Learning to M.M.A Weld

[desmo11225]

Hello Everyone
I have been using your website for a little while, I've been very impressed.
I am a long,long retired welder[I'll be 87yrs this year]and I have a Grandson staying with me who has a Motor Engerneering apprenticeship, I have bought a little Clarke Easy Arc 190 and would appreciate some guidance buying electrodes and tips to bring me up to date, I've been out of welding for over 20 years and could do with some updating before I start teaching him.
Eventually he'll be getting his own M.IG and T.I.G welders I'm sure but I'd like to make sure he has a proper start.
All help would be much appreciated
Thank's
Desmo Hoping to hear from you

 

[SiPMerlin150]

Hello and welcome to the forum Desmo

Apart from newer types of welders, electrodes for stick welding are pretty much the same. If you choose a reputable brand of '6013' rutile electrodes, you cannot go far wrong. ( except for buying low grade brands.)

With some practice, your techniques shall come flooding back to you.

2.5mm and 3.2mm 6013 electrodes are what you need. These are very good all rounders.

Hope this helps!

 

[Robotstar5]

Welcome to the forum, as above, pop into local welding suppliers and ask for "white box" 6013 rods, these are generally a reputable make but without the expensive packaging.

 

[desmo11225]

Hello SiPMerlin 150 and Robot Star 5
Thank you for your very prompt replies , I remember using those Murex Vodex electrodes very good but not easy to learn on, striking and very long and also no Auto Darkening Head Shields, I've got one and tried it really really good.
Of course we had plenty of scrap/offcuts to practice with and could use as many electrodes as you liked, I wont have any problem scrounging scrap/offcuts but I would like a bit more gen on the latest electrodes especially now I have to buy them.
By the way yours is the second Forum I've joined the other was a Photography Forum, they helped me no end to make Slide Shows of all my photographs from the children when they were small [60 plus year old photo's] and my holiday photographs, I travelled a lot.
Where did you get your photograghers from ??????? Absolutely superb gents I was impressed with the video's as I was with the welding.
These computers!!!!!! I wish we had them when we were boys
All the Best
Desmo11225

 

[Robotstar5]

Where did you get your photograghers from ??????? Absolutely superb gents I was impressed with the video's as I was with the welding.
These computers!!!!!! I wish we had them when we were boys

Todays digital cameras make even the most ham fisted into a photographer followed by computer software to manipulate the picture

 

[SiPMerlin150]

There are many decent brands of electrode to choose from, here are some popular ones:
P.S. There will be a few i've missed, so boys, please feel free to add your own:

Murex
Esab
Filarc
Siftrode
Elga
Bohler
Olerikon
Lincoln Electric
Hilco

'6013' Electrodes are the best all rounder's. Very easy to use, good looking welds etc.
Avoid any unbranded rods, as they give very poor results and often makes it hard to learn from.

The auto shield visors are brilliant! No more stabbing around until the arc is struck!

 

[desmo11225]

Porsche Telemedial Wheels and Adapters

Hello tig paul
I am very sorry, I should have read the rules.
Once again SORRY
desmo11225

 

[ChrisJ]

Welcome Desmo I bet you have a lifetime of welding experience to share, look forward to your posts

 

[gavuk]

Hello Desmo....don't be put off by having your links removed,it happens quite often ...and Paul is a nice bloke ....

at 87 its forgivable ....

what were you trying to show in your links ?...for information, I have vodex at home which are normal length ,and they are much easier to manage,I found they light up a lot easier than the 7018 I have,if looking to purchase rods have a word with Steve (weldquip) who runs the shop linked at the top of the page..

 

[PTvor]

I remember using those Murex Vodex electrodes very good but not easy to learn on, striking and very long

You can still get Vodex, but the price would make your eyes water. I believe they are available in 350mm and 450mm for 3.2mm (1/8th).They have a thin flux and are demanding as to technique. Some people love 'em others hate 'em.

Go for Murex white box 6013s or ESAB 46.30s which I believe are the same thing. You can find them on ebay or your local welding supplier might sell them. £20 for 5Kg, or a bit less. There are also UTP (Bohler) Phoenix for about the same which are good. Bohler also do a white box rod. Siftrode are reckoned to be good.

You could also splash out and buy Fincord M or ESAB Mildtrodes, which you know are going to be good.

If in any doubt about what you want to buy, ask here and almost certainly someone will have tried them and have something to say.

5Kg of rubbish (or just unsuitable) rods takes a lot of getting through.

and also no Auto Darkening Head Shields, I've got one and tried it really really good.

Magical I'd say. They make a world of difference.

 

[PTvor]

Hello tig paul
I am very sorry, I should have read the rules.
Once again SORRY
desmo11225

I didn't notice this was an old thread.

How did you get on?