What?!?!?! Rods come in various thicknesses, the numbers on them mean something totally different. You can get 3/32"-6011, or 7018 rod. The difference? 7018 has a tensile strength of 70,000 PSI, 60 series is 60,000. A 120V welder will only weld with AC rod, which is harder to get and doesn't weld as well as AC/DC rod. For a beginner, use 6011, it's a fast freeze rod that will resist burning through, but gives you very little time to work with. 7018 gives a nice bead. Use 7024, or JET rod to fill large gaps, as it won't stick as much.
Welding is all practice. Keep the rod at a 45 degree angle, play with your heat settings. I'f it's freezing to the work continuously, increase the amperage a little. Run flat beads first and get good at it before trying to weld in other positions.

 

Here are a couple more helpfull ideas, go find a used bookstore and get a welding manual, possibly an intro to welding from a community college. The other is to scrounge up alot of scrap metal, preferably the same thickness you intend to weld and practice on it. Try an auto shop for junk body panels and brackets and old exhaust tubing.
If you do create a weld station and line it, watch for gaps behind the metal where sparks can smolder.

 

yeah actaully i found a brand new haynes welding manula for $20 so i think i'll buy it.

 

What model? I'd like one of these for small work. I have to unplug the compessor to use my 30 amp service.

 

try 6011 its all purpuse and position 1/8 inch 7018 is my favorite but takes some practice try holding stinger in on hand and the rod inbetween two fingers like a cigarette once started try zig zag patern move fingers after alittle while or they will get hot.

 

weld with the amps at 90 it won't usually stick and if it does turn it up a little. also scratching is a lot easier to get started because tapping sticks really easy.

 

if yur welding around a lot of wood walls have a jug of water handy for any stray sparks ..

 

yes i keep a huge jug of water,but i usually weld outside of the shed and if it's raining i don't weld unless i absolutly have to and thats when i use the shed but i also just put a sheet of metal down on the floor....One thing i'm wondering is it safe to be standing in say snow/slush in the winter welding outside,this is an arc welder remember any one able to help me out with this question.

 

rob0781
I just wanted to agree with some of the guys about what you should do( I was a welding instructor for 10 years before I became a forum junkie).
1- Find a good book on basic welding
2- Take a beginner course at a local junior College or career center
3- Make friends with a local person that allready has some welding knowlege and see if he or she will give you some pointers in the art of welding
4- By all means get a quality shield, welding hat,work boots, coveralls, saftey glasses, jacket and gloves

Good luck and be careful , and start welding.......... hands on, practice, and go for it.

 

Welding tips: Flip Flops not recommended