what arc sticks do i need

[retromadness123]

Hello guys just want to know what be the best arc sticks I need I seen some stainless steel rods or mild steel, I be using it for odd metals to patch on here and there so I thought mild steel rods but want second opinion thanks

[awoo]

Mild steel will be best and easiest to work with imo.

Get the right size for the job. Thinner ones for low amp.

[deaddave72]

Yep,mild steel 6013 rods and make sure you keep them in a dry storage atmosphere once opened ,as that will allow them to be stored longer.

[retromadness123]

Thanks guys I wanted to experiment using 2 car batteries and jump lead to weld, so was wondering how about to go choosing the right welding rod, also I know it may differ but is arc welding easier or mig welding just seen for guys that do stuff at work use arc welders and also a horse box restorer using arc welder and they make the job look so easy

[deaddave72]

Jul 30, 2016 17:22:21 GMT retromadness123 said:

Thanks guys I wanted to experiment using 2 car batteries and jump lead to weld, so was wondering how about to go choosing the right welding rod, also I know it may differ but is arc welding easier or mig welding just seen for guys that do stuff at work use arc welders and also a horse box restorer using arc welder and they make the job look so easy

Personally, i think mig is easier to pickup from the start, its just a matter of getting the movement/power/wire speed ratio correct for the job in hand. Arc welding is , in my opinion, dependent on the quality of the rods and the welder that you have, a complete swine to get used to, however their portability is superior. Its a matter of practice though in the long run.

Learn on an Arc and you will find mig a breeze

[skkylinedave]

Arc is pretty much no good for car bodies .

[retromadness123]

Lol thanks I bought a mig but I can't seem to get used to it been on the mig forum and just cant get to grips I used gas and flux core but still can't weld lol so was trying to see what be good for me but I do need to practice also guys any place I can buy scrap cut offs so I can practice thanks

[skkylinedave]

I would either go to a scrappy and ask for thin steel sheet or look up fabrication places near you or drive around industrial estates and ask - lunch times are best .

Ask if you can raid there scrap or offcuts bins in exchange for a donation to the tea and biccies fund etc , or takes some brews with you .

[retromadness123]

Good thinking Dave I think Il do that was looking online and they quiet dear for off cuts

[optimusprime]

Jul 30, 2016 19:44:40 GMT skkylinedave said:

I would either go to a scrappy and ask for thin steel sheet or look up fabrication places near you or drive around industrial estates and ask - lunch times are best .

Ask if you can raid there scrap or offcuts bins in exchange for a donation to the tea and biccies fund etc , or takes some brews with you .

Try smaller companies,lots of 'large' companies have waste menagement policies,which means a papertrail as to where all there waste goes,and who takes it there.
I know a few large organisations wont let anyone take anything out of skips bins etc if its not leaving site with the preferred contractor.
And i've heard of staff being disciplined over letting stuff get taken!


Keep your eye out for people chucking out old washing machines,they have metal panels .....

[awoo]

if you do get some scrap just make sure you don't weld on galvanised metal.


even if you do get some and want to try grinding it away to bare metal - it isnt the easiest stuff to get remove, if you weld directly on it it causes fumes which make you go all wonky and the weld will look like a dogs .


fabrication places i find to be the best for odd bits of metal to play with.