Would DC lessons transfer to AC welding???

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I've been using my 220V AC welder (Hobart Stickmate) around the farm quite a bit, and would like to take some welding courses at a nearby small college that has an excellent welding program.  They have a self-paced program where you can go the days and hours you want, and I want to take the SMAW courses.I do OK in general, but I do make more than my share of chicken-poop beads.. and I just want to get better at it. My welding is mostly 6011 and 7018AC, with some 7014.The question: as far as I know, the instruction is all with DC, using 6010 and 7018. If the instruction is with DC, how much will will those skills transfer to my AC welding? Will I still benefit from it?(I know... "buy a DC welder." I will someday, but it's not in the cards right now.)Thanks
Reply:Any welding hood time, in my opinion is transferable. It will all help you out for sure.HTP Invertig 201Lincoln Idealarc SP250Miller 180 AC StickBy farmall:They should have held the seagull closer to the work, squeezing evenly for best deposition.
Reply:I don't think there's too much difference in stick manipulation between AC and DC.  So any time spent in the class welding DC will be applicable.  As another plus you get to use some DC machines and see what you might want to buy.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:You will walk away wanting a DC machine.    YES its the same.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RYou will walk away wanting a DC machine.
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=61723Farm eh?Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:90%+ transferable... minor differences in striking an arc and AC does not run as smooth as DC.  The important thing is to receive one-on-one instruction to correct your faults and set or reset you on the right path, then when you practice-practice-practice you are not just repeating your errors but making progress.  Arc welding courses here are 90% DC but students are graded on AC welding too.Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:I've burned so many pounds of rod only with ac. Haven't gotten a chance to dc stick   So I'm jealousHTP Invertig 201Lincoln Idealarc SP250Miller 180 AC StickBy farmall:They should have held the seagull closer to the work, squeezing evenly for best deposition.
Reply:Yep your next purchase will definetely be on the DC side or multipurpose machine with DC capabilites. Happy welding!wboldenMiller Shopmaster 300Miller Syncrowave 250Miller Thunderbole 250/150 AC-DCMiller Weldpack 140 w/autosetMiller S-22 WirefeederLincoln 255 xt Mig welderLincoln 216 Mig welderVictor,Smith and Harris OA7X 12 JET BANDSAW
Reply:like rick v said almost all of the ac applies to dc and dc to ac. but i do agree that you will want a dc machine very soon cuz dc is just wonderful
Reply:Arc blow and a bag of chips too!Yes it'll help and yes you'll be buying a DC machine soon, but is that so bad?Say hello to Mr. Rectifier DiodeLast edited by Kelvin; 10-28-2011 at 02:45 PM.