech. They usually offer welding classes pretty cheap.

Don

would love too but cant travel. have to learn by book and asking alot of questons so welding guys on this site get ready

Hi Jyardgirl I like your saying I have lived by that for over fifty years . Your welder is fine for frames and fairly thick metal but a gas mig is what you really need for lite work. I have aflux core wire welder but I understand that under the right circumstances these can cause rust that can come through your paint. I find wire welders are eaiser to learn to use. I hope this helps. Francis

thanks francis it does. my saying is something i live by also. in the 50's i guess i would have been called a militant

can anyone tell me where i can get a good starting book to learn by?

I think its best to have someone (the machine donor?) spend a couple hours side by side with you. Then you can observe symtoms and causes rather than trying to learn them on your own. It has a lot to do with sound also, which a book will not provide you.

If you use the stick welder, I would start with 1/8 6010 or 6011 rods.

Lots of beginners start with a lens that is too dark.
I like a 9 with sunglasses, but its too bright for some, and no darker than 10 should be adequate. You HAVE to be able to distinguish the metal puddle (real shiny) from the flux (you can actually see the puddle forming under the flux).

How about a free video to get you started???? When the page comes up, click on the one on the right side of the page about controlling arc welding and a video will come up.


How to Use an Arc Weld | ExpertVillage Videos

Don

Originally Posted by SBC

I think its best to have someone (the machine donor?) spend a couple hours side by side with you. Then you can observe symtoms and causes rather than trying to learn them on your own. It has a lot to do with sound also, which a book will not provide you.

If you use the stick welder, I would start with 1/8 6010 or 6011 rods.

Lots of beginners start with a lens that is too dark.
I like a 9 with sunglasses, but its too bright for some, and no darker than 10 should be adequate. You HAVE to be able to distinguish the metal puddle (real shiny) from the flux (you can actually see the puddle forming under the flux).

SBC's statement about sound is spot-on. The other two important things are being able to see the puddle clearly (if your vision isn't perfect, consider getting some glasses that will focus at exactly the distance from your eyes to the puddle) and a good strong light on the piece you're welding.

I also agree that you don't necessarily need formal instruction. Just have one of the guys who's good at it spend a couple hours with you and you will be way ahead of the game.

Once you get good at stick welding, MIG will be a slam-dunk.

If you get a chance to, try some gas welding too. It will help to prepare you for TIG.

thank you so much guys. this sounds like alot of fun. i am so anxious to start now. hubby is bringing the welder and some scrap metal to learn on home today. I will be sure to watch the video tonight. always love new tools to play with.

I agree with the guys above except, for a beginner, you will have much better luck with 6013 or 7014 rod. 6011 is a deep penetrating rod, but produces more spatter and is harder to control the puddle when learning. 6010 is for DC welding and is not compatible with this machine (AC).

Have fun. Welding is one of the most useful skills I ever learned.

Years ago I was welding pipe, and I was bragging to my welders helper that I could weld two tin cans together with my stick welder. Though I had never tried it. The next day he shows up with two tin cans. I welded them together with a very pretty bead. So it can be done. The guys are correct about rod, 1/8 inch 6013, what we used to call "farmer rod", or 6011 is a good place to start. Stick takes a more steady hand, and more eye hand coordination. Good vision is must, so you can see what is going on. Mig welders were only used in factories before the mid 70s, so almost everything before that was arc welded. Arc welding is still used in pipline, and structural work today, so there is nothing wrong with it. it wll tke much more practice to master than mig welding, but it is a wonderful skill. As you learn I will b glad to help with questions.

Ahhhhhhhhhh man,the good ole Lincoln buzz box, Got mine when I was 15 years old with my lawn mowing money,still have it and I'm sure it still works although I haven't fired her up in at least 10 years. That old welder put lotsa roll cages and trailers together for me.