arc welder

[ricmitch]

how dose arc weling compare to a wire feed welder... Im not a welder but want to learn a little bit about it .. I see the flux core type wire feed ..the wirefeed with gas.. and then the regular arc welder with a stick.. My brother has a stick welder my dad gave it to us .. I messed with it when I was a kid but didnt and still dont know much about it... I have some scrap metal to play with ...but what about weld strength... and amps ...I would guess that it would be easier to make good welds using a wirefeed... can a stick weld be as good or strong ...or if anyone knows a good website about welding please let me know ...or a book.. thanks ... :confused:

[coolmudrunner]

Every weld process has its place.

A stick welder will generally have better penetration, it can have stronger welds, gives the ability to weld outside in windy condidtions, and on dirty metal. If you get good with a stick welder, mig will be a peice of cake, because it requires a bit more dextarity to weld with a stick.

A mig is faster and cleaner process, but you can't weld on rusty metal, and some knowledge is required to be able to set the machine up so you dont get cold laps or shitty looking welds. Most people dont run flux core wire, uless welding outside in the wind, where a gas/wire setup wont work.

[ElPasoEric]

You need fairly stead hands to use the arc, from my personal experience. With 14" extension on the rod it will move around alot with any hand movement.

[javelinpr]

haynes welding manual

with that book youll learn from every process mig, tig, arc, oxy welding, oxy cutting, plasma cutting and plasma welding. youll definitely get a kick about everyone and have picks and paterns of welds and ...well everything. buy it or you can be lucky enough to find and download it from the fruit(lime) with a wire :flipoff2:

[TrikeKid]

I like arc because of the simplicity. It is harder to learn for some, but like everyone's said, can blast away rust and dirt, I've done arc through painted rust scale. With a DC arc welder and the right rod, you can do basicly any form of steel. I prefer DC for arc, it splatters less, starts easier and just plain to me is easier to use. Unless I end up being able to get a mig during the build of my truck, I'll be doing all my flat bed and suspesnion work etc... with a Milliarc 250 my dad has had for 20+ years.