Brian Lawson wrote:
On Sat, 27 Aug 2005 01:47:04 +0000 (UTC), Christopher Tidy
wrote:



Thanks, Roy. I'll try those settings. One thing I think I've been doing
wrong is to hold the electrode at too great an angle to the horizontal
(probably 45 degrees). This is because the handle of the electrode
holder or cable catches on the bench if I don't. I'll have to figure out
a way around this.

Chris


Hey Chris, Two hints from another "wish-I-could-weld-like-that" guy.
First, loop the cable over your shoulder(s) to take the "weight" off
it and stop it dragging and catching; and second, when you put the rod
in the stinger handle, take and bend the rod right at the handle to an
angle that suits what you are doing. Have you ever seen a weldor do
that? He inserts the new rod in the best angled "groove" in the
stinger clamp handles, then with one hand he grabs the very end of
both the clamps right at the rod and squeezes hard, to hold it shut
(so it won't slip), and then with the other hand grabs the rod "up
short" and bends it to suit. If you don't grab it up short, you'll
crack all the flux. It has to bend right where their is no flux.

Ohhhhh....and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS wear gloves when you do it!!
Always!! Owwwwwwwchhh... Yes....ALWAYS!! You'll get a poke or a burn
if you don't.

Thanks for that suggestion. I've never seen anyone bend a rod before
and, believe it or not, I'd never thought to try it. It's easy with my
welding set as the stinger screws down hard on the rod, instead of just
holding it with a spring clamp. I'll try it next time a weld seems awkward.

Might get chance to try out a few of your suggestions tonight. Will let
you know how it goes.

Best wishes,

Chris