DOH n't know much at this stage

[Tall Tim]

Ok so I've bought a little hobby welder and I haven't welded for twenty years, and I only did a bit of stick welding back then. I mostly did Oxy-Acetylene gas in those days and it was sublime, but now I've got a little arc welder with some 2.5mm rods from toolstation and I'm just starting out. I have a couple of questions but all advise is gratefully received, question 1 which is better a bit too much current or a bit too little current to start a good arc? Question 2 what are some good names to buy in welding rods as I'm guessing toolstation rods aren't the best around?

 

[BrokenBiker]

to start the arc easily you want a bit more current than you need, however i would just go with what ever feels good to be honest.

fincord are good, sif rod from weld equip are good, bohler also.

ive found sip rods are crap, just like their welders.

for 2.5mm Rods you want to start around 80-90 amps and then adjust accordingly. Start with some 3-5mm steel and just practice scratchingnthe rod to strike an arc and then run beads

 

[rich r]

If you haven't already got one, go and get an auto darkening helmet. Having both hands free and not having to take your hands away from the work is a huge advantage. You can pick up perfectly good ones with the right standards compliance for £30. Maybe not up to all day every day work, but certainly fine for the hobby/occasional use market.

There are some good tutorials on this site (at the top of the page) but also do a search on YouTube for The Welding Institute's superb 1980s instructional videos.

 

[BrokenBiker]

this one

 

[Tall Tim]

Cheers guys that helps now what companies supply good welding rods around south birmingham?

 

[BrokenBiker]

weld equip deliver and stock good quality rods.

halfords usually stock sip rods but i find they leave slag inclusions. Ok for learning to start the arc though.