I have kinda joined the dark side

[rankrank1]

Well I have kinda joined the dark side. I currently have a Lincoln SP-135P 115volt Mig in Weldmark brand disguise and also a venerable oldie but goodie Lincoln AC-225 tombstone stick welder that is AC output only.

My usual mode of operation has been to use the 115 volt wire feed for anything under 1/8" thick that is realtively clean metal and use the stick welder for anything thicker than 1/8" thick or for any thickness when metal is rusty scrap pile type metal. I also use the AC stick power source for Twin Carbon ARC torch so want to keep AC power regardless as AC is best for Twin Carbon Arc torch.

Have always wanted to try DC stick welding if I could ever afford to upgrade at a reasonable price. Well I went and bought an old National Farm and Shop (actually an old Miller Thunderbolt in disguise) AC/DC stick welder from Craigslist at what I believe to be a reasonable price. I believe that this one may be old enough to actually have the copper wound transformer but not sure yet.

Feedback to follow, I hope the DC capability is as beneficial as the forums claim. Only burnt one rod before purchasing so too early to tell although DC did seem pretty smooth - raining again so kinda hard to weld in my outdoor shop which has been flooded anyway. Last few days of heat and sun had done wonders on drying the ground out decent. Also still have hail damage holes in my aluminum barn roof so welding inside is not really an option yet either - until barn repairs are completed.

Oh well, at least this Miller in disguise is actually red in color so my two Lincolns should not be too offended.

 

[Short Game]

I have a Miller Thunderbolt. All I've ever had. I don't have a clue what I'm doing. I just do it. I just keep it on DC an turn the dial until it works. I use 6011 for almost everything except when welding overhead. Then I use 1109.

 

[rankrank1]

Well I only got a chance to burn a few rods before it started raining (yet again).

Welding on AC with both welders set at 75 amps with old 6011 Napa 3/32" rods that came with the National Welder (aka Miller Thunderbolt).

On AC, I think the Lincoln does better than the National does on AC - although the difference is not significant (I was using the low tap side of the AC output on the National for better OCV characteristics per manual recommendation). Also the Lincoln cooling fan for the transformer sounds industrial in nature where the National has a much quieter cooling fan. Also the metal case on my Lincoln is very robust, where the National is much more flimsy. (I believe my Lincoln dates to the early 1970's where the National I think may be mid-1970's but not really sure).

On DC (electrode positive): Really my first time arc welding with DC, but I can see why it is preferred by most welders. I was using the same old Napa 6011 rods - might as well use them up playing as I do not trust using them for anything important. On DC it is a little easier to control the puddle and the arc is softer and quieter than an AC arc.

More to come if the weather ever cooperates for me.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Now, if you wish your transformation to the dark side to be complete, young Skywalker, buy a DC inverter welder and you will feel the full power of the force of the DC darkside.:laughing:

 

[fishman]

I have a Miller Thunderbolt. All I've ever had. I don't have a clue what I'm doing. I just do it. I just keep it on DC an turn the dial until it works. I use 6011 for almost everything except when welding overhead. Then I use 1109.

It took me a little while but I got the joke. Funny! Kinda describes my welding too.

 

[Short Game]

Now that the picture is up there, that's just like the Thunderbolt I learned on where I lived for a time. It wasn't mine, so when I left, it had to stay behind. I bought a new one 8 years ago. It has the crank on the front. No complaints. But then, I have no idea what's going on. My welding has gotten better as the years have gone by. Twenty years ago, my pro welder friend said my welds looked like bird droppings. How's that for motivation?

 

[4shorts]

Now, if you wish your transformation to the dark side to be complete, young Skywalker, buy a DC inverter welder and you will feel the full power of the force of the DC darkside.:laughing:

Mark you said a mouthful there sir. Oh man the power, reliability and the fact they take up less space makes the inverter machines light years ahead of everything else. Heck I beleave the light sabers were powered by inverters. :thumbsup: