That "just use a lighter stick" welding advice from a union guy in Detroit backfired on me fast

Last summer I was welding a gate frame in my driveway, struggling with a cheap Harbor Freight 110v welder. A union pipe welder walked by, laughed, and said "turn down the heat and use a lighter stick, you're burning through everything." So I did. Ended up with no penetration at all, the joint broke when I bumped it moving the gate. Had to grind it all out and start over. Turned out my machine was just too weak for 1/8 inch steel, not a skill issue. Anyone else get bad advice from pros who don't know your gear?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_eric12d ago

Man that "just use a lighter stick" line hits different now. I used to think the same way, honestly. I'd see new guys burning through metal and tell them to dial back the heat too. But then I got a cheap little 110v welder for small jobs around my house and realized my advice was totally backwards for that kind of equipment. You really can't run a proper bead on 1/8 inch steel with a 110v Harbor Freight special no matter what rod you're using. It just doesn't have the power to get good penetration. Made me feel like a real jerk for all that advice I gave out.

miller.paul12d ago

@the_eric nailed it. That advice works great with a real machine, but not a 110v disposable.