Discussion
Right, I've decided that I'm going to fabricate a bike lift, and my MIG won't really be up to welding hefty angle iron. I had an arc welder years ago until someone decided that they needed the contents of my shed more than I did.
Anyone got one of them thar referral codes going spare (please!)?
Anyone got one of them thar referral codes going spare (please!)?
CAPP0 said:
Right, I've decided that I'm going to fabricate a bike lift, and my MIG won't really be up to welding hefty angle iron. I had an arc welder years ago until someone decided that they needed the contents of my shed more than I did.
Anyone got one of them thar referral codes going spare (please!)?
Ping me a PM. I have one that has been used once but I think you can keep using them. You're welcome to try. Anyone got one of them thar referral codes going spare (please!)?
Or wait until we've all realised we can weld and are offering nearly new kit for £30?
DonkeyApple said:
CAPP0 said:
Right, I've decided that I'm going to fabricate a bike lift, and my MIG won't really be up to welding hefty angle iron. I had an arc welder years ago until someone decided that they needed the contents of my shed more than I did.
Anyone got one of them thar referral codes going spare (please!)?
Ping me a PM. I have one that has been used once but I think you can keep using them. You're welcome to try. Anyone got one of them thar referral codes going spare (please!)?
Or wait until we've all realised we can weld and are offering nearly new kit for £30?
Will do, thanks.
Code's no good inshore apparently.
Mine arrived today. Didn't have a lot of time so grabbed a cheap 2.5mm 6013 and a bit of 2mm steel.
Set it up, guessed at 74A DCEP (this thing goes as low as 20A up to displayed 145A)
Expected a stick spit stick curse experience but it struck a steady arc first time. I relaxed a bit in shock at how good and smooth it was running so not my best weld but pretty good for a first go. Easy penetration on 2mm, I reckon you'd weld some pretty thick stuff and definitely as thick as most home users will go.
Ran a few more welds, each time easy strike, no sticking (I don't bang the rod in, stroke it on and then weld over)
If I get time I'll try some 1.6 rods on thin stuff and see if it will scratch start tigweld too.
Not the fine pulsed slag peeling job you'd get with an ewm and quality rods but perfectly usable imho for not a lot of money
Set it up, guessed at 74A DCEP (this thing goes as low as 20A up to displayed 145A)
Expected a stick spit stick curse experience but it struck a steady arc first time. I relaxed a bit in shock at how good and smooth it was running so not my best weld but pretty good for a first go. Easy penetration on 2mm, I reckon you'd weld some pretty thick stuff and definitely as thick as most home users will go.
Ran a few more welds, each time easy strike, no sticking (I don't bang the rod in, stroke it on and then weld over)
If I get time I'll try some 1.6 rods on thin stuff and see if it will scratch start tigweld too.
Not the fine pulsed slag peeling job you'd get with an ewm and quality rods but perfectly usable imho for not a lot of money
Edited by dfen5 on Friday 29th September 21:30
I've had mine a few days. It's been sitting in its box in the office but I did move it over to the workshop today. Still in its box.
I need to find some scraps of metal to start having a play before attempting to weld a plate onto the end of a tube section. That's going to be a bugger to get anything bearable.
I need to find some scraps of metal to start having a play before attempting to weld a plate onto the end of a tube section. That's going to be a bugger to get anything bearable.
Can we have some recommendations for decent rods & ones to avoid?
I haven't a clue where to start.
It's a whole new world with many decisions to be made, I was shopping for hoods last night but couldn't decide on the screaming eagles or grinning skull design, I'm not sure which will make my welds penetrate properly with less slag inclusion.
I haven't a clue where to start.
It's a whole new world with many decisions to be made, I was shopping for hoods last night but couldn't decide on the screaming eagles or grinning skull design, I'm not sure which will make my welds penetrate properly with less slag inclusion.
If money is no object Bohler Pheonix Blau or EWM stuff.
Then Esab, Oerlikon, Siftrode, Lincoln, Hilko, GYS and a few more I've forgot.
Then brands like Parweld, Weldarc and so on, but get the Lloyd's certificates with 'em if you can.
ETA the supplied hand shield is pretty useless. Auto helmets are great but you can do well with a manual, quite a few people still use the old ones.
Personally I would avoid the cheap unboxed stuff off eBay and the Super 6 brand gets mixed reviews.
I just used Weldarc as I have them in, nice soft arc but slag removal a bit harder than expected but no big deal, just wire cup it.
If you're on mild steel use 6013 for most stuff.
7018 is low hydrogen rod and you are supppsed to bake them once opened for a few hours to get the moisture out. Unless you're trying to avoid cold cracking and messing about with hydrogen release phases I wouldn't bother.
Then Esab, Oerlikon, Siftrode, Lincoln, Hilko, GYS and a few more I've forgot.
Then brands like Parweld, Weldarc and so on, but get the Lloyd's certificates with 'em if you can.
ETA the supplied hand shield is pretty useless. Auto helmets are great but you can do well with a manual, quite a few people still use the old ones.
Personally I would avoid the cheap unboxed stuff off eBay and the Super 6 brand gets mixed reviews.
I just used Weldarc as I have them in, nice soft arc but slag removal a bit harder than expected but no big deal, just wire cup it.
If you're on mild steel use 6013 for most stuff.
7018 is low hydrogen rod and you are supppsed to bake them once opened for a few hours to get the moisture out. Unless you're trying to avoid cold cracking and messing about with hydrogen release phases I wouldn't bother.
Edited by dfen5 on Saturday 30th September 09:42
Bought plus rods on the basis of this thread for the random welding I do once a year ....
Also more magnetic clamps a leather apron and a new pair of gloves ....
Where do folks by metal from ? Eg rod, bar, sheet? Ebay seems ok but I always end up buying random extra bits to justify the post.
Next I want a plasma cutter !
Also more magnetic clamps a leather apron and a new pair of gloves ....
Where do folks by metal from ? Eg rod, bar, sheet? Ebay seems ok but I always end up buying random extra bits to justify the post.
Next I want a plasma cutter !
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