Thanks for the input; what you've provided makes sense. Hopefully I can provide pictures of what I've done with this info. But for sure, my welds aren't for show - still getting that hood time. AND I need the box.
Thanks,
Clifford

I know this is kind of entry level stuff, but I'm in need of some basic approaches to get my projects off the ground. I want to construct a simple box with 1/8 mild steel to tack on my tractor to hold lynch pins, etc. Just an open receptacle, no lid. It's to be 4" x 4" x 10". I figure...

Apex? Got it. Brother in law is probably familiar. Thank you, bap.
Clifford

bap,
Now there's a coincidence. The brother in law that has the 210 MP that lives out of my area? He lives in Santa Cruz. Actually going over there for Thanksgiving and hopefully giving his machine a try.
Clifford

I'm gathering that all these lower end multi process machines are like peas in a pod. I'm also gathering that stick is not their strong suit. Let's say I get a 210 MP or a Miller 215...will it do stick as well as my old 250 amp transformer? Might I be pleasantly surprised or will I go back to the ol...

Thanks everyone for the input. I can see there's no substitute for just burning rod - try and do it every day if I get a chance.

Well, what I'm SEEING does not look too bad - it's not like a real welder did it - but I don't have a lot of lumps, no spatter, and relative to my first efforts it's smooth. But do you think all this can happen and I still don't have viable penetration? At 95 amps, give or take, can the process take...

New at this and practicing. As per videos I've been watching, seems that people are running 7018 1/8 vertical at around 120 amps. I was attempting this, varying between 115- 125 amps (DC electrode +) and things just seem to be running wild. I have an old 250 amp AC/DC transformer, and just out of de...

Yes, at some point I want to get into MIG . I'm gathering that for lighter stuff and just more versatility and ease of application, MIG is something to have available. I only started with stick because that's the machine I ended up with. I hear if your passable at stick you won't have any trouble wi...

I have around $1500.00 to spend.

I'm just starting as a hobby, using an old Wards AC/DC transformer. It's the only thing I've ever welded with but I have done some carbon steel projects that turned out OK. The amp adjustment mechanism on it is kind of crude and I look at some of these modern welders and it looks like a whole differ...

Beginner. I don't know how anyone did this before instructional videos and auto darkening helmets. Just mild steel and an old Wards 250 amp AC/DC so far. There's no old experienced welder 'just down the block' to help me, so I sought out this forum. I thank everyone in advance.
Clifford