New guy needing help please...

[studysession]

Hi -

I am new to welding. I have been reading some books and figure I would buy a cheap hobby type arc welder and practice. Once I get the feel and understand it better, then I would get something I really want.

I ended up getting a Campbell Hausfel Arc Welder 115v 70amp welder.
It came with electrodes with this written on them - 308/308L 16

How do I know what electrode to use for what kind of material?

I want to have the ability to weld aluminum and steal. Which rods are for what?

Also what would be the best cleaning method?

Thanks in adavce...

[massajamesb]

Generally, this welder is only good for welding very thin mild steel. I had one similar to that about 8 years ago I picked up at a garage sale. I think the thickest I could easily weld was .125 plate. The machines duty cycle would generally kick in within about 5 minutes of welding.

I am not aware of a amuminum stick welding process, generally SMAW is designed for ferrous metals like mild steel, iron, and even stainless.

For most mild steel, you should stick with a 6011 or 6013 rod. I believe Miller has some excellent tutorials on electrode part numbers and their usage.
http://www.millerwelds.com/education/library.html
some electrodes are designed for overhead welding, some for any/all positions, etc. They come in different thicknesses, designed for different materials and amperages.
I think the best luck I had with my old CH stick welder was buying the rods from Wal Wart, they were 6013 rods in a 1/16" thickness. The thinner the rod, the better my machine would burn into the metal. Using the same 6013 or 6011 rod in a 1/8" diameter would barely burn into the metal.
Hope this helps a little. There should also be a guide that came with the welder that will give some guidance as to the best consumables to use.

[studysession]

Thanks - that is very helpful. yes a guide came with it but it is very vaige. Figure good for learning even if it can't do the aluminum.

I do not have much of a budget and see many low cost welders out there. If I wanted to stay under $200 when I am ready - what arc welder could do both aluminum and mild steel?

Thanks

[massajamesb]

well I tried to post a good explanation for you, but the computer locked up. I will try again.

I am not aware of an electric welding process for aluminum that involves flux, such as flux core wire welding or stick (arc) welding

Your options are:
1. Oxy fuel, fairly inexpensive, but only recommended for the seasoned welders out there. Not recommended for rookies!

2. Large-ish MIG (GMAW)with spoolgun attachment. Aluminum wire does not like to be pulled or pushed long distances, so it will flatten and "bird nest" very easily. A spoolgun has a spool of wire within inches of the fusion point, so there is no long feed distance
be prepared to spend 1000 + for the MIG , and another 500 for the spoolgun

3. TIG (GTAW) is by far the most expensive method, but also the nicest, IMHO. You can "weld ice cream to air" with a good AC/DC switchable TIG.
Be prepared to spend at least 1000 for a introductory AC/DC unit.

Sorry I know this is not the answer you are looking for. I have had dozens of different welders over the years, and there just is not a viable option,when it comes to welding aluminum, for anywhere near the 200 dollar range.
The best you can hope for is a miracle on Ebay for that amount.

[studysession]

Still helps. I just need to save a lot of pennies.

[massajamesb]

Generally what kind of aluminum welding and steel welding do you need to do?
Is this a structural application, or??

[canadamaxxer]

We have aluminium rods at work. Watching an experienced welder making grapes and holes with these rods shows to me how inappropriate stick welding is for welding aluminium. We now have a spool gun at work, and I have my own TIG welder at home.

I don't want to sound like a jerk, but spending only a couple hundred bucks to weld aluminium is a tall order. I spent almost $3000 for that capability.....

[massajamesb]

Canada, are you referring to aluminum arc rods, or TIG/oxyfuel aluminum rods?

Up until now, I have never even heard of a aluminum rod for stick welding.

[studysession]

Doing aluminum is not a must for me, just a nice want to have.

The imediate projects will be things like utility trailer - tube frame for kids to have a go-cart - small things like that. Would also like to do a plow for my lawn tractor.

[massajamesb]

well, then I would suggest a small MIG or flux core welder. What you have there might work for you, but I would suggest at least 125 amps or more. Try looking into a Hobart Handler 125, or 140. They will have enough power for most of what you are looking into doing,and they run 300 to 450 bucks, or even a 220 volt Hobart stick welder, that is about 200 bucks brand new

[studysession]

Problem is I do not have a outlets that support 220 and I do not own the place, I rent. So can't install them.

I do have a transformer that converts 110 to 220 but it is used on other equipment I brought over from living in England.

[massajamesb]

Well, the Hobart handler wire welders are all 110 volt.
Check with www.usaweld.com as well