Re: Stick Welding Machine

It made me miserable, Now! Im looking on upgrading my equipment.

Then, I saw some japanese surplus welding machine and im curious because if i compare my portable chinese 120 amp with the japanese 150amp it is around three times heavier and bigger. And im sure that 30amp difference would not add those big bulks. I got my chinese welder shiny bnew at around 5k and those old, worn japanese surplus are being sold at 9k. Why? could the difference they're talking about, is somewhere there?

These jap welding machines being sold are from an importer that distributes it to different industrial shops and hardwares in metro manila. And it is an opportunity if i will be getting cus of its price, condition, and its not always available anywhere else.

Since its just a matter of time that im buying an Oxy/Acetylene (plan to get o/a before christmas.)
Without considering the cost; What should i get FIRST an Oxy/Acetylene or those japanese welding machine? With my current chinese welder, Do i really need it?

Thanks for those who would answer.

Re: Stick Welding Machine

The best thing to do in order to confirm the difference is to test the equipment. Since you are already familiar with what you have, you are competent enough to compare the two.

Next best thing is to update us of your findings 😀

Re: Stick Welding Machine

If I was in your position I would think of getting a DC Stick welder. Probably an inverter type. I regret that I did not get the Powercraft 200A inverter welder when it was on sale at around 11K. I saw one on demo and just by observing the softer arc I know that its a better welder. These welders are also lightweight and can be plugged into normal household outlets. Low power consumption too.

Just my 02 cents thought. Other options might be better.

Are those surplus Jap welders AC or DC? How much is the price range for say a 200-250A machine?

Re: Stick Welding Machine

afaik, arc welding takes time to perfect. newbie like me will not get that perfect welds right away.

are you welding thick and long metals? you are looking for beads so i'm guessing you are.

i only weld angle bars. spot welding does the job. too much arc melts the metal because it is quite thin.

Re: Stick Welding Machine

I got a small portable ozito 120amp welding machine, a china made equipment from an australian brand.

Recently, while checking out those welding machine in Ace hardware, someone (customer not Ace salesman) told me that i cannot get a decent bead on this kind of machine. And right there i found an excuse why my welds are ugly. It made me wonder actually cus on every project im making i can only manage to create around 50 to 60 % of of the much coveted "centipede bead" on my welds no matter how hard i tried. And as always i convinced my myself that i should be thankful that i dont do this for a living. And those nice welds that i got are just flukes.

And so now after that short talk, im already pondering why im getting this hit and miss quality of welds. Could it be because of my Skills or my Welding machine?

The best way is to consult an expert welder ..no matter what machine branded or not, expensive or not, we used but havent the right for skill for it its far from getting good results. i have a neighbor using an old fake yamato welding machine from raon but he weld and used with excellent results same as my brother who have this expensive miller machine but he couldnt got it right the smooth finish most of the time..LOL..

Re: Stick Welding Machine

i also have that yamato welding machine. portable type 150A. i don't know if it is fake.

it has served me well although i seldom use it.

RE arc welders. afaik, this type of welding method is the oldest of the existing welding technologies and it is one of the most difficult to master. having a good arc welder is better but it doesnt necessarily translate to better welds as mentioned by the previous post.

newer technologies are more expensive but probably easier to use.

Re: Stick Welding Machine

With regards to Oxy Ace, for me it's good for heating (i.e to bend metals) , cutting and a sometimes welding sheet metal.

My Victor Oxy Ace set had been quite useful and is a good tool to have around the shop. It could be dangerous too so I took necessary measures and installed protection like flashback arrestors.

Re: Stick Welding Machine

I got a mitsubishi 500 amp japan surplus stick welder. i tried welding side by side with my Australian-chinese 140 amp ozito. Hoping for a relative comparison,I set it both at the same ampere. here's what i got:
[INDENT]1. Japanese produce more puddle and you tend to run after it.
2. With chinese you have to wait for the puddle.
3. chinese gives less amperage
4. easier to start an arc with japanese[/INDENT]

Of course theres a lot more factors to consider in comparing these machines. But thats where im at.

Re: Stick Welding Machine

As for the beads, well, i got better beads on my japanese. 😉

But its not so fantastic that it will make you rant and get yourself a better stick machine.

Re: Stick Welding Machine

Have you guys tried drag electrodes yet?

These are fabrication type electrodes good for flat / horizontal welding position. No need to maintain an arc gap. One just have to literally drag the electrode on the piece to be welded. Very easy to use.

I purchased a year ago from Toolec.

http://www.eyp.ph/search?q=toolec+&loc=&vstype=basic&fzq=&x=48&y=10

Re: Stick Welding Machine

that's a very good option JayL.

Re: Stick Welding Machine

Thats nice JayL.. Is it a locally made brand? how does the price compare with other popular brands?

Re: Stick Welding Machine

The Cigweld electrodes I think were Australian. I purchased when these were on sale at Toolec Inc. The 5 kg box IIRC I paid less than 400 or 500 pesos.

Cigweld Ferrocraft 22 ( 1/8" or 3.2 mm )

http://apac.thermadyne.com/south-pacific/cigweld/products?task=detailProduct&CatID=2&SubCatID=11&ProdLineID=0&ProdID=111&brand=

Re: Stick Welding Machine

mai try nga yang E7024 na yan 🙂

Position: flat, horizontal, fillet
Penetration: low penetration
Usage: hmmm smooth, easy, faster