Tig break test.

[Shield Arc]

If you're not doing code work, or critical multiple pass welds don't worry about it.
But they run so much nicer when hot. You can always throw some in the kitchen oven a couple hours before using them.

 

[deereman75]

You can always throw some in the kitchen oven a couple hours before using them.

My step mother would hit me with a frying pan if I did that.....
I might see if I can find a $5 toaster oven at a thrift shop to use for that.

 

[Shield Arc]

That should work, anything to bring the rods up to temperature before welding. Also maybe pickup some of those plastic rod tubes everybody post links to. Store your rods in one of those until needed, then throw them into the oven a couple hours before using them. Makes a world of difference if 7018 is hot or not.

 

[deereman75]

I think I will just make rod holders with pvc pipe, costs less and works.

 

[rockinmywaypa]

Last week my ship came in and for once I was on the dock.There was an ad on the local radio's dial-a-deal section where an older lady was selling off her husbands shop tools. I got a primus 250e deca welder with scratch start tig add-on, electronic helmet, brand new apron, two sets of new gloves and a couple extension leads. all for 200 bucks. I also picked up a paint sprayer, air chisel, air impact driver 1/2 in, a box with a bunch of grinding discs and drill bits and another with a bunch of parts like gauges for torches for an additional 30 bucks. I grinned like a cheshire cat for days after. I replaced the ground clamp because the old one was heating up red hot when in use and I couldn't tighten it any more due to the damage done. I know that this isn't a top of the line welder or even close but it will do everything I expect from it and I finally have dc after using a tombstone for 30 yrs.
I have a bit of practising to do, it's been 10 yrs since I worked at a job where I did a lot of stainless tigging but I have never done aluminum and next to none regular steel. Now I can play properly.

 

[deereman75]

Sounds like you got quite a good deal, let us know how it all works.

 

[Shield Arc]

rockinmywaypa you have any pictures of that welder? I've never heard of a machine like that!

 

[rockinmywaypa]

I don't right now but in the meantime just google"Primus 250e Deca welder" and you can go to their website and see a picture.

 

[deereman75]

I don't right now but in the meantime just google"Primus 250e Deca welder" and you can go to their website and see a picture.

Got any pictures yet?

 

[rankrank1]

I don't right now but in the meantime just google"Primus 250e Deca welder" and you can go to their website and see a picture.

Googled your website. If the specs are correct then this may not be the best stick welder - have no idea about its Tig performance. Only 55 volts OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) on AC and even less on DC at only 50 OCV. Most Lincoln AC-225 buzzboxes are 79 OCV on AC which is actually the UL maximum limit for homeowner grade machines for safety sake.

In short the higher the OCV the easier the initial arc strikes are. I have a little 115 volt 50 amp transformer arc welder that I purcashed at a garage sale for $8. The OCV is only 45 volts. I can weld with it with small electrodes (1/16" or 5/64) but the initial arc strikes are sometimes difficult due to the low OCV and I limit the rods for this welder to the absolute easiest rods to run (mostly 6013) as not quite enough amps for most 7014 since 7014 like a few more amps than 6013 or even 6011 for that matter.

At the price you paid though you still got a bargain, but I would not be selling that Lincoln just yet.