Use a MIG for stick?

[e9999]

OK, OK, I don't know much about welders, but gotta ask...

I have this oldish italian MIG that I got from a scrap pile. Probably not great to start with, and it's in bad shape. The roller mechanism is half broken and the gun is also broken. Probably can't find the parts and if I could they would likely cost more than the welder is worth. And I will get myself a good new serious US made toy from the big 2 before too long.

But I had this thought: How about in the mean time I stick a $15 stick holder on there, after getting rid of the roller mechanism and gun. Basically just use the power supply straight to the holder and maybe have fun with a ghetto stick welder. I have a bunch of sticks I could play with.

Now I'll admit I have no idea if the voltages and all would work. Heck, actually I have no idea if the power supply works at all for that matter. But FWIW it's a "110A" welder (120V). Says on the front something like 15% at 90A / 19V. (Uo 20-28V).

So, waddaya think? Worth spending a bit of time on this and hacking away (love that) or no way it can possibly work?

 

[PAToyota]

If it is free, I'd give it a try - mess around with it a bit. Not much to lose in experimenting. No way would I spend money to buy such a setup unless it is "case of beer" sort of money.

 

[e9999]

does anybody know if this kind of voltage is OK for stick?

 

[PAToyota]

If you look at Lincoln's site, they show a 3/32 7018 electrode needing between 70 and 120 amps. So you're going to be just barely making that with the 90amp output.

Makes sense when you consider the wire size used in a MIG compared to a stick electrode.

 

[danxcsp]

This is probably not going to work for you. A MIG machine is CV (constant voltage) while a stick machine is CC (constant current). These are two different operating principals and the overlap of the usable volt amp curve is very narrow. I would be real surprised if you could find a small enough stick electrode and set a voltage that would fire off and they you could feed the rod to burn off at the correct rate.

You would have more success finding a weld wire that works on a stick machine. There is way more overlap this way especially with the self shielded welding wire that are availalble today.

My bet is as soon as you touch the rod to the steel your welder will go to OCV (open circuit voltage) trying to start the arc and will humm or buzz then pop it's limit, your wall breaker, or something else not good.

Sorry but I don't recommend spending time on this.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

If you look at Lincoln's site, they show a 3/32 7018 electrode needing between 70 and 120 amps. So you're going to be just barely making that with the 90amp output.

Makes sense when you consider the wire size used in a MIG compared to a stick electrode.

X2 on case of beer kinda money... wouldn't spend a lot on this experiment. Unless you are only wanting to weld really thin metals. I'd be interested if you can get 90 amps out of it. Probably less.

I"m with Danxpsc, it will probably pop the circuit but WTH its an experiment RIGHT!

SO, IF you try this experiment... I'd try 1/16" or 5/64" ER6013 rods.. They will weld in the 20-60 amp range in the flat position. However, they have low penetration characteristics for general use applications.

If that worked out I'd then try a 3/32"-6010, 6011 and 6013. But you are hitting the top of your limits if not over with these rods with that machine at max of 80 amps, IMO.

GL and let us know the results.

J

 

[e9999]

yup, the issue of breakers and all is a concern.
mmm.... may not be worth it. bummer....

 

[Pin_Head]

Oh come on, spark it up and see what happens. Use a 6013 rod for starters as it is more forgiving of low amperage.

 

[Huis Clos]

Not worth it. It's not going to give you enough amperes for the stick. If I am not mistaken I believe all stick machines are 220V instead of 110V the reason be is it can hold a higher cycle. The 110v won't cut it. get properly set up, harbor freight might have deals that suit your budget.
My opinion get a mig machine if you are protected from wind, draft. If you are welding with good amount of wind you might want to use flux core wire.