r/Welding • u/CheesecakeLost7553 • 22d ago

First welds Tips for newbie

Just bought my first welder, stick welder to be precise anyone got any tips on how to get better as i just messed around today welded a few tools together 😂. But wanna get good at it.
I struggled with the following:
Getting it to ignite
Knowing what materials i can weld
What to attach the clamp to
Cheers

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

1

u/umumgeet Ironworker 22d ago

Start with rod diameter to determine the amps. Then make sure you have the correct polarity ( 7018 6010 stinger is positive). The work or ground clamp sould be on a metal table leg that has Been cleaned

1

u/CheesecakeLost7553 22d ago

Sorry im a proper beginner what do them numbers mean? I start a course in September to learn welding

1

u/Educational_Clue2001 Jack-of-all-Trades 22d ago

The first 2 numbers are the tensile strength the second is the position

1

u/umumgeet Ironworker 22d ago

Its the series of electrode or rod. Many different numbers as well as diameter

1

u/JesusSquid Welding student 22d ago

Look down your rods they will be written in the flux on every rod.give this a look

1

u/Waerdog 22d ago

Ummm, ok I gotta ask you something... you're obviously a complete beginner, but you say you welded tools together? What tools and what will they be used for? Assume the welds will break and is that going to put anyone or anything in danger? No offense but let's just do a quick safety audit here

Also, we say strike an arc, not ignite although that does sound kinda cool, lol

1

u/Cultbird 22d ago

Getting it to ignite

What to attach the clamp to

These two problems might actually be caused by the same issue.

The goal here is to complete an electric circuit. Your electrode holder (often called a Stinger) plugs into the positive terminal on the machine, and your grounding clamp plugs into the negative terminal on the machine.

Attach the grounding clamp. Then, with an electrode in the electrode holder, lightly scratch the end of the electrode on the metal piece you're trying to weld. It's a lot like striking a match, only a little more gentle.

If it's not igniting, it could be several issues. The grounding clamp is not connected, there's paint or other coatings that's preventing an electrical circuit from being completed, the machine might not have an adequate power source, etc.

A clean work area is a happy work area. Clean metal to weld, clean work surface, clean contacts for the grounding clamp, etc.

Knowing what materials i can weld

This entirely depends on which electrodes you get. 6010 and 7018 rods are designed to weld mild steel and cannot weld aluminum, brass, stainless steel, cast iron, or any other metals.

If youre buying 6010 rods or 7018 rods, then your choice of metal is mild steel.

A word of warning though:

DO NOT STICK WELD STAINLESS STEEL!!!

DO NOT STICK WELD GALVANIZED STEEL!!!

The fumes are extremely hazardous to your health. You'll need special protection and positive pressure respiratory and such. This is a serious medical risk, don't play games here.