Welding 101

[Kenskip1]

So here I sit wondering what welder do I require. I have a good working Longevity model 100 flux core welder.However I want to upgrade to a " DC Stick" welder For what I do is small lawn mower projects, a deck possibly a trailer related weld. How many amps are required to complete a weld on say 1/4 inch steel?his will be the thickest more than likely. The wonderful folks at "Longevity" keep telling me how up to date there 140 amp welder is. My question is, how many amps are required to weld on materials that I have mentioned. Also I will have to use 120 volts.HF is out of the question.Any recommendations? Klutch, Everlast,just to name a couple.I am on a budget. Thanks Ken

 

[PoorOwner]

Technically you need 240v to do 1/4 inch
Are you sure you are doing 1/4 inch?

If you are only welding 1/8 material onto 1/4 then 120v will do.

You can preheat or chamfer your joints to get further with 110v but I wouldn't push the limits if the application is critical such as making a trailer

 

[Kenskip1]

PoorOwner, the 1/4 is more than likely the thickest material I would encounter. Mostly making simple welding home projects.I repair mower decks and this is where I require a stick welder.An occasional weld on a trailer fender or railing.Thanks, Ken

 

[K13]

Why do you "require" a stick welder to work on mower decks?

 

[PoorOwner]

I have only used MIG with gas but I checked some charts the capabilities are similar.
I have done some 3/16 for example I made an adapter to go from 4 bolt to 2 bolt for my hose reel. It didn't fall off and in fact I warped it a little with 120v on max.

But I would not trust this kind of weld to tow 5000 lbs. it may hold or it may not and technically not enough penetration
For railing and fenders they are not 1/4 steel unless you are building a tank.

Are you saying you are on a tight budget but don't want HF and don't want 240v?

 

[Kenskip1]

Yes that is correct. HF and 240 are not on the menu. I have intent to make a cargo rack for my atv. Also a chain saw holder. Also a firewood rack. These are the projects I have in mind.As mentioned I have a flux core welder by Longevity. This is working well however I do not know if the flux core will have the penetration like a stick weld would.

 

[ZRX61]

None of the 3 projects you mention require 1/4in steel.... unless you have a chainsaw with a 15ft bar?

 

[Professur]

I see the words 120v and trailer-related weld .... And I'm thinking cow pie and ice cream are words I'd rather see together.

 

[Kenskip1]

If you would read my post it states that 1/4 inch is more than likely the heaviest material I would most least likely encounter. How about 1.25 square steel tubing? I am still new at this welding thing.All I am wanting to know is how many amps are required to construct these projects that I have mentioned.IS an 80 amp unit capable of doing these tasks?
This will be a DC unit.Ken

 

[ZRX61]

0.75in sq tubing is plenty, but the wall thickness doesn't need to be thick enough to warrant going at it with a stick welder.

 

[sberry]

The Longevity 140 is for you. 1/8 6011 and 3/32 7018. Very good on 1/4.