arc welding question

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Hi all, haven't posted in awhile. was just given an arc welder by a neighbor who hasn't used it in years. had to clean it up and replaced the stinger and the grounding clamp. a few days ago started practicing with it. I have no welding experienced, so I watched a bunch of videos on youtube. my problem is that the electrode keeps getting stuck when I attempt to strike an arc. any suggestions? thanks
Reply:Increase the amperage, get some new rods and lean your arm on something to steady yourself and your arm.Lincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:That's why it's called stick welding.......... Just kidding.......I've been on a serious learning path and have gone back to school (for the 15th year and third degree).... To learn to weld correctly....... And even at the correct amps...... After several great starts....... I'll have a rod or two just stick like a motherf'er.......I'll pull off my hood, grab my water..... Walk outside and take a chill out........Then after a few minutes I'll get back to it and the rods start great again......Correct amps..... Get comfortable....... Use good technique...... And practice.....Good luck.....Precision TIG 185 and MP 210Bobcat 225NTCutmaster 42O/A tanks.... 2 Argon tanks...... 2 C25 TanksFacebook...... F2 Metal WorksETSY....... https://www.etsy.com/shop/F2MetalWorksF2MetalWorks.com....... http://www.f2metalworks.com/
Reply:Turn up the amps on the machine. Turn up the "dig" adjustment if the machine has one. Scratch the rod like a wooden match.
Reply:+1 on turning up the amps.  Run on DC if you can.  If you are running 6013s or 7014s, have a file handy for roughing up the ends of the electrodes after sticking it.  Clean up your metal as much as you can.As a beginner like you, I also had major sticking issues at first (not enough amps, dirty stock, etc.) until I gotfamiliar with my machine.  I had the most frustrating time with 6011s especially until I discovered the magic of DC welding.  Started out with an AC only machine until I found a good deal on an AC/DC unit.  I crank up the amps to the high side of recommended amps for the electrode that I'm using and dial it down until it sticks.  Granted you will get a lot of spatter first with the higher setting but this will give you an idea on how your unit works with different electrode types.  Have fun practicing!
Reply:thanks everyone for responding, will crank up the amps and be persistance.
Reply:took the welder out for more practice. cranked it up to the max which is 70 amps. using 7014 1/16 rods which is listed on the machine. spent more time sticking the rods than welding. on the machine it also lists 6011 rods. should I give that a go? also does the thickness of the metal influence any of this? I'm practicing on a piece of metal that's 1/8th thick that I purchased from HDepot. thanks again
Reply:With a 1/16" 7014, 70 amps is way more than you need.  More like 40-55.  You probably don't have a good ground, or maybe jambing the rod in your metal?  Sticking usually means not enough juice, but 70 amps for that rod is high.  Something else is your problem.Last edited by shortfuse; 10-04-2012 at 11:30 AM.
Reply:From my limited stick experience, it sounds more like a technique thing than an amp thing, especially since it's still happening at that high of amps.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:70 series rods, in general, seem harder to start.Try some 6013 in 1/16.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Sounds like the neighbor doesn't like you.    Kidding. If you want to pursue welding maybe invest in a real machine. Look for a AC/DC Miller or Lincoln.    Make sure you have a good ground and the metal is paint free too.
Reply:Small welders like that are usually the inexpensive foreign units, not the best to get good results on and a definate road block to learning. I would imagine it runs from 115 V current?  Get a good 220 V stick welder that has DC and AC settings. Can be had used for 100-250 dollars on craigslist. The electric transformer welders seldom have mechanical problems."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:right now, the money's a little tight so I really can't afford to spend too much on a welder. however the welder is a sears craftsman welder. the last time my neighbor said that he used it was over 20 yrs. ago. This morning, I lowered the amperage and adjusted my angle. used some electric contact spray on the piece that I'm practicing on and I seem to be doing a little better than yesterday. guess I just need to keep on practicing. will stop at harbor freight and pick up some other rods to see if it makes any difference. thanks everyone for your advice.
Reply:Originally Posted by bikercatused some electric contact spray on the piece that I'm practicing on and I seem to be doing a little better than yesterday.
Reply:As for getting different rods, the HF rods are a POS.  Try to get some Lincoln, Hobart, Forney, etc., etc, etc. name brand rods.  Better quality.
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuseAs for getting different rods, the HF rods are a POS.  Try to get some Lincoln, Hobart, Forney, etc., etc, etc. name brand rods.  Better quality.
Reply:Careful what you clean the metal with. Some chemicals can break down into some really nasty stuff when welding.This is an MSDS for contact cleaner. I don't know which one you are using so it may not apply specifically to the one you are using. This one can break down into Phosgene.http://complyplus.grainger.com/grain...heetid=3951978Last edited by Snuffy; 10-06-2012 at 01:31 AM.
Reply:Make quite a few adjustments like turn up the amps, adjust the dig and try to run it on DC. Clean up and lubricate all the metal.
Reply:Originally Posted by SnuffyCareful what you clean the metal with. Some chemicals can break down into some really nasty stuff when welding.This is an MSDS for contact cleaner. I don't know which one you are using so it may not apply specifically to the one you are using. This one can break down into Phosgene.http://complyplus.grainger.com/grain...heetid=3951978
Reply:turn up the amps to 70 might solve part of your problem. =DLotos CT520D (refunded)Lotos LTPDC2000 (in use, still good) yup, cheap but powerful!hmm...just in case
Reply:not trying to be a smart-*** here but it just requires more practice.  Be patient and keep at it and eventually you'll get it.  Just set the amperage in the middle of the recommended range for whatever electrode you're using and keep practicing.
Reply:Originally Posted by Poptmnot trying to be a smart-*** here but it just requires more practice.  Be patient and keep at it and eventually you'll get it.  Just set the amperage in the middle of the recommended range for whatever electrode you're using and keep practicing.