Looking for recommendation stick welding

[TorontoBuilder]

I need some help stick welding 14 gauge tubing. Cheap hitbox made in china welder

My brother gave me any old stick and tells me I need 160 amps.... i tell him that does not sound right.

I had issues trying to striking a spark. I told him something is not right. He says you need to warm up the welding rods. I say BS

He takes over and blows holes in all the tubes so their ragged wide 1/8" separations while managing to get a few tacks into the parts. Then he says he can fill those voids. I say BS and just left in frustration. I wanted to mig weld this easy peasy.

So what rods and what setting would you suggest if you were dumb enough to insists on stick welding when you have a mig welder sitting right there?

 

[TorontoBuilder]

55 amp?
what rod

 

[Karl_T]

Get yourself some 1/16" 7014 rod. The amp setting really depends on the welder. Go as low as you can, mine could do 40 amp. I have a welding chart that says 20 - 40 amp for this material.

its going to want to stick on you. A scratch start works better

 

[Nutfarmer]

You are fighting a loosing battle trying to stick weld poorly fit up sheet metal with a buzz box. With a good machine try 3/32 inch 6013 rod with metal that fits properly. With what you are describing, you are just beating your head against a wall.

 

[TorontoBuilder]

You are fighting a loosing battle trying to stick weld poorly fit up sheet metal with a buzz box. With a good machine try 3/32 inch 6013 rod with metal that fits properly. With what you are describing, you are just beating your head against a wall.

at one point it fit perfectly.

its going to want to stick on you. A scratch start works better

That's why it's called stick welding right?

 

[brino]

Also "any old rod" may not be the best approach.
If left siting out they do absorb moisture.
Baking can help dry them out (a dedicated "shop use" toaster oven can promote marital bliss).
Proper storage can then make them last.

Brian

 

[7milesup]

I hate stick welding. Get some ShoeGoo or tape. Maybe even some gum. Or, go buy a decent TIG welder. SOOOOOO much better, and now there are so many options out there that will not break the bank.

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[MrWhoopee]

If it were me, I'd TIG it. That's because I don't have a MIG and wouldn't attempt it with my stick skills. I'd just blow holes in it and make a mess of the whole thing. Best to have a bunch of practice pieces if you plan to do it with an unfamiliar method.

 

[markba633csi]

Sheet metal/tubing and mig work well together- stick is for thicker material like 1/8" or more
If you have a mig welder I would definitely use that- and practice first before you try your good parts
-M

 

[tq60]

Small rod and small amps.

160 will blow big holes as you found out.

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