SMAW size/type

[Sapper33]

I picked up a little MiG from Princess Auto, and it's been doing pretty well, but is limited, due to only being a 75 Amp machine. I can do 1/8" max and that requires a lot of time and prep.

I'm looking at a SMAW welder for other thicker stuff, and the problem is that I'm limited to 110V (no 220 in the garage). I'm on a budget so I've been looking at more PA welders.

I found a Deca stick welder there, 20-70 amp machine, and the welder claims it'll do up to about 1/2". And to top if off the price is right, $150ish. A guy at work mentioned that he has a similar (or same) welder, and that it will do it, but is very very slow.

Now the question becomes, would a 70 amp machine be capable of making SAFE, STRONG welds on 1/4"-3/8" mild steel, and what kind of rod would I need to achieve that?

 

[weldequip]

I found a Deca stick welder there, 20-70 amp machine, and the welder claims it'll do up to about 1/2"

Double it & add a bit!
weldequip

 

[shenion]

You want a 140 amp machine, that is about the max for a transformer-type on 110.

I gave my brother a 100A machine. Can barely do 5/64 and 1/16" rods. Says up to 3/32 rods, but no way.

Is the breaker panel in the garage? Adding a 220V outlet is not difficult.

 

[HoltFF1074]

Rookie Alert!

Hey Guys,wanna introduce myself and say Hi.Also I'm extremely happy to have found this forumn.I have very lil welding experience....well actually closer to the VERY little side! Only played with stick welders in the dark ages while in High School and very lil experience with any migs as i only aquired some info while supervising within a plant where many were used and i had to learn to inspect welds.
I've recently built me a garage finally(95% complete) for the sole purpose of doing my 65 project.....well once i finish Millys brakes on her car...and then brakes on the escort ....then maybe a new chain on the bike and then maybe then i'll roll in the 65 project! But i now have a 220v Lincoln Stick that i've played with a lil and i have hopes of someday trying to afford a decent 220 Mig W/Gas. For as i progress my efforts in working on the 65,then i wanna do everything from build a engine dolly for the motor i'll be using to patch and modifications. But today i'd like to ask a question about a lil 110v Craftsman 20-70 Arc welder that was given to me. Practically brand new...never used from what i understand. Thing is....i have no clue how this thing is to work...what rods would be good for using in it and i am puzzled by the clip type leads which are enclosed within some sorta housing.The housing/handle clips together and unclips to open and makes me believe it's only a storage handle of sorts. So makes me believe this lil thing could be used for some simple fix-its or such. Any leads from you guys about how.where i may obtain any literature or manuel would be appreciated. Also if anyone could share a lil knowledge they may kno about it could help. Appreciate you guys having such a site as i know as i progress in doing more....i'll be reading,asking,commenting all i can so as to hopefully be a lil better at something i could come to love doing myself!

 

[shenion]

If you have the serial # sears.com might have the manual (for a fee.).

Looks like it has a carbon arc setup. That is, 2 rods mount in the holder and generate a carbon arc. Used as a heat source for brazing.

Might be interesting to play with but carbon rods are rare and expensive these days. You might be able to cut off the head and attach a regular ground clamp and electrode holder. At 70A, the largest rod will be 1/16" of 5/64".

I'd just work with the Lincoln 225, it is a decent welder.

 

[HoltFF1074]

If you have the serial # sears.com might have the manual (for a fee.).

Looks like it has a carbon arc setup. That is, 2 rods mount in the holder and generate a carbon arc. Used as a heat source for brazing.

Might be interesting to play with but carbon rods are rare and expensive these days. You might be able to cut off the head and attach a regular ground clamp and electrode holder. At 70A, the largest rod will be 1/16" of 5/64".

I'd just work with the Lincoln 225, it is a decent welder.

Thanks,the serial #1254.PO173 is what i find on it. If thats the purpose of this thing....i can see lil use myself unless like you said to change the clamps,then maybe a workbench use for small repairs maybe.Appreciate your response.

 

[snowcat]

I found a Deca stick welder there, 20-70 amp machine, and the welder claims it'll do up to about 1/2". And to top if off the price is right, $150ish. A guy at work mentioned that he has a similar (or same) welder, and that it will do it, but is very very slow.

Now the question becomes, would a 70 amp machine be capable of making SAFE, STRONG welds on 1/4"-3/8" mild steel, and what kind of rod would I need to achieve that?

jeusss 70amps for 1/4 plate love to see the prep plan for that Some of the moden inverters give more bang for less amps but on an A/C buzz box..Nooooooo

As said double it then add some, I wouldnt look at anything under a 180 myself.....

 

[shenion]

I picked up a 100A cheap arc welder for $0.99 off ebay. Was still overpriced.

$150 for a 70 unit is way more than they are worth. You can get 140A off ebay for $49. For $150 you can get a new 200A no-name arc welder.

Like snowcat said, I would not touch anything under 180A. These 100A or less arc welders use expensive 1/16" rods and can be used for home repairs. They are difficult to use as they have a hard time starting and maintaining an arc.