AC/DC welder?

Geo-TH,In · Feb 20, 2016

I've always used an old Lincoln tombstone 225 amp AC only. Been thinking of buying a Lincoln AC/DC from Home Depot, $550. I usually use a 1/8 6011 rod for most of my welding on rusty metal. Except for a mig wire welder, I've never used a DC stick welder. Just wondering, how does the input power of a buzz box compare to the input power of a DC welder for the same out current? What rod works best on DC and rusty metal?

JD Seller · Feb 20, 2016

If your only going to use 6011 rods you will notice very little difference. Now with 7018 rod you will notice that DC welds much easier/better.

Part Time Pete · Feb 20, 2016

I agree - and if you go to Dc, I would use 6010 for your penetrating rod, rather than 6011

CenTex Farmall · Feb 20, 2016

You will like the DC welding. On the same machine, pure AC will deliver more current but you will have more than enough current on DC to burn 1/8" rods. I usually use 90-105 amps on reverse polarity. With the same machine I can turn it down and use a 6013 rod on straight polarity and weld oil pans perfectly. I forget the total range but I have the same welder you are looking at and I bought mine back in the 90's.

I prefer the 6010 rod too for regular farm type construction but they're harder to find locally for some reason. The newer 6011's that I've used (made in US) were very close though.

the tractor vet · Feb 20, 2016

Save your money on one of them and keep and eye on Craig's list and get a Lincoln 250 ac dc machine fifty times the welder and when you find one they will be in the 250-450 price range . They have a rounded top and a black crank knob on a round disc. and a like a bent rod to switch from A C To D C . They are and industral welder and i do not think you can KILL one of them . BUT they will plum WELD .

dr sportster · Feb 20, 2016

To answer your question it is doubtful anyone has ever measured that . It would take one guy welding and one guy with an amprobe measuring the input amperage. As long as the machine is working well who really cares ? I would guess the draw would be pretty even on AC or DC not changing the output amps. 6011 Ac and DC+ 6010 DC+[good for rust] . but now they have rods that run anyway.

Geo-TH,In · Feb 20, 2016

I have been watching crazy list, nothing. Some want more than new for used.

Hank ABAB · Feb 21, 2016

Tractor Vet, you are 100% correct.
I have one that is a 1961 Model.

Weld with any rod, any position, no sticking rods ever.
I try to keep it dust free, otherwise no maintenance required.

They are a light Industrial machine, and will last forever.
I have close to 50 years of heavy Industrial/Refinery Pressure welding under my belt.

This is the machine I bought years ago (second hand for $420) for my farm use.
I can easily get my money back at any time, if I choose to sell it.

You get what you pay for in a welding machine.
I believe it has an Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) of 70 or higher - very important.

Dr. Walt · Feb 21, 2016

JD:

You can get 7018AC rods and get the same Low Hy results on AC . With all of the AC rod types available, you can do pretty much of everything that you could do with DC without some of the inherent problems of DC such as "Arc Blow".

Watch This: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW7I-ymfINU

AC/DC welder?

Geo-TH,In

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JD Seller

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Part Time Pete

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CenTex Farmall

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the tractor vet

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dr sportster

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Geo-TH,In

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Hank ABAB

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Dr. Walt

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