Arc welding question.

[skwirl]

This may seem silly, but it's not the first time I've asked a silly question.

I will be getting a hand-me-down Lincoln AC225 for Christmas. I understand how this machine works and the principals of stick welding even though I have never done it.

My question is What do you do with the electrode holder between welds? My understanding is that it is energized when the power switch is on. Do I drop the electrode and find a safe place to lay it down so it does not arc back to my workpiece or hang on to it and move the work, clamps, ect one handed?
Or do I power the machine off each time I complete a weld?

The tip on Lincoln MIG is not "hot" until I pull the trigger so this has me confused.

Thanks in advance,
skwirl

 

[king nero]

the holder is (should be) isolated around the "jaws", so that, however you lay it down, it doesn't make contact with the workpiece.
If the rod is still in there, you'll need to be aware of where you place it and/or any so called arc strikes (which you'll learn fast enough)...
(for that matter: the rod is still hot enough to set anything on fire when you put it aside, so you'll want to be carefull on that subject too)...

 

[luvit]

.
Hey!
I got the same hand me down welder.

• I fixed it up.
• I studied this.
• I had the same question as you and majority of the responses were that they welded a loop onto the edge of the table and would hang the stinger from the spring clamp..
Make sense?
Funny thing was that my dad already had a loop welded to the table, I just didn't know why!

Welcome to TGJ!

.

.

 

[jhn9840]

Drape the stinger over your shoulder if you need both hands free for a minute or two.

jhn9840
John

 

[luvit]

Drape the stinger over your shoulder if you need both hands free for a minute or two.

jhn9840
John

after he removes the blistering hot electrode?

.

 

[CAOS]

When I was taught to weld, I was always taught to "never leave a loaded gun". From habit I always remove the rod from the stinger. It also depends if you are you using the clamp on or twist on type. Clamp on you can at least hook the handle under the tables edge.

 

[skwirl]

Thank you for the replies. I can't wait to burn some rods (and not burn down the shop).


skwirl

 

[Dara]

i jus remove the rod anytime i use arc...as long as the insulation is fine on the stinger an theres no rod in it,its pretty much fine to leave down anywhere you want

 

[Doug Arthurs]

My bench is steel and I clamp the ground to the bench so I have no place to set the stringer either. I usually set it on the floor or drap it over my shoulder if I need both hands. I prefer my mig for most work I do. Even with that sometimes you set it down and accidently depress the trigger and strike an arc.

 

[steel 35]

I frequently hang them on a pair of vice grips hanging off the edge; weather it's arc, mig or tig.

 

[joecon]

one thing you also need it a can with sand in the bottom to put the hot
rods in. it is better that putting them on the floor or the bench top.

 

[brownbagg]

i just throw mine on the table, you figure out in a couple seconds if that a good idea

 

[Jzytaruk]

Just take the electrode out, toss it in your rod can, and put the stinger on the table..

 

[Josh_C]

skwirl- On my welding table I have a ring welded to the side that I just hook the stinger to like others have mentioned. If I stop welding in the middle of a rod- say I am tacking up several pieces- I will typically leave the electrode clamped in the stinger and due to the nature/location of the hook there is no danger of arcing off of anything. I make it a practice to burn my electrodes down to the AWS classification and then I immediately dump the stub in a bucket. If you can help it I would advise you to always have a metal bucket handy to toss your stubs and pieces of scrap in. It makes clean up way easier, and you had better get in the habit of always cleaning up. A dirty work space is hazardous- especially in welding.

If you are welding in the field, or don't yet have a table welded up, you can always just dump it on a NC surface or rig up a vice grip holder like was mentioned before.

Have fun and be safe! Sounds like a great present. I'm a just a little jealous

 

[brownbagg]

you want learn to weld, here the easliest way, buy a box of 6010, about 50 pounds, and dont let anybody talk to you or bother you, and burn the whole box at one sitting. you will curse, scream, set yourself on fire but when you get done with that box, you will be able to weld

 

[Sureshot]

you want learn to weld, here the easliest way, buy a box of 6010, about 50 pounds, and dont let anybody talk to you or bother you, and burn the whole box at one sitting. you will curse, scream, set yourself on fire but when you get done with that box, you will be able to weld

Not with that welder. Use 6011. Better yet for flat and learning get some 7014. Stay away from 7018 with an AC welder while learning and even after unless they have got them to work better.

 

[Josh_C]

Not with that welder. Use 6011. Better yet for flat and learning get some 7014. Stay away from 7018 with an AC welder while learning and even after unless they have got them to work better.

Sureshot- You leave your logic out of this! 6010 spatter is the most effective tool known to man for teaching proper (read: low pain) technique and form. You're not welding till your fancy welding shirt is burning!

 

[slip knot]

I'm gonna agree with most here in saying that you need to just jump in and start burning rods. Buy some different types and try them out. 6011 would be a good starting rod. I prfer the lincoln rod but have used the hobarts from TSC in a pinch.

once you get to where your putting some decent looking welds down start bending and hammering on them. Break a few at the welds to determine what knida penetration your getting. A pretty weld doesn't always equal a strong weld. Start jacking the voltage up and down to get used to burning in versus blowing holes.

It takes a lot of time and practice to get good at welding but it can lead to some very rewarding projects.

 

[Sureshot]

Sureshot- You leave your logic out of this! 6010 spatter is the most effective tool known to man for teaching proper (read: low pain) technique and form. You're not welding till your fancy welding shirt is burning!

The 6011 is nearly the same but will work with AC. 6010 is strictly DC.