Stick Welder Question

[Merkava_4]

It amazes me when someone is starting out welding everyone recommends machines that cost thousands of dollars.

You're removing one BIG variable out of the equation by having a good machine; you're completely removing the possibility of the machine causing the bad weld.

When the machine is operating the way a machine should - and if the material you're welding on is prepared properly - and your electrodes are nice and dry right out of the rod oven - it's all on you.

 

[bayou985]

You're removing one BIG variable out of the equation by having a good machine; you're completely removing the possibility of the machine causing the bad weld.

When the machine is operating the way a machine should - and if the material you're welding on is prepared properly - and your electrodes are nice and dry right out of the rod oven - it's all on you.

Listen to Merkava-4 Y'all He's right...

 

[Tim Cowan]

I'm just a hooby welder and have three machines now. I enjoy the Lincon wire welder best but on the stick side, the "freshest" rods that you can use make the biggest difference.

 

[speed bump]

You're removing one BIG variable out of the equation by having a good machine; you're completely removing the possibility of the machine causing the bad weld.

When the machine is operating the way a machine should - and if the material you're welding on is prepared properly - and your electrodes are nice and dry right out of the rod oven - it's all on you.

With something like a Lincoln tombstone or a Miler *******/thunderbolt or Hobart handler you remove a big variable of a lot of electronics to go wrong and that you have to set. Also how in the world are any of these bad machines? They are nothing more than transformers and rectifiers.

Eliminate the oven by practicing with 6010 DC or 6011 AC rods that are fairly fresh or bake your 6013 rods for an hour before you use them (or don't most people I know don't unless they are being used for an X-ray test or they felt wet.). If you want to use some 7018 then you probably should starting looking for a rod oven but then again I know a lot of guys who successfully burn 7018 all day long without drying it and unless you X-rayed the weld you wouldn't find a problem.

 

[sberry]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vulturej
It amazes me when someone is starting out welding everyone recommends machines that cost thousands of dollars.

I will agree with the tone of this statement. If one has a specific need and the means its one thing to buy something they probably could live without.
However in this class of machine and this type of work, general garage related with sticks the difference to these users between a 400$ machine and a 4000$ one wont mean a pinch of ****. The Home types need something that runs from a 50A single phase circuit.
As for 3 ph machines like college has that is mostly moot. In my career I have ran dozens and dozens and I dont notice much difference, despite having extensive experience I would likely pretty much have to run something direct side by side to even give a second thought to it. Its pretty hard to beat up on the value of a 400$ dc buzzer, they work pretty well, different animal than comparing a 160$ Solar wire feeder to a 500$ Hobart MIG

 

[Doug19]

Quick question I have decided on getting a mig welder.. I was looking at getting a Hobart Handler 187, but I found a Millermatic DVI 2 for $1000. Is this a better welder and will I be happier with it than the Handler. Also it is used but looks brand new is $1000 a good price for it.