Welder

[DeltaRed]

I have a Lincoln 'tombstone' AC/DC machine. I have never used anything but the DC- side.I 'burn' 1/8 6011 and 1/8 7018 99% of the time.The 'old' machine is developing some issues.I'm wondering if it is about to die. Considering just buying a Straight AC tombstone to replace it. Will the AC only be sufficient? will I be happy with it? BTW,I have a gas shielded mig/wirefeed that I sometimes use for thinner material. But I prefer stick for everything else. Even weld thin stuff with stick on occasion.Use it so seldom I considering sell ing the wire machine. Thanks Steve

 

[vscummins]

I've never used anything but ac when I can find one that's all anybody around here has that I've had access to i like it when I have decent rod I can do a good job had some 7018 that would not burn on it though . I like the mig but there not much good unless your in the shop with no wind

 

[MCoe]

As a weldor, I recommend going to a straight DC machine because I rarely ever use AC. I like Everlast welders, they are cheap but good running machines. They have stick welders for around $300. You can find them on Amazon.com or look at them at www.everlastgenerators.com

 

[jon f mn]

Switch yours to ac and weld with it so you know, but I think that since you're used to dc you won't like ac. I don't use ac for stick welding if I can help it.

 

[gene bender]

If you have been using DC you wont like AC like other post said try AC now to see if you like it.

 

[Hank ABAB]

Fix what you have now. Get an electrician to look at it.
You don't say what is wrong with it.

You should be using it on DC (+).
The ground is negative (-).

What model is it?
Here is a picture of an old IDEALARC 250 AC/DC.

 

[ed will]

Hi, I use an ac welder not my favorite but I very much like the LIQUIDAIRE rod called Arctec 222. Welds so smooth and easy. Ed Will

 

[Ellis Kinney]

Steve-- I can't imagine ever using AC if I had a DC machine. Do you know an electrician who could look at the welder? On another note, I would suggest you try some 6010 rods for DC. 6011 is an AC rod, although a lot of guys use it on DC. my 2 cents worth. Ellis

 

[retired farmer]

Used DC in a college welding class back in the early seventies. Bought my own machines and have used AC ever since. Have welded on some heavy stuff over the years and have never had a problem. Going to try DC one of these days again tho.

 

[Leroy]

Never had DC, only AC. What is DC so much better for than AC?

 

[da.bees]

Not many reasons for replacing old AC/DC machines unless you back over it and don't stop right a way to get it untangled. Like they say,pull the britches off and have an electrician look it over.Make sure fan run's good and blow it out good while you're in there. If you weld out of position you might miss DC.

 

[super99]

I must be doing something wrong!! I have had a Lincoln 225 AC welder for 30+ years and got along fine. I saw a Miller AC-DC on Craigslist a few years ago and always wanted a DC welder, so I bought it. I honestly don't see much difference between the AC and DC. Chris

 

[the tractor vet]

The problem with the smaller sc /dc machines is the 7018 . works the snot out of them. Best thing we have done is bought a Lincoln 250 portable . Now if ya don't want a portable then find one of the old Lincoln 250 round tops as they are both A/C and D/C I have seen several lately on Craigs list in the price range of 300 to 450 . They are a SHOP welder and will run all day burning rod after rod. What i like about the portable is that we can take it to the break and weld it there and it can go in my truck or my buddy's truck. soon as the weather breaks i am going to make up a frame work to bolt it to and have a place for the torch bottles all on a skid that the forks for the skid steer will fit in and not have to use a chain anymore. One person load and unload.

 

[JD Seller]

Steve just unplug your welder and take the back sheet metal cover off. It has a rotating contact setup. That is how you select the amperage. Over time the rotating blade gets burnt like the contacts in points. Just polish it up and free up the tension spring an it will be good for another ten years.

Also you should really try the DC side of it. You will get a much better weld in most cases.

 

[Janicholson]

I have many brands and choices at the Univ. I choose DC more often because I can choose the relationship between the electrode and the base metal. Reverse (electrode Positive)polarity allows deeper penetration, and slower rate of travel. The Straight polarity (electrode Negative) places more metal on the work but is not as deep in penetration. AC is a compromise between them and also has less continuous magnetic effect allowing some welds to be less affected by deflected arc. Jim