Still having issues starting the arc. Day 3

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Alright so today I was having issues with striking an arc and keeping it going...again. Not sure what the problem is. My first day I had very little problems with it yet the past two days I haven't been able to do a single weld. So frustrating. I read somewhere online that most self taught stick welders use up 25 sticks before they learn to strike an arc, I've only used 4 so far so there's still hope for me yet.Edit: forgot to mention, today's attempts were with 3/64" 6013 rods at between 75-90 ampsPicture number one is today's attemptsPictures 2 and 3 are where I placed my groundPictures 4 and 5 are my ground clamp. Attached ImagesLast edited by lighttekku; 10-13-2014 at 06:50 PM.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Picture of the welding rod width compared with the steel width, note that the end shown is the end without flux Attached ImagesLast edited by lighttekku; 10-13-2014 at 06:51 PM.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:My first day's welds. Used 3/64" rods at 90 amps. Attached ImagesCraftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Scratch that sucker like a match.When you see an arc, move the stick a bit closer to the metal, and hold it there.  Voila..........you have an arc."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:A good arc will run about 1/8" from the metal, and more if you "long" arc it.Just establish an arc, then worry about the rest.One of the problems may be your welder.  It's a low amp welder, but should still make an arc.  Just practice, and it'll work out."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:As you're doing the striking motion, look for a good "flareup", then concentrate on that point, don't move it.  Just move the end of the rod up and down, and see where the arc continues, and breaks off."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:You need to slow way down!That welder would probably make a better door stop.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:@Farmersamm what angle should I hold it at when striking the arc? So basically it's like striking a match and lighting the tip with a lighter, once I see the flash try and keep it right above that to "light" the arc (I know light isn't the proper term I'm just using it with my analogy)? I've watched videos on YouTube as someone suggested yesterday but it's hard to see what's going on because of the flash.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:@CEP yeah I was so excited that I was able to get a bead started that I was focusing too much on keeping it alive rather then my travel speed. Definately need to work on that. Don't lose faith in me yet! I have enough door stops.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekku@Farmersamm what angle should I hold it at when striking the arc? So basically it's like striking a match and lighting the tip with a lighter, once I see the flash try and keep it right above that to "light" the arc (I know light isn't the proper term I'm just using it with my analogy)? I've watched videos on YouTube as someone suggested yesterday but it's hard to see what's going on because of the flash.
Reply:Actually, it's easier to long arc once it's going, then move it back closer to the metal"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:First welder I bought was a Montgomery Wards. Here is about as good as I can do with it. If you're going to stick with welding Everlast has some nice welders for the price. Third picture is what my Everlast PowerArc 200 can do. Big difference huh? Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:@Farmersamm AH HAH! I think that might be my problem, too much angle when striking the arc. Thanks a lot!Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:@CEP yeah I was saving to get and everlast 140 st but then I lost my job and my parents walked in the door with a craftsman welder they got at a local Sears that's going out of business at a huge discount from the price. I know it's not even a decent welder but I should be able to make some welds with it to show myself that I'm capable of welding. My next welder might be a Hobart Stickmate 180 (pretty sure it's a 180) 110/220 volt welder from TSC. $319.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:@CEP and you're right, that's a night and day difference.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekku@CEP and you're right, that's a night and day difference.
Reply:@CEP after I get my hands on a job I will certainly do that. Unfortunately one of the largest employers in the area just burned down, and they won't be rebuilding, 200+ people out of work and everyone hiring considers them a priority. So frustrating. At any rate I appreciate your input as always.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPFirst welder I bought was a Montgomery Wards.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuAlright so today I was having issues with striking an arc and keeping it going...again. Not sure what the problem is. My first day I had very little problems with it yet the past two days I haven't been able to do a single weld. So frustrating. I read somewhere online that most self taught stick welders use up 25 sticks before they learn to strike an arc, I've only used 4 so far so there's still hope for me yet.Edit: forgot to mention, today's attempts were with 3/64" 6013 rods at between 75-90 amps
Reply:I believe you are losing voltage as you make contact. There are multiple possibilities. If you have a volt meter check the outlet or cord you are plugged in to. Without arc you should be at or near 120 Volts. As you strike, check. If you drop below 110 Volts, you have a supply problem. I think your clamp is junk, but you may be better off holding out for a Craigslist bargain welder.
Reply:"Cringe".....
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshop"Cringe".....
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveCome on man - you know you want one of these to replace that syncrowave you just got
Reply:@MinnesotaDave Yup! That would be the one. Yeah I mis wrote, the rods I'm using are 5/64". However two days ago I picked up some 3/32" rods from my LWS. The Amprage listed on the rod package is 50-100. Willie B has offered to give me some pointers. I will definitely take him up on that offer when we have free time the same day.@Willie B yeah I probably am, I don't have a volt meter but I think my neighbor does so I'll see if I can borrow it.@AKweldshop You sure you don't want that beast of a craftsman welder? I'll trade welders with you straight up, hell I'll even pay for shipping of your unit to me Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Pic 1 electrodes I've been using.Pic 2 electrodes from my LWS Attached ImagesCraftsman 90 amp Arc welder@ MinnesotaDave I tried responding to your pm but it won't let me because you have the maximum number of messages in your inbox.Time to head outside and get to welding. These 74 degree days don't come often in October in Vermont and the rest of the week calls for rain. Will try everyone's suggestions and let you all know how it goes.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekku@ MinnesotaDave I tried responding to your pm but it won't let me because you have the maximum number of messages in your inbox.Time to head outside and get to welding. These 74 degree days don't come often in October in Vermont and the rest of the week calls for rain. Will try everyone's suggestions and let you all know how it goes.
Reply:Originally Posted by NinjaRayHow much did you pay brand new and what year CEP ?
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYou know I think it was $250.00 or just under $300.00. In 1977 that was a lot of money!
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekku....Don't lose faith in me yet! I have enough door stops.
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopNowadays you couldn't give them away for $75...
Reply:@dubl_t Thanks. I wish I could say that I know it all but I certainly don't. Not even close. I think that when it's time to upgrade I'll probably just pick up a Hobart I saw at tractor supply for 319. 110 and 220 in one machine. Plus there's the option of a 5 year warranty which I doubt I'll need but is a nice thing to have. Actually my dad said that my grandpa had a 225 Lincoln AC buzzing which when he locates it (my grandpa was a hoarder) it will be coming home to me. I do have some 3/32" rods. Alright I'll have to pick some up. ThanksI always grind my metal down nice and pretty. Can't even get it to spark when it's got any rust.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuI wish I could say that I know it all
Reply:Today's results proved to be a lot better. Was able to get a lot more starts. Two hands makes all the difference in the world. Also cranked the machine up to 90 amps the whole time.The second picture is the same piece of metal from the other day, the short welds are the welds from today.Need a lot more practice but I'm getting better. Attached ImagesCraftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPNo body knows it all! In this trade you will always be learning.I've had good luck with Hobart's 335A 6011.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuThis is true. That's one of the things that peaked my interest in welding, there's always more to learn. Even after 50 years welding you can still get better.Alright quite a few people have suggested 6011s, I'll have to pick some up.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI started welding at 14-years old, I learn something new here everyday!Someone told me Hobart's 335A 6011 has arc stabilizer in the flux. I know it's childs play to run.
Reply:On the whole I only buy rod in 50-pound cans. It's cheaper by the pound that way. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPOn the whole I only buy rod in 50-pound cans. It's cheaper by the pound that way.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuOk, so how much does a 50 pound can go for?
Reply:@CEP Damn that's cheap. From your LWS I assume? Yeah I see that, looks like your supply is getting low, should probably order up some more, wouldn't wanna run out! Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPNo body knows it all! In this trade you will always be learning..
Reply:I had similar problems earlier this year.That ground clamp looks more like a battery jumper clamp than a welding ground.If you are having problems starting arc then very likely the rod tip will not start easily as the tip flux will be chipped from failed starts.Get a clean scrap piece and drag the rod fairly fast on it with a steady hand until it arcs and leaves the tip flux even.I also found dragging left to right with rod angled to left was easier, righthanded.MM 180
Reply:Yes from the local welding supply. You might find it cheaper on line. But don't buy 7018 on line!!!!!! 6010, and 6011 you can drop from an airplane and it won't hurt it. 7018 if you look at it wrong you got problems!Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by lennykI had similar problems earlier this year.That ground clamp looks more like a battery jumper clamp than a welding ground.If you are having problems starting arc then very likely the rod tip will not start easily as the tip flux will be chipped from failed starts.Get a clean scrap piece and drag the rod fairly fast on it with a steady hand until it arcs and leaves the tip flux even.I also found dragging left to right with rod angled to left was easier, righthanded.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYes from the local welding supply. You might find it cheaper on line. But don't buy 7018 on line!!!!!! 6010, and 6011 you can drop from an airplane and it won't hurt it. 7018 if you look at it wrong you got problems!
Reply:7018 or low hydrogen is fussy stuff. It must be moisture free. Few of us can afford the electricity to run a rod oven, I buy fresh for each project. The others are cellulose based flux, they can tolerate a bit of moisture. Store them in a dry place.
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopNowadays you couldn't give them away for $75...
Reply:Something that might help you, try cutting a rod on half. Clean the flux off one of the ends from the drop piece of rod. This will give you 5-7" long electrodes, making starting and control way easier. Once you get your arc established, shorten the arc length and hold in one area 1/2" or so. This will let you watch the puddle without thinking about moving in any one direction. You can play with arc length and angle to see what happens. Once you get a handle on that start dragging the electrode VERY slowly. Don't worry about weaving or anything fancy, just get a continous bead without gaps or porosity. By the time you get the hang of that, the rest will come easier. And if you start blowing holes speed up Speaking of blowing holes how thick is the metal you are using?Thermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:Originally Posted by Austin BennettSomething that might help you, try cutting a rod on half. Clean the flux off one of the ends from the drop piece of rod. This will give you 5-7" long electrodes, making starting and control way easier. Once you get your arc established, shorten the arc length and hold in one area 1/2" or so. This will let you watch the puddle without thinking about moving in any one direction. You can play with arc length and angle to see what happens. Once you get a handle on that start dragging the electrode VERY slowly. Don't worry about weaving or anything fancy, just get a continous bead without gaps or porosity. By the time you get the hang of that, the rest will come easier. And if you start blowing holes speed up Speaking of blowing holes how thick is the metal you are using?