Anybody a welder?

[Lightyear]

I've just picked up a little 70 amp stick welder.  I'm welding up a gift for one of my customers, out of 3/8" and 1/4" round, mild, bar stock and it is not going as well as I would like.  My expectations were very low and, needless to say, I've underwhelmed myself

If anyone has any tips I'd appreciate it.

[the mojo hobo]

I used to weld when I worked on a farm in a previous life. (early '70s) Keep the stick moving and practice a lot. Practice running beads on flat bar stock, then try joining flat pieces together. Cut your pieces so they come together without spaces. You can fill a space with a weld, but it's not easy for a beginner. And tack a peice on two or more sides and then go back and weld it or the heat from the welder will push it onto an angle.

Good Luck.

[Denis]

A few years ago I took a welding class and had a blast. Unfortunately, stick welding was completely beyond me and I finally told the instructor, "Trying to teach me stick welding is a colossal waste of your time."

Now oxyacetylene was a different story. Totally made sense to me and brazing with gas was a breeze.

In any case, practice as mentioned, and you'll at least have fun!

[Lightyear]

Thanks guys - I got the project finished but it's not pretty.  I ordered some 1/16" 6013 EZ rods when I ordered the welder - supposedly easier to draw an arc.  I go those to arc just fine but they're messy to say the least.  After I had pretty much killed the entire package I tried the 1/8" rods and got those to arc, finally, - these made a much neater weld but still beyond ugly.  But you're right - after 25 rods burnt I got a little better - at this rate in 200 more I may have something that's presentable

[Highlander]

You know the rules ... pictures ... 

(revenge is a dish best served at high ampage...)

Did welding as part of my apprenticeship ... mid seventies and managed to avoid it since...

[Lightyear]

Geez Kenny, I'd have to set up a photo sharing account - finally

[Pilgrim]

Unfortunately, there's no substitute for lots of practice...works for welding, too. 

[Highlander]

Geez Kenny, I'd have to set up a photo sharing account - finally