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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    comboyne
    Posts
    10

    Default Can a bad tradesman blame his tools

    Hi there.
    A few questions from a beginner in welding;
    1. Does the distance the 'earth lead' is from the weld site make any difference to weld quality, safety, etc? I am welding small components and do not have a steel work bench, so I hook up the clamp where I can on these pieces, sometimes cms away from the weld site.
    2. I am using some older rods of unknown age stored in an airtight plastic tube but the flux seems to crack away from the rod. Am I right to assume these have had it?
    3. Will using 1.6 rods and an inverter welder make my task of neat strong welds on 1.6 - 2 mm steel section an easier?
    Many thanks,
    Michael

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    sydney ( st marys )
    Age
    64
    Posts
    4,887

    Default

    To your first question the distance the earth is to the weld no,(although if you get a lot of heat in to the earth clamp you could weaken the spring over a long period of time if it is of the spring type clamp.)
    Does the flux come off these rods when you rub your hand over them or when you are putting the into your hand piece,or is the flux coming off when striking an arc,if it is the 1st scenario maybe a 1/2 hr or so in the oven at about 100/120,if it is the 2nd it maybe user error (your technique,more practice)
    The inverter would probably make welding the smaller section easier.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Kentucky NSW near Tamworth, Australia
    Age
    85
    Posts
    282

    Default

    I am a sparrow crap welder but when I want to weld small items I get a short piece of 150mm "C" section and clamp it in my B&D Work bench and clamp the earth clamp to the "C" section.as far as your other questions go someone more knowledgeable may answer that.
    Regards Bazza

    Skype Username: bazzabushy

    "Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards."
    -Vernon Sanders Law

    The views expressed by the poster are general in nature and any advice should be taken in this vein. The poster accepts no responsibility if this advice is used. When undertaking any work personal professional advice should be sought from suitably qualified persons in the field of work being undertaken.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Garvoc VIC AUSTRALIA
    Posts
    1,656

    Default

    Get some new rods, you'll have trouble getting a decent weld if the flux is flaky.

    As I don't do a lot of welding very often I only buy 1kg packs so if a pack goes off I only lose a few rods. I generally get my rods from supercheap auto.
    Regards, Bob Thomas

    www.wombatsawmill.com

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    HI Mick,


    Put the clamp where ever you want.Just make sure that it earths properly.

    Cracks in the ends of the rods won't do home diy any harm.Its not a boiler or a submarine is it? Just burn off the end of the rod with a short bead on scrap.foe any good rods like stainless ,if you find them with tape around the lid seal,tape it back up again.Stainless rods are expensive.

    So long as you basic technique is there the inverter will help.
    If there are problems in your basic arc length,speed angle etc ,it can't fix those.
    cheers
    Grahame

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