Thank you
@Bobster. That’s a very kind offer, but you won’t need to bother.
I did buy some extra supplies for the torch including different diameters & types of electrode, collet and bodies for them, and some different gas cups.
The truth is that all of the stuff is very inexpensive here. I bought 10 CK electrodes (red) for 30 bucks. I can get Chinese electrodes even cheaper.
I haven’t figured out everything about the set up, but I sat down and tried to DC pulse weld some mild steel with various results.
This is a 20 gauge steel strap folded over, and I welded the edges together. I didn’t clean all the paint off before I folded it, unfortunately. It’s lumpy, and I dunked the electrode and made a crater.
This is the other side of the same strap.
Bits of a Volkswagen floor. This is the stuff I’ll actually be welding on.
Closer. . .
I’m not sure if that crater is from porosity from contamination in the original lap, Or if I stuck my tungsten in the steel.
This was my second weld on the steel strap and I turned the amperage up too much. I was welding along fine and then I came to that hole and suddenly the bottom dropped out.
Anyhow, it’s amazing how tiny you can turn the arc down and still get it to work. So far I am very happy with this new machine and I’m sure I will get lots of practice with it in the near future.
Also I’m gonna go chisel that metal apart later, and see how strong my welding is.