First time with AC stick, kind of

[metalpuddler]

After 40+ years welding I am going to be working with a Lincoln Powerarc 4000. Purchased off eBay to attach to my SUV for Gate operator work. I got so wound up in finding a small weld/gen for this application I didn't even think about it being anything but DC. So here are my questions. (1) what can I expect from an AC machine as far as the actual welding process (i.e. weld start, sparks, penetration, ect) versus a DC machine. (2) rod choice, I assume I will have to purchase some E7018-AC, but what about 6011? Is there an AC equivalent for that? I will be welding hinges and brackets mostly 1/4 or less in thickness. I intend to use 1/8 and 3/32 rod for all applications.

The only experience I have with AC stick was about twenty years ago I worked for a guy building trailers for one day. I had to leave due to shoddy and dangerous working conditions, wasn't about to put my name on anything that came out of that shop. Should have known better on the day I applied for the "welding" position. I pulled into the parking area to see a Chevy blazer just outside the bay doors with a rope tied to it going in the shop. The rope had been thrown over a cross member of a truss and had a board tied to it that one guy was riding up to change a light bulb as the other guy backed up slowly with the blazer. Oh yeah......don't you know I wished I would have had a video recorder on that day! Anyway got in a fight with the guy the first day and left......without pay.

I know that last paragraph wasn't necessary but thought you guys might get a kick out of it. Will post pics as I progress, don't expect delivery till next week but starting on hitch mounted swing arm today.

[mbramble]

6011 is AC or DC.

[MinnesotaDave]

(1) what can I expect from an AC machine as far as the actual welding process (i.e. weld start, sparks, penetration, ect) versus a DC machine.

(2) rod choice, I assume I will have to purchase some E7018-AC, but what about 6011? Is there an AC equivalent for that? I will be welding hinges and brackets mostly 1/4 or less in thickness. I intend to use 1/8 and 3/32 rod for all applications.

With as much experience as you have, I doubt you'll care that it's an AC machine.

(1) Sparks a little more in my opinion - but not enough to matter.
Penetration is a tiny bit less - but not enough to matter.
Usually increase the amps about 5 or 10 for an 1/8" rod over DC settings.

(2) If you're already running 6011, you're all set there.
You'll also find 6013, 7014, and 7024 run excellent on AC - again, run them hot.

Since I've never tried an AC engine drive (just plug in models) I'd recommend trying the regular 7018 and the 7018ac and see which runs better on it.

Good luck with your new machine and post pics

[Tryagn5]

dont get wet!

After 40+ years welding I am going to be working with a Lincoln Powerarc 4000. Purchased off eBay to attach to my SUV for Gate operator work. I got so wound up in finding a small weld/gen for this application I didn't even think about it being anything but DC. So here are my questions. (1) what can I expect from an AC machine as far as the actual welding process (i.e. weld start, sparks, penetration, ect) versus a DC machine. (2) rod choice, I assume I will have to purchase some E7018-AC, but what about 6011? Is there an AC equivalent for that? I will be welding hinges and brackets mostly 1/4 or less in thickness. I intend to use 1/8 and 3/32 rod for all applications.

The only experience I have with AC stick was about twenty years ago I worked for a guy building trailers for one day. I had to leave due to shoddy and dangerous working conditions, wasn't about to put my name on anything that came out of that shop. Should have known better on the day I applied for the "welding" position. I pulled into the parking area to see a Chevy blazer just outside the bay doors with a rope tied to it going in the shop. The rope had been thrown over a cross member of a truss and had a board tied to it that one guy was riding up to change a light bulb as the other guy backed up slowly with the blazer. Oh yeah......don't you know I wished I would have had a video recorder on that day! Anyway got in a fight with the guy the first day and left......without pay.

I know that last paragraph wasn't necessary but thought you guys might get a kick out of it. Will post pics as I progress, don't expect delivery till next week but starting on hitch mounted swing arm today.

Ac was the common current used in welding up to the 60's. Couple of things...dont get wet or work in damp condtions, unless you like getting zapped. Run a little hotter, there is 7018 ac but since almost all your metal will be hot dipped galvazation i woul be using 6010 or 6013.
kevin

[Sberry]

If this is regular work and out of position I would be looking to sell that off and get something DC. Its really a lame excuse for a welder. At 4000 watts you might be able to run a Maxstar off of it,,, ha

[metalpuddler]

Received my welder, runs and welds just fine for its intended purpose. Just finished rigging the swing arm carrier to my SUV. A couple of issues have surfaced, not that I didn't foresee I might need to tweak.

(1) The swing arm carries the welder just fine, locked and pinned during travel. My inability to make the swing joints tight require a block of some kind to hold things up when in the weld/gen position, no biggie really as long as it gets there safely.

(2) Lincoln powerarc 4000 code number 10200, serial number is incomplete. engine number model 192432, type 1136-E1, code 9909243A. According to the manuals I downloaded it should weigh 160lbs dry. I didn't find anything in the manuals about electric start and this one is. It is obvious from pics that this unit was modified previously with a home made control panel for the starter. Actually this is an unexpected bonus except for the weight which is 223lbs. There are unconnected and cut wires that I would like to know their function. As it sits now you turn on the ignition system at the engine cowl (there is a aftermarket on/off switch and a momentary switch run thru an aftermarket solenoid on the home made control panel) and push the momentary switch and it starts right up.
So I don't know if the engine has been changed,modified or both.

(3) Paint, I want this thing to be visible to people driving behind me and am thinking safety yellow, reflective tape and lights powered thru the trailer plug.

Please check out these pics and critique as necessary.

[metalpuddler]

More pics