Welding Tips and Tricks

What’s the deal, I’ve herd DC is better than AC for SMAW. Is DC worth the extra money?

cashiusclay97 wrote:What’s the deal, I’ve herd DC is better than AC for SMAW. Is DC worth the extra money?

You are kidding - right? If you have only "heard" about DC then see if you can find someone to let you use their DC machine. You can draw your own conclusions. Inverters seem to be favored over transformers.

Depending on the machine you can get a DC only welder and it won't cost extra. Look into the Everlast PowerArc features.

DC welding offers advantages over AC for most Stick applications, including: easier starts; fewer arc outages and sticking; less spatter/better looking welds; easier vertical up and overhead welding; easier to learn "how to weld" and a smoother arc. DC reverse polarity (electrode positive) provides about 10 percent more penetration at a given amperage than AC, while DC straight polarity (electrode negative) welds thinner metals better.



If you need to weld on material that's become magnetized from friction, such as when hay, feed or water constantly rub against a steel part. A DC output won't work because of "arc blow," where the magnetic field blows the molten filler metal out of the weld puddle. Because an AC output alternates between polarities, it enables you to weld magnetized parts.

jpence38 wrote:DC welding offers advantages over AC for most Stick applications, including: easier starts; fewer arc outages and sticking; less spatter/better looking welds; easier vertical up and overhead welding; easier to learn "how to weld" and a smoother arc. DC reverse polarity (electrode positive) provides about 10 percent more penetration at a given amperage than AC, while DC straight polarity (electrode negative) welds thinner metals better.



If you need to weld on material that's become magnetized from friction, such as when hay, feed or water constantly rub against a steel part. A DC output won't work because of "arc blow," where the magnetic field blows the molten filler metal out of the weld puddle. Because an AC output alternates between polarities, it enables you to weld magnetized parts.

Excellent summary of why DC over AC. Having welded for many years with AC only really makes one appreciate the DC inverters.

AC does work well for a good weldor. The really skilled ones could probably weld with a lamp cord and a coat hanger.

I, like many others, learned to weld with an old lincoln cracker box. (AC only machine) If you can learn to weld on ac, switching to dc is like a dream. DC gives a much smoother arc. Remember, on a/c current the arc is trying to extinquish itself 120 times a second (60hz). Thats one of the reasons when first beginning to weld with a/c its so hard to strike and maintain an arc. As for spending extra money for a machine capable of DC, its all relative. Lincoln makes an AC/DC crackerbox that would definitely handle almost any around the house projects and maintenance. Take into account what all you will be welding and make the best financial decision from there. If you get a DC capable machine, you won't regret it. It allows you a broader range of electrodes you can use and makes welding a lot easier. plus you can convert any DC stick welding machine to a scratch start Tig welder!!!