just a quick rookie question...

admin

(meant to right "rookie")looking at a A/C D/C 230v stick welder.whats the difference with stick welders when using A/C or D/C?from what i know switching polaritys is usually used for going from steel to aluminum. but i never heard of stick welding aluminum. but then again...im a rookie.Lincoln Square Wave 175 TIGLincoln 110v flux core welder (my 1st)Clarke 180EN MIG
Reply:AC stick welding has some pros and cons.  The arc is a little harder to start and maintain when stick welding with AC.  But AC welding avoids some problems that can arrise if the steel you're welding on is magnetized.  I think there's more control on heat input with DC stick welding.  I suspect there's more types of stick electrodes for DC welding than there are for AC; but truthfully I've never really checked.Yes, you can stick weld aluminum; but it's hardly ever done by choice.  It's not easy and the welds will always look like crap; or so I was taught.Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:If you have a choice get the AC/DC welder.Many stick(SMAW) electrodes are DC prefered.Some are AC prefered or AC only but there are many more DC prefered electrodes.And yes, there are stick electrodes for welding aluminum but the are very expensive and VERY moisture sensitive. If you leave them out opened overnight they will be ruined and most of the flux coating will have come off.Those electrodes are good for welding cast aluminum if you do not have TIG available. For instance a cracked engine casing etc.,.
Reply:If you're like most of us, you'll find yourself stick welding in DC+ most of the time.   I can live without AC and probly not miss it but once in a blue moon.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:cool. thanks for the helpful info.Lincoln Square Wave 175 TIGLincoln 110v flux core welder (my 1st)Clarke 180EN MIG