¿What features should I look for in a portable stick welder?

Question

I have a welder, but it's big and heavy, so it's difficult to carry it, and I must mention that I have problems with my spine.

So, I would like to buy a smaller one, but I am still wondering if these kind of machines work well.

Do they have enough power to melt steel?

a.c. or d.c. which one is better?

Answer 1

You can get trolleys for these things, or better yet, you could make one yourself.

Apart from that, it depends on what kind of rod you are using:

AC machines are usually smaller, simpler, cheaper, and somewhat more robust, since they are essentially just a small adjustable transformer. On the other hand, some rods, such as 6010, or 7015, do not appreciate AC.

* EXX10 DC+
* EXX11 AC or DC-
* EXX12 AC or DC-
* EXX13 AC, DC- or DC+
* EXX14 AC, DC- or DC+
* EXX15 DC+
* EXX16 AC or DC+
* EXX18 AC, DC- or DC+
* EXX20 AC ,DC- or DC+
* EXX24 AC, DC- or DC+
* EXX27 AC, DC- or DC+
* EXX28 AC or DC+
http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/weldrod.html

Most reputable companies, such as Miller, Lincoln, or ESAB, make excellent small DC welders. These are usually solid state, 50 lbs or lighter, and have a great duty cycle rating. For most of these units, you are going to need a 220 Volt wall outlet though.

Unless you are using rods that are more than 1/8", or doing arc gouging, you should be fine using one of the smaller units. You have no reason to need more than 200 amps DC.

Answer 2

Depends on what you are welding. A 110 volt welder will weld but only on thin materials. You also need to check the duty cycle to see if the amount of time you want to weld is possible with that machine. I prefer 220 DC welders.

Answer 3

portable stick what?!