inverter arc help

[fizzo]

Hi all welding newbie any help would be appreciated, I've just got myself a cemont puma s 1700g inverter arc. I intend to use it for some simple body repairs on my discovery. I know a mig would be better but this came along at a really good price, cash is short so I'm trying to make the best of things.

Can anybody help on any of the following;

I've read that having the electrode negative is best for welding thin metals is this ok with this type of welder? is there anything else I need to consider i.e electrode type?

Is there much difference between 1.6mm and 2 mm rods apart from the obvious as the 1.6 mm are a lot more expensive at my local welding shop.

What sort of amps should I be running for thin metals.

I know they're very basic questions but I need to start somewhere.

 

[shenion]

Your inverter can run either polarity.

I find 2mm rods tend to be easier to use. Good brand 6013's will work; cheap box store rods will be useless.. If you can find 7014's they are a bit nicer to use.

You'll probably run 30 amps or so. See what the minimum value is on the rods.

 

[fizzo]

Thanks shenion, can you tell me what 6013's are are they a brand or a type sorry I'm totally new at this. Also the price I've been given is £13 for 5 kg of the 2mm does that sound too cheap? as I don't want to start off with dodgy cheap rods.

 

[shenion]

6013 are an rod classification. The most common general-purpose rod for mild steel.

Here's the rod types:

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/wiki/Electrode_Reference_Chart

 

[fizzo]

Brilliant thanks again

 

[PTvor]

7014s are quite difficult to find in the UK.

£13 for 5Kg of 2mm 6013s does sound cheap and nasty. As the diameter of the rod decreases, the quality seems to become more critical.

For the current you have to experiment and tweak it to get it right when you see how the rods run. The current range on the box is just a rough guide. Each welder seems to be a little different as well.

Get some sheet the same thickness as you'll be welding and do a fair bit of practice on that first. When you weld the Discovery, you'll be welding in odd positions and may be short of space.

The reason that arc isn't recommended for thin metal is that it's far too easy to burn through. If you can't weld your practice pieces without burning through, what's the point of tackling the Discovery?

Try the search facility to find discussions about welding thin metal with arc. You'll find it's generally not considered practical to weld car panels with arc.

 

[weldequip]

Save your money on the arc rods, you'll just make a mess. Rig it up for TIG; more expense, but you'll be able to weld the thin stuff easily in comparison.

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

You will find it nigh on impossible to to body thickness with a stick, Beleive me. I've tried!

 

[greek]

try it but its not easy,6013 is the rod that you want oerlicon fincord or elc are those that worked better for me.use a heatsink will make it possible,discovery seems to have at least flat panels.if you are learning to weld now jast dont try it