First time arc welding

[mowersman]

Having come across a job on the Landie where I think an arc welder would be more suitable (Hole in the rear axle, quite thick metal), I decided to pull out one I was given and have a go, even though I probably won't actually do the repair, but let someone with more experience than me do it.
I have the "perfect" ( ) set up for learning to arc weld, with an old and rather abused Kende 130 (Screwfix, cheapo China) given to me second hand by lawnmowerboy and some cheapo 6013's that have been sitting in a damp barn for 18 months...

Didn't think it was too bad for a first go, but need to slow travel speed down a little and keep the arc length tighter. would have done more, but run out of rod. Will get some more tomorrow and have another go.
Andrew

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

Set it for about 80 amps with 2.5's. That was my first ever welder so you better look after it!!. When I do the axle i'll use my inverter I think, or just use the bzzbox to show you up! but for a first effort not too bad!! You could do with a bit more power perhaps as that's 6mm if i remember right?

What rods were you going to get, Don't use halfords ones if you can help it!

 

[mowersman]

I had it at about 110 amps, I thought they were 3.2's... Look after it better than you? Not hard!!!
Andrew

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

It's harder to control the arc length if you;re running at too higher amperage and gives a sort of flaring sound.