[quote="Otto Nobedder"]If the machine is as old as claimed, there may be $100 of copper in it, if it won't do anything. I think I'd buy that, sight unseen. Steve S, i got it! I think I'll post back here later with a pic of the machine and let you know if the DC Has helped with spatter and ...

1 bill=$100 correct? If yes, and if that machine runs, buy it....that is a heck of a price for an AC/DC machine. Its not a pro level machine like a Dialarc or an Idealarc, but that is a nice step up from the 110v welder you are running now. Comparable to a miller thunderbolt. You never see them for...

Take some 1/8" 7018's, and some chunks of 1/2" or thicker plate, and try and weld.
Max it out at 140
If it won't run it nice, don't buy it.....[/quote]

Ok, i have both and will give it a shot, thanks for your reply.

I have a chance to pick up an older craftsman AC/ DC stick welder for 1 bill. First is this enough DC amps to weld up to 1/2" plate? Btw this welder has the old turn knob on top, where you loosen the knob and swing the pointer to the amp selection then tighten the knob down. I've got this same ...

Welcome aboard. This is a great place to learn and ask questions. You're right teaching yourself can be frustrating, but it is doable. I am a beginner too and this site has helped ALOT. Keep comimg back!

Correct me if i am wrong please, but couldn't a plain 220 volt rated light switch be used only as ameans to determine if it is the switch that is bad. I was thinking if the switch were inserted as a testing device only that the contacts on the test switch would be able to withstand start up amps onl...

We use a water cooled and water sealed vacuum pump and Nitrogen as the carrier to evacuate trailers for Hydrogen gas at my plant. Len[/quote] Len, the coldest interior space i have ever worked in was a walk in ice cream freezer, at -20 F. It was a july 90+ F day here and i was bundled up looking lik...

Thanks for info. The eBay link just showed me ebay home page. I called the number in Norfolk and left a message to call me back. I definitely want one of these to start some aluminum projects. Mattc, i think the link was just to show what other 300 P's are selling for. If you get on craigslist for ...

Hvacr, While this probably not critical for your application, I've discovered through the school of hard knocks on high-vacuum (<5 micron) systems, you will get the system much drier by pulling to 20,000 microns (20 torr/mmhg), holding 30 minutes, breaking the system with dry nitrogen, and then pul...

[quote="MinnesotaDave"]Heck, I often weld on old chipboard on sawhorses when I run out of table space.

Ok, I am not sure I am ready to throw caution to the wind that far, when I have more control overall of my welding I wont be afraid doing that. The fire blocks are a good idea

weldin mike 27 wrote:Use the 1/8 to cover the majority, and get a bit of 3/8 for a small heavy duty section.

ok I just got several nice sections (12" x 10") 1/2" plate steel today I could use as spacers.

[ Since you mentioned it, I'm wiring an 8500 square foot manufacturing facility, they will build wind turbines. The owner is very receptive of new technology. He has chosen Mitsubishi Heat pumps for heat. He has bought 10 18000 BTU residential units plus a 100,000 Btu wood furnace. He's very relaxed...

Many a wooden table has been covered in 1/8 or 5/16 plate to protect it. If you are not oxy welding on it, or belting the hell out of it, it hold up well. I should have checked first, i did not know 1/8" plate would be thick enough (as long as i am using some sort of common sense). I am really...

I know about 20% of the people in Pawlet, 10% of the people in Rupert. Beautiful country, valleys are wider, lots of farm land. I never got into refrigeration in deference to my friend who taught refrigeration at night. He turned 65 and moved to Ireland in January. Now I wish I paid more attention ...

Hello, looking for a p-300 pulser unit for my miller syncrowave 300. Dont know if this is what u are looking for but i saw this ad on craigslist (norfolk, va) area when i was searching for welders: This is cut and pasted from the ad MILLER CP-300 welder power source, CV/DC GMAW. excellent condition...

Someone can give you the technical details but I would give you the answer of no. If your plate is directly on the block and your weld is over the block, the heat will cause the block to "explode" so to speak chipping away a small portion. As long as the projectile never had a chance of r...

I searched the forum first, no luck: i'd like to bring my small inverter welder home from the shop to practice bead welding. I do not have a metal table at home, so i was thinking of setting a cement block on my black and decker work-mate table and practicing, is it safe to weld on cement blocks?

Oh, Grab the electrode 3 inches from the tip with your spare hand. You will be steadier. Remember to let go when it gets hot and short. Yup, had no idea how quickly heat travels through my welding gloves and how long the heat stays on/in the gloves! I got one of Jodys tig fingers to help, but then ...

Hvacr, I see promising improvement between the two plates. The only thing I can add to others comments is work on your consistency. Try to use those 6" plates working on your "stack of dimes" look. I remember starting with 6011 and it was a pain until I got it down decently. Keep up ...

pgk wrote:You'll get there, practice practice practice. Then when you think your finally getting it more practice. lol

Crap, was afraid somebody was going to say that But at least you give me hope the lightbulbs will grow from dim to bright. Thanks for weighing in and the encouragement!

I suggest you start with 6013. In flat position it works nice. Get some 1/4" plates, maybe 4 of them 6 x 6. Run your bead all the way across the plate. I think as a total beginner you're best off to lay them parallel but not touching. Turn up the heat some until they lay flatter on the surface...

What are you looking through as in welding helmet/lens? I have a Weldcote autodarkening helmet with 4 sensors and have it set between 9 and 10. The top pic is my first attempt and the second pic is after 4/5 hours more of practice. I am trying to compare my poor welds to books and vids but it is st...

I know this thread is a year old but if the OP is still around wanted to say congrats on ingenuity and color scheme.

hey luis welcome. I have found and have had much good advice here. The search engine on here is good too.

I have practiced for 4 to 5 hours now and here are some new pics the rods were 6011 5/64" at 68 or so amps AC. After staring at the steel for awhile there is only a modicum of improvement.however now I am convinced there is at least hope for me.