HOW DOES AC WELDING DIFFER FROM DC WELDING

[k0ua]

I realize it's hard for those that are not engineers or tech's to visualize some of these concepts, and how cap's and inductors interact with circuits voltage and current, etc.

hopefully the drawing will help. it's a bad drawing, but i think it will work. the signal 'generator' ( my hand ) needs to be calibrated.

Actually I though your waveforms were not bad at all. I don't believe I could have done any better.

It all seems so simple for those of us that have been around these concepts for decades, but to many here it is all new concepts. Nothing wrong with that, as I am sure that the fields of endeavor that they work in seem simple to them too, and I would likely not have a clue about their work. I have started off into a new tangent of learning about health insurance in my advancing years, and leaving engineering behind.

Imagine my confusion and questions when I first jumped into this field. But hey, I am a professional now.

 

[FTG-05]

So, if I may ask: What's a good entry level DC welder? Something that's usable for typical farm equipment. I already have a Lincoln SP-175 Plus MIG, but I need something with a little more oomph for 3/8" and up material.

I looked at the old Lincoln AC/DC buzz box, but DC amps are only 125. Doesn't sound like enough.

Thanks,

 

[k0ua]

So, if I may ask: What's a good entry level DC welder? Something that's usable for typical farm equipment. I already have a Lincoln SP-175 Plus MIG, but I need something with a little more oomph for 3/8" and up material.

I looked at the old Lincoln AC/DC buzz box, but DC amps are only 125. Doesn't sound like enough.

Thanks,

Everlast Power Arc 200ST. Contact Mark on this forum for a TBN discount.

 

[paulsharvey]

So, if I may ask: What's a good entry level DC welder? Something that's usable for typical farm equipment. I already have a Lincoln SP-175 Plus MIG, but I need something with a little more oomph for 3/8" and up material.

I looked at the old Lincoln AC/DC buzz box, but DC amps are only 125. Doesn't sound like enough.

Thanks,

The 125 amps DC would be fine, but I wouldn't spend "new" price for the AC/DC; think they are around $385-400 and there's plenty of options when you get in that range. I quick Google search returned $400-550; so I wouldn't pay that for one.

Edit: Hobart Stockdale LX235 is 150 amps DC/225 AC; for same price (at northern tool, new)

 

[sd455dan]

So, if I may ask: What's a good entry level DC welder? Something that's usable for typical farm equipment. I already have a Lincoln SP-175 Plus MIG, but I need something with a little more oomph for 3/8" and up material.

I looked at the old Lincoln AC/DC buzz box, but DC amps are only 125. Doesn't sound like enough.

Thanks,

The everlast would be really nice for sure- If you have the coin
but on a tight budget Craigslist, at least what i see every week lots of great ac/dc transformer welders for $50- $200 most come with leads to which are worth at least $50.

 

[k0ua]

My little Everlast PA160 has done all that I have needed done. I paid $265 several years ago for it. I use it for TIG too.

 

[Shield Arc]

Shield Arc,
Would you do it with an AC welder? That's all I have.

Sure! But with good welding gloves on. Back when I was working I welded a lot with just White Ox cotton gloves. Used those gloves mostly for rigging, but they worked OK for a few quick welds.

 

[FTG-05]

Everlast Power Arc 200ST. Contact Mark on this forum for a TBN discount.

Looking at the specs as we speak, thanks!!!

:beer:

 

[k0ua]

Looking at the specs as we speak, thanks!!!

:beer:

Ask Shield Arc about how he likes his. I can't remember how much the TBN discount from Mark at Everlast was, but it was a fair chunk. Send him a PM

 

[Shield Arc]

Looking at the specs as we speak, thanks!!!

The PowerArc 200ST really likes ESAB's 10P-Plus 6010.