Sows ear to Silk purse? rods question.

[Splatterer]

Have looked at a great many posts on here, thanks for the advice either directly or second hand.
I have now started a G & G nightschool course to learn MIG welding. (seemed sensible from the forum advice)
Now the class has 2 Migers, 2 Stickers and 3 Tiggers with machines to suit.
Therefore I'm attempting to learn Arc at home with a borrowed Aldi buzzbox alongside Mig at college an a fancy Murex with the idea that I can get expert tuition on Arc effectively for free, or half price, whatever.

Would good quality rods improve this machine. It refuses to strike an arc unless the amps are turned up (slightly) but then blows fuses if the rods stick.
I baked a few rods in the oven and that improved matters.
But I was wondering if some expensive rods would allow quicker learning or would buying a machine such as this http://www.weldequip.com/parweld-xti160.htm be a better bet given I've already spent bucket loads of money on tuition and thats time limited. Also, would the TIG function be novice friendly as I can probably also snaffle some learning on the Tig machines further on in the course once I've got MIG and ARC sussed.
Thank you.

 

[shenion]

Cheap, Chinese rods (no-name or store brand) tend to be inconsistent and not hold an arc as well.

No need to go with "expensive rods". Name brand rods are usually not much more and most have "white box" rods that are good.

You did not say what rods you are trying to use.

The Parweld will work and will be less likely to blow fuses. It will also have a more stable arc. The TIG function will work but will not have an on/off switch with a relay and solenoid to control the current and gas flow. So, it is a bit more fuss to use than a full-blown TIG, but would be fine for learning or occasional use.

 

[blenkie1]

I have the parweld from weldequip and really rate it. It will be a big improvement over the aldi machine. Its a lot easier to strike an arc even with cheap rods. I am currently using rods from parweld for £10 a box(3.25 rods)

 

[Drains]

As Scott said, you should tell us what rod you're using, also, what the the current output of the welder? We can assume it's 48 volts.
Even a cheap Aldi tranny should burn the right type and size of rod, regardless of quality, however getting a reasonable weld may be a different matter..

 

[Splatterer]

Thank you for the replies.
I've ordered a parweld and some decent rods.
I'd probably get a better than Aldi one eventually anyway, so I may as well get it now and have the benefit of paid teachers for the next few months.

 

[ford34/2]

Fuses--Blown

Aldi welder does not come with a fitted 13 amp 3 pin plug-- They recommend that this welder is connected into a 16 Amp supply. All the ones I have seen only have a length of flex, but do read the wee Manual they supply, better quality rods, cleanliness, will improve arc.

Stan

 

[rich r]

As said above - the Aldi 160A MMA welder will only run 2.5mm rods maximum on a 13A plug, and will still blow fuses at that. As with most MMA welders, it needs a meatier supply than that.

I run mine on a 16A supply, and can just about weld 4mm rods if I want to - but really it needs at least 20A supply.

I've also managed to burn through dozens of Aldi rods with no issues (other than the usual beginner's mistakes and lack of technique). If the rod sticks, try making sure it's hot and dry, and try different currents. The SIFTRODE rods sold by Weldequip are reasonable value if you can't get anything else locally, and nice and consistent.

As far as buzz boxes go, they're not that bad - and the last few year's versions (the turbo fan 160A ones) have a reasonable duty cycle too, for a small, cheap buzz box.