Well here goes... Aluminium frame router design

[CharlieRam]

Not done much cutting yet, just facing the beams so they are square and using my tape measure for measuring ;-)

[CharlieRam]

Spent about 3 hours today learning to weld...Think I need another 3 months and I might get somewhere! I kept getting the rod stuck , I managed to get it arc'ing probably 2 or 3 times and once it was arc'ing I could get it going again until I changed the rod and then it was back to square one :-( , am I using too low an amp setting? I am using 2.5mm rods and I tried the welders recommended setting of 80amps but the only time I got it arcing was at about 110amps. Is that too high or should I go higher still.
Better still, any welders in the Derby area want to help me out who needs the use of a mini mill :-)
Cheers, Charlie

[mekanik]

Hi Charlie
I don't do a lot of stick welding as i have TIG but i do use it for rough jobs, you should be OK with the recommended Amps, what usually happens as you have found is the rod sticking to the job then you can't pull it off and it starts to get red hot so you have to release it from the holder. sometimes you can drag the rod across the job to initiate the arc but i prefer to peck it until it starts the arc.
if you get a sticky one that wont start just file a notch through the flux a bit further up and break the end off to expose the electrode and try again. you will get the hang of it.
Regards
Mike

[CharlieRam]

Thanks for the reply, I have watched tons of YouTube videos so should be an expert by now , I have tried the drag (strike a match) and tapping method but before I even manage an arc the rod seems to stick, maybe its in my technique, I will try again.
Cheers, Charlie