well my neighbor gave me a craftsman arc welder..still in good condition...he didn't know how to use it so he gave it to me
can anyone give me some tips? or any websites that will help?
there wasn't any instructions with it either..
let me know..
thanks

 

oh...what will it be able to weld? will it be able to weld a cracked downpipe?
or put on a flex pipe?

 

It's is possible to weld it. It will be ugly as hell though. lol......ARC is mainly used for heavy duty welding. When getting into the more intricate stuff you would be better off with a MIG or better yet a TIG welder. With practice it can be done though. Good luck.

-Ryan

 

you will need very small rod to weld thin wall pipe togeather. Nonsense about ugly. It takes practice for welds to look good (of any type of welding) and be strong, too.

If you had a friend helping you, and he turned the pipe a little bit at a time while you welded, you can make pretty darn good looking welds.

One thing that will limit it's ability, is how high of amperage output it can handle. Best thing you can do is go down to your local welding shop (IE Us Welding) And get the smallest 7018 rod you can find.

Brad


[Modified by lazerus, 3:06 AM 3/22/2003]

 

Arc welds are by their very own nature, "uglier" than TIG welds...they are generally thicker, which may or may not appeal to u..

using an arc welder is all about finding the right electrode for the job and setting the right temperature (i.e. amperage)...the beginner's main mistake is not holding the stick at the right height and not holding it long enough in that position..the result is bubbly, weak welds...i would suggest looking around online for a few FAQ's or buying a welding book..there are a few very good ones out on the market...good luck

BTW...welding smells cool...


[Modified by TheSwift1, 3:45 PM 3/22/2003]

 

Here is a link I found helpfull before I bought a book
http://www.weldingengineer.com/1tig.htm
if you go to the bottom there are links to different types of welding too.

I still don't have a welder though Might just get a mig.


[Modified by b3435, 5:24 PM 3/22/2003]

 

http://www.machinist.org/army_welding/

i searched long and hard for that one

 

I always had the best luck with 6010 rod on mild steel. They scratch started perfectly, the weld was as beautiful as any TIG weld, and the scale fell off if you so much waved a hammer at the bead. Some of the 70xx rods were more trying on the skill level and patience, but I never got more than a basic mastery of arc welding so your mileage may vary.

 

70xx rods are low hydrogen rods. when 7018 gets dirty or when you reuse a stick after stopping it tends to stick. 6010 or 6011 will hold very well and is much easier to weld. I'm a welder so I'm talking from experience. mig is much easier and can yield very good looking welds. also normally you hold the rod the same diameter of rod in distance from the weld after striking an arc. ie 1/8 inch rod hold it about an 1/8 off of it after striking. I personally always hold every rod that high no matter what size.. just a bad habit.

 

Everyone has their welding style. For me, it seems sometimes that i "Push" the rod right into the weld pool in short bursts to cool it down... Like especially near the end of a weld, or near the edge of plate, or whatever you're welding.

But i don't use stick much more, now that i have a tig. :D