Lincoln AC 225 question

[sberry]

It allows you to use al the electrodes not just ones for AC. It was a joke among construction workers, spend an extra 100 on the machine and never have to buy rods again as they are the same as used at work.
The force provided by DC makes for great out of position control, this is for working on equipment where so much is vertical and overhead. This is kind of the difference with true professionals, the position really doesn't matter. Up, down or all around. Same quality of weld.
These are not perfect but general demo and could be greatly refined with a little practice. The 1st is DC and the first pass is a simple stringer up the joint then covered with a second weave. Note in pic 2 the tendency to hump in the middle, AC wants to sag and have to use a weave with the 7018 to keep it from drooping. Way more difficult and really operator dependent.
Even with the whip and pause of the 6011 in the 3rd, ac would want to drip or droop in the middle instead of flatten out.
I have my AC/DC, had it on AC a couple times in 35 years, 1 being that bead in pic 2. You could and should set it on DC+ and take the knob off and toss it so you are not tempted to fool with every setting on it.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I much prefer DC. It's easier for me to weld out of position. DC does have downsides though. At high amps, AC is better. I'm not a professional so I can't tell you what amps that is but I think it's anything over 200 amps. The other downside is arc blow. Using a magnet to hold a piece of metal will make your arc jump around. I did this one time and couldn't figure out what the heck was going on.

If your a farm welder like me, you'll learn quickly and watching videos and practice helps a lot. I use mostly 1/8 and metal prep helps me weld thicker materials. My only advice is to always practice. Once you get good at it, you can forget it if you don't weld often. Before you weld up a repair, find some scrap metal to practice on to make sure you have your speed and amps right. Also, weld with your other hand sometimes. Every once in a while you'll be in an awkward position and not be able to weld with your dominant hand.

 

[tapered-pin]

*sponge*

thanks guys..
(rethinks setting up my AC225, want a AC/DC225 now)

 

[FTG-05]

*sponge*

thanks guys..
(rethinks setting up my AC225, want a AC/DC225 now)

Yea, no kidding. And Everlast is holding a 20% moving sale on all welders and plasma cutters right now. I got an Everlast plasma cutter for my birthday this month. I get a new welder and my wife finds out, that new welder will cost me in excess of $500,500 ($500 for the welder, $500K for the divorce!).

 

[sberry]

The Lincoln AC/DC is a very good welding machine. But,,,,,,, given the recent change in technology I would be considering a 150 Everlast or similar. They are DVI and being able to carry to and use 120V is super handy and then some. I have a Maxstar, I suspect it probably isn't too far from a grand now and the green import is about 250. I would like to test one but reliable accounts say they work. They don't need extra secondary lead for most jobs and will run 1/8 lo hy on 240V, will run 3/32 lo hy and 1/8 6011 from 120 nice and toasty.

 

[sberry]

If a guy truly learns this being a good stick welder is an unmistakable skill. Same for cutting with a torch.

 

[sberry]

I had 3 jobs recently where skill was everything. There are a lot of situations even some crappy welding work but there are spots it just needs to be good. One was pressure water pipe in a ditch and another I recall where it was a re repair. The owner sat thru it, was mentioning I ground off the old snot, it was under a truck, overhead and commented when I went to weld it that it sounded different than his bud sputtering around who outright missed half and the other half wasn't welded either as it was hard to get at.