Many thanks to the "pros"

[handirifle]

I have been welding with my little 110v mig for about 4-5 years, with little success, that is until I started reading here.

I want to thank those so knowledgeable, and helpful, on this forum. This afternoon I had a small project to weld, and I applied what I have read here, that was meant as davice to others brave enough to post their "less than perfect" welding for comments. I have read those (lurking) and kept them in the back of my mind.

My little project was simply a 1" metal conduit made into a spike with a 12"x 1/2 x 1/2" bar bisicting it about a foot up from the point. I AM well aware of the issues with galvanized and used all precautions. Open area with a slight going away breeze, etc.

I used my little 4" grinder to cut the end of the conduit and after hammering it, it came to a nice point. I then welded the seams together, and proceded to weld the a cross bar (the 1/2" sq tubing) about 12" up. While I don 't have the "row of dimes" I'd like, I was able to keep the "bacon frying" about 90% of the time, as opposed to the opposite, like it used to be. My welds are 10 times smoother, with way less splatter than before.

Previously on little jobs like that, it usually got gobbed on until it was strong enough to hold. This time I saw nice puddling and was :makin bacon".

Prior to reading here, I was beginning to think I needed a bigger welder (maybe I still do?) for most of my jobs, but now I feel confident, or more confident, in my little one.


Anyway, just wanted to pass on my appreciation to all. I still have a LONG way to go, but this is a major jump for me.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

If yours can muster 100 amps, it can do a lot. But there's always a bigger welder in everyone's future.

 

[handirifle]

I would love to think a Lincoln AC/DC stick welder would be in my future, but on a retirement income, it's most likely a used Lincoln AC stick. $75 to $150 is more likely than $700.

 

[jayste]

Glad to hear that your project went well. Welding thin-wall material does take some special approach. I will say that it can be done with a stick machine but if I had both, a mig and stick, I'd grab the mig to weld conduit.:thumbsup:

 

[jonyyuma]

I have welded conduit too. I say yes ,the mig hands down. But both will work safely. Jy.

 

[handirifle]

That job went very well, but todays' wasn't quite so good. More like a 50-50 good/sucky job. Oh well, I'll have to keep at it.

I looked again, and my welder is a Campbell Hausfeld, that reaches 85amps, according to the info on the door. Not what many would buy, but it was a Christmas present from the wife and has done a lot for me so far. I'll perfect my skills on this one and hope for a bigger machine someday.

 

[k0ua]

Tell you what Handirifle, I have one of those everlast PA160 stick machines, and I dont get a thing from Mark by recomending them, but I tell you they are worth having. my welding has improved 100 percent since I got it, and it was only $269. I am not saying I might not get other types of welders some day, maybe a nice MIG, or TIG setup, but I really like this little stick machine, and at 160 amps it does all I need in the thick metal department. Look at my "Shovel ready project" if you want to see. I would think with your little MIG, and a PA160 you would be set for most metal fab. I am not an expert at all. really still a newbie, even tho I have been welding for about 15 or more years, but mostly just fixing some broken thing every few months. Probably just reinforcing bad habits that way. I am welding much more now and getting better every time. My Lincoln AC225 is for sale, that is how much I like the Everlast.
James K0UA