Cheap temporary welder

[J.S.@SMS]

I was wondering if anyone knows of a cheap welder that is of good enough quality to last for a few months. I'd like to get a cheap stick welder for temporary use because I would like to learn how to weld on a stick welder since I have a Lincoln Electric ac225s. The only reason that I'm not using this welder is because I don't have 240 power in my garage at this time.

 

[KartFab]

one option is to make an adapter to run from your laundry 220-240v to a female 120v 20 amp plug, then plug in a regular 10 gauge extension cord for 120v, then make another adapter to go from the 120v female to your welder. Works great. I use it when i have to run my air compressor and plasma cutter both on 220v-240v.

eg. something like this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-6-ft-3-Prong-30-Amp-Dryer-Cord-WX09X10004DS/203497480
with this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-20-Amp-125-Volt-Grounding-Plug-Yellow-520CA/301304941

then run an extension cord like this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...r-Outdoor-Extension-Cord-HD-729-706/202533866

Then plug the extension cord into this male plug
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand...ial-Grade-Straight-Plug-PS5266XCCV4/202664475
then run the male plug to a gang box with your female outlet of choice for 240v.
e.g. something like this is usually what welders use
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-50-Amp-Double-Pole-Single-Outlet-Black-5378/203296066

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

one option is to make an adapter to run from your laundry 220-240v to a female 120v 20 amp plug, then plug in a regular 10 gauge extension cord for 120v, then make another adapter to go from the 120v female to your welder. Works great. I use it when i have to run my air compressor and plasma cutter both on 220v-240v.

eg. something like this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-6-ft-3-Prong-30-Amp-Dryer-Cord-WX09X10004DS/203497480
with this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-20-Amp-125-Volt-Grounding-Plug-Yellow-520CA/301304941

then run an extension cord like this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...r-Outdoor-Extension-Cord-HD-729-706/202533866

Then plug the extension cord into this male plug
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand...ial-Grade-Straight-Plug-PS5266XCCV4/202664475
then run the male plug to a gang box with your female outlet of choice for 240v.
e.g. something like this is usually what welders use
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-50-Amp-Double-Pole-Single-Outlet-Black-5378/203296066

That sounds sketchy at best.... 50ft run of 220 through a stranded 10g extension cord is asking for trouble. My welder requires a designated 40a circuit as is, most dryer circuits are 20/30a max.

why not build or buy an actual 220 extension cord if you have a dryer outlet within reasonable distance?

 

[KartFab]

good point, i just had a 110v extension cord that i figured i could use. I wasn't welding anything over 20 amps anyway. I used that setup doing mobile welding work for 3 years before i stopped welding for other people.

 

[Texan]

I have no experience with a 120V stick welder, so I'm not sure how well they work....but Lowes has one for $82. https://www.lowes.com/pd/smarter-to...MIkM3Rpuze4AIVnrjACh3WMwQvEAYYASABEgI1rvD_BwE

Lowes has a good return policy from my experience, as long as you have your receipt they don't ask too many questions, so if you don't like it or once your done with it just return it.

 

[Kartorbust]

Can't say I've used a 120v stick welder, only 240v and 3 phase machines. Heres one from Menards. I have zero experience with these, but it's cheap. https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...11-c-10163.htm?tid=3018489981326433332&ipos=3

Use 6011 or 6013 rods for sheet metal work (anything less than 1/4" is sheet metal, 1/4" and up is plate).

 

[supermanotorious]

DO NOT use your dryer or stove outlet. That is a recipe for disaster. I made a few of my wakeboarding winches in the early days with the Harbor Freight stick welder and people thought it was MIG. I took a college welding class though to get that smooth. I still have that welder 10 years later and it's at my dad's and he uses it from time to time. Less than $100 and 110V outlet ready.

 

[slicksonly]

staying on the subject; cheap temporary welder
Go out and rent a portable welder buy ten pounds of 6010 & ten pounds of 7018 welding rod the most used rod in the universe find a retired welder to help you burn up the rod.

piece of cake ******************* Armand

 

[Kartorbust]

staying on the subject; cheap temporary welder

Go out and rent a portable welder buy ten pounds of 6010 & ten pounds of 7018 welding rod the most used rod in the universe find a retired welder to help you burn up the rod.



piece of cake ******************* Armand

Neither one of those rods are good for sheet metal work. I used both in welding school for schedule 40 pipe, 1/4" plate in various joints and positions. 6013 is probably the best electrode for sheet metal work

 

[slicksonly]

( Sticking ) with the subject temporary welder?? or is it temporary welding machine??
The post said he wanted to learn stick welding, I'm sorry I don't know where the welding sheet steal come from?? The post asked for some friendly advice. And where did this guy go ?? The post date is 02-27-2019 to 03-4-2019 on these forms your supposed to stand by your post and honor them.

 

[J.S.@SMS]

I'm sorry, something came up and I hadn't had a chance to get back on this forum since I posted this thread. Thanks for all the advice while I was away. I'll have to do some more research into the welders that were linked.

Supermanotorious, which welder is it? And I would like to keep my dryer and stove in functioning condition.

 

[FoulMouth]

Im with KARTFAB on this one, you could run the wattage and amp draw numbers, but honestly, your probably not going to run your AC-225 above 120 for anything, and if you do your probably doing it wrong anyway. the stove or dryer plug would be fine to run the the AC-225 at half power. the worst that is going to happen is you will either throw the circuit breaker or melt the extension chord. keep and eye on your chord when working. You can do a ton of learning with 3/32" 6011 AC rods and 1/8" steel, on the machine you already own.

 

[supermanotorious]

I'm sorry to say it doesn't look like HF carries it anymore.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Just wanted to report a finding!
https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Electric-K2278-1-Handy-Core/dp/B004HL01PW/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=2BB13EY7CFDH5&keywords=lincoln+electric+k2278-1&qid=1553118893&s=gateway&sprefix=lincoln+electric+k2278%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1-fkmrnull
A Lincoln Electric flux core welder 120V for $280 and free shipping!
I know there are some that hate flux core and especially 120V flux cores, but for light duty general welding, this one sounds like enough.
I'm asking for this for my birthday, since my dad and I have been wanting to get me a welder that's low cost but reliable. So I figured Lincoln Electric would be best, but then I found out most Lincolns are $600+! Then I found this one which would suit my needs just fine.
Although I would obviously invest in a auto darkening hood.
Even if I have to chip in my own money and this is the only thing I get for my birthday, I'd be happy!

 

[Budget GoKart]

Yea im probably never gettin a welder till i get my own house

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Do your chores, get on your parents' good side, and you have a chance.
That's basically how I did it.

 

[J.S.@SMS]

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[kevbo22]

This is pretty **** good deal for a first time welder. If you are still looking at options.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Campbel...VEL7ACh1_NghMEAQYAiABEgJZofD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds