Switching machines?

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Well, I'm a brand new welder.  I've been using a Lincoln AC-225 for about a month now to learn on that I barrowed.  I picked up a barely used Montgomery Ward 250 AC/DC welding machine.  This unit is barely used and I mean barely the stinger showed no signs of wear at all!  It was just dusty.  The ground is like new also.  So far I like this machine and think it will fill my current needs.  I like the fact you can add just a little more heat or take just a little away.  That was driving me nuts about the AC-225.  I'm sure an experienced welder would just make it happen on any machine but I was finding that I did not like the Lincoln because of that.  Nothing wrong with the machine I was able to get some decent beads from it.  Yesterday when I picked up this new to me machine I ran a bead with it before I brought it home just to make sure.  Once I got home I ran a couple more.  Mostly all I have been doing is practicing running beads.  Well I tinkered around with this new machine.  I tried it on DCEP and DCEN as well as AC.  On AC it runs very similar to the Lincoln it definitely did feel different.  On DCEP and DCEN way way different.  The stingers are different.  The new one felt odd in my hand.  I found it more difficult to "work" the bead in all polarities.  I'm sure I will get use to it but I as having a hard time getting beads equal to where I have gotten on the Lincoln.  Not that this machine is not capable of producing them I just think I'm not use to it.  Is this normal for an inexperienced welder when switching machines?  I would figure a pro would not even blink an eye at it.  When I first started shooting years ago if I switched handguns I would usually have a heck of a time.  Not so much with rifles but I would.  After about 10 years of shooting as long as nothing is wrong with the firearm I pretty much can pick it up and shoot it without much loss in accuracy.  Now with 20+ years of shooting experience I don't even think about it anymore.  I am thinking about buying a stinger similar to the one on the Lincoln and using that instead of the one I have.  I don't know if that would make a difference or not.  I'm taking a welding class at the beginning of next month I'm tempted to see if they will let me bring in my own machine but I'm thinking experience on other machines may be good for me.  Anyway any advice?
Reply:In my experience, almost every different arc welder welds somewhat differently - that's normal and takes some time to get used to - just like your gun analogy.  Realize too that you are changing from AC to DC so the difference will be more pronounced..As to the stinger, if you don't like it, change it or maybe just swap them between the old and new welders.Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:In my humble opinion, you have traded up with the Monkey Ward welder.  Yu now have DC as well as AC.  Some very popular and useful electrodes (welding rods) do not seem to work on AC.  You have gained the euivalent of more clubs in your golf bag or more speeds on your bicycle.  As Rick pointed out, you can move a stinger from one welder to another. When you find one that seems to fit your hand better than another, make that your standard.  Using your shooting analogy, not everybody chooses Pachmayer Grips.Enjoy it in good health.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:What do you have for DC rod ?  you need 6010 or 7018.  You may find 3/32 easier to controlthan 1/8. We use 1/8 6010 and 3/32 in 7018.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1What do you have for DC rod ?  you need 6010 or 7018.  You may find 3/32 easier to controlthan 1/8. We use 1/8 6010 and 3/32 in 7018.
Reply:Getting the "right" electrode holder is like getting a pair of boots that feel good. Take your welding hood and go down to your LWS. If they have demo machines.... try their holders. If there are no demos, take a holder out of the box, put your hood on and see how it feels.... Like boots, it really doesn't matter what it looks like. Try holding it in either hand. May be a time when your in a tight spot and need to change hands.Welding rods ---- Start picking them up in small quantities until you find one that both you and your machine like.Taking your machine to school - No. Use theirs. #1 it will weld better and you will get a better grade, #2 it will give you experience on a different machine. Like guns ----- the more you use the better you get.Thanks,HoboLincoln 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:I have a quick connect on my stick welder so I can change out rod holders if one will work better in a given situation.