Broke my mower

[MossRoad]

I've got a little 110V Hobat wire feed welder that has a chart inside the door. You pick the thickness of the steel, read the chart for the settings, set the two knobs and it works surprisingly well. I haven't set it up for MIG yet. But it sure beats the stick welder for quick repairs. I still use the stick for thick stuff and rusty stuff.

 

[cqaigy2]

Man im feeling like a rube, i only have a 40year old 220 tombstone lincoln arc my Dad bought. It needed the fan fixed and the nylon in the knob/switch assembly swelled so much it kept the contacts from touching. For some strange reason, i had a motor that fit with little modification for the fan fix and for the knob, file and sand paper. 100% duty cycle at 70 amps, so i could weld all day, that is if i could weld all day.

 

[woodlandfarms]

If it wasn't for my wife I would still be using my tombstone. Honestly I kinda like it more than my Mig. Probably cause i have run a lot of rod on it.

2 things. Yeah the chart exists but when I am talking with pro welders, trying to learn, they are always talking voltage. Also, my chart says A to F but my nob goes to H. No explanation. Feels like I am in a Welders Spinal Tap.

2nd is my biggest problem with welding is seeing. This has always been an issue. I need to get a real shop first, then work on some lighting. I think if I brought up my ambient my work wouldn't be such a disaster. I am so worried about following the metal I ignore the puddle. That is what happened on that first weld.

 

[MossRoad]

Do you have an auto-darkening helmet?

 

[woodlandfarms]

Eyup. Harbor Freight and a Hobart (I think same manufacturer). I also use a doubler which has helped and I don't have my face deep in the metal. But still. I just can't seem to see the seam where I want to weld. Nothing worse than flipping your mask off and seeing your catepillar wandering away from the joint.

 

[MossRoad]

Have you tried pushing the weld instead of pulling it?

 

[woodlandfarms]

Hmmm. was about to say it was a push but now not so sure. I do know my welding doesn't improve either way in terms of seeing where I am going. It may also just be concentration that I am lacking in the end.

Truth is I need a real welding lesson. I have had experts teach me but it at 15 minutes a throw. And they are experts (Underwater pro welder, machinist, mechanics).

 

[SpringHollow]

I have trouble seeing when i weld as well. I lighten the shade setting more than I used to and that helps. My cheater lenses (the "doublers" you use) help as well. I should also shine halogen work lights on the project but I never do.

Ken

 

[woodlandfarms]

I lightened up as well and it really hurt my eyes. This is the dilemma. Next weld bringing out the work lights and lets see what happens....

 

[stuckmotor]

I have trouble seeing the seam I'm trying to weld too, especially with rods smaller than 1/8". Welding sideways instead of pulling the rod toward me seems to help.