110V Stick Welder Capabilities

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Can a decent weld be made on 3/16" new steel with a Craftsman 95 amp 110V stick welder?  If not, what would the minimum in stick welding machines be for this job?  I will be welding 1" wide straps to 1" wide angle iron.  The project is a metal frame for a broken gravestone.  I had one done by a real pro a while back, but now I want to do my own, mainly because it is very hard to find anyone to do it quickly.  I have never welded anything before but I''ll read up on it and know the basics (and safety) before I start.  Your answer may help save the gravestones of some of the original settlers of this area (north Louisiana).  Thanks
Reply:It should be able to, with 3/32 6011 if its an AC welder, or even better, with 3/32 6010 if its a DC machine. If its a lap joint, you could bevel, and then fill with 3/32 6013, or 3/32 7018 (If the welder will allow it, I don;t know where to run 3/32 7018 heatwise off the top of my head). If you're planning on a T joint, then you should be set with the above rods, as well....Just practice on something thats not eh actual project beforehand...[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Thanks for your help. RW
Reply:Hmmmm - you want to weld a frame around your OWN grave stone? Seriously, the little welder will handle the material you want to weld, only because you will be running short beads, and shouldn't exceed its duty cycle. You will vave to crank it up though.If you are going to go out and buy a welder to do this, spend a little more and go bigger, because it is a given that you won't be content to perform light duty tasks, and you will eventually overtax your new toy.
Reply:Originally Posted by zebcox.  Your answer may help save the gravestones of some of the original settlers of this area (north Louisiana).  Thanks
Reply:Short answer is it should be pretty doable with you little welder assuming time is not a critical factor to your application.  You can always make multiple passes with smaller rods, bevel edges, or weld on both sides of a joint when possible in order to get the job done.  Takes more time to grind bevels and clean flux each time between weld passes, but no big deal as long as this is a hobby type application since time is not money in a hobby environment like it would be in a business environment.a)  I would almost bet that your little 115 volt welder is AC output only, but verify to make sure  (Do NOT use 6010 rod unless you have DC output capability).b)  Next question is How much amp adjustibility do you have? Is it incrementally adjustable up to the max output range of 95 amps or are there like two fixed outputs with a flip switch where say high is 95 amps and the low is ?? amps?  (Incrementally adjustable is easier and better as you can tweak adjust the amps to suit the rod type and rod diameter selected much easier.  Fixed outputs can work okay too, but it will be mandatory to pick a rod brand, rod type, and rod diameter that works well with that fixed output - will take a little experimentation.c)  With an AC output and topping out at 95 amps My guess is your little welder will like 6013 rod pretty well - 1/16, 5/64, and 3/32 diameters should all run well (1/8 diameter might run - but iffy).  6011 is a good rod choice too for better penetration but harder for a newbie to use - 1/16 and 3/32 should run well (again 1/8 might run but iffy).  7014 rod is easy to use but likes amps so probably limited to 1/16 diameter rod only.  7018AC sometimes likes amps too - 3/32 diameter might run but iffy.  Practice and see what your little welder has the oomph to run well (larger diameters will generally mean fewer passes required to get the needed penetration)d)  Do not use extension cords if you can avoid it.  If you must use an extension cord use a heavy gauge (preferably 10 AWG) to avoid amp and voltage losses.e)  If you have to use either 1/16" or 5/64" rods in order to have enough welder power then it is sometimes easier for a newbie to cut the rod in half with dikes since the smaller diameter rods can be harder to control since they will flex.  Remeber to clean the flux off a small portion of any cut rod to so they make good stinger connection.Last edited by rankrank1; 03-13-2011 at 08:44 PM.