His rods were sticking on the start because he wasn't using good technique for starting the arc. You don't need 100 amps to run a 3/32 7018 and you definitely don't need 100 amps for 3/32 6013! 7018 will also start better if you keep them in an oven, but if you're buying a $170 welder you're not going to have a rod oven.
It is actually the thickness of the material that is the problem . He wouldn't have had a problem with 1/8" to 3/16" material . But that was atleast 1 1/2" thick . If he would have pre-heated it a bit , it would have been less of an issue . Notice how he had less trouble towards the end of the video striking an arch ? The piece was heated up by then , having run 6 or so stringers ...LOL
You guys are the best learning tool we have, that's great advice, we will get into creating more or less power by looping your 100' lead over your shoulder and back again later.
When you are starting the arc, try hitting/dragging the electrode on the object you are welding on 45 degrees, it wont stick but it will start the arc every time! Learned that when i was 7 lol
Giuseppe Maggio taping and hitting, the same thing, sliding is the most important. I dont do alot of stick welding, i have a 280A 380V Enihel MIG welder, Co2 and Argon gas so i can weld aluminium too with alu wire
Dvotaktni Krkan Dvotaktni Krkan Yes, i weld with stick for several years, we are saying the same thing. However "ratheBwelding" is welding in the worst mode possible.
Dvotaktni Krkan breaking the flux of the end of the rod like he did also makes it harder to start the burn. I can stick weld have been since 7 years old but prefer wire feed welding, 6011 rods is what we always used gives the hardest strongest weld 7018 used more for rough surfacing 6013 more for softer welds.
I have the 160d version of this welder and it works great. 110 volts and it welds with 25.2 volts at the stinger, 26.4 volts with 220 volt outlet. The extra voltage helps the starts. I'm sure by now you are a pro. Watching you twice open that box reminded me of myself 50 years ago. You will do well and don't listen the the fools putting you down. Go cart frames arn't hard to weld with a stick with a little practice and instruction. Mig is for the unskilled, no harder than a glue gun once the machine is set up. Learn that stick machine then try some Tig and you will be good to go.
(not a welder, just interested in purchasing this product) i really like the fact that most people in the welding field seem to have nothing but constructive criticism in the comments of videos like this and are willing to hand off knowledge so freely about a skill they are so passionate about. you dont see that with many other trades except maybe automotive mechanics.
A-mi-co it's like a Miller in Japan when I was in Kawasaki and Tokyo I used a tig made by them really good running machine I'd buy one and put it next to my Miller sycrowave for a nice inexpensive portable welder the only thing cheap about it is the price you pay
Yeah I agree with Dvotaktni Krkan about starting the welding at an angle of 45 degrees or less & even dragging the stick as you begin then going back to the start to begin pushing the stick to create your puddle. If you weld with lower amps you need to go slower with the weld to preheat the steel more to get a good puddle & good penetration, I normally go about 10 amps over the recommended on the box so that you weld a little faster on hot days. Also to make the puddle look nicer you should move the stick side to side as you weld forward pushing into the weld with your stick not dragging.
I thought I was the only one who struggled with arcing but now I don't feel so bad and I learned to go in with more of an angle than straight up and down
Funny, I was looking for a cheap stick welder to add to my MIG and I bought this same welder for around $140 and it's been great. I didn't have a lot of expectations for it at this price but it runs just about every rod (like all inverter welders it's not the best with 6010) really well. I bought a TIG kit for it on Amazon from WeldCity for about $50. It included everything I needed to TIG with the exception of the gas, tungsten, and flow meter (but was able to use the regulator from my MIG welder) and now I can scratch start TIG. This welder weighs about 10 lbs., is really portable, fun to use and works great.
Son been a welder fabracator for 35 yrs try draging your rod to get your arch started im a subscriber to you and you are a very talented young just some words of wit from one of the old guys ,nice machine and best wishes.
I have the exact welder,works best with 7014 plug directly to 220v 50amp receptical.If you run it off 110v you will need to have it 30amp breaker,as it will trip a 20 amp quit often.Also best if ground placement is clean.Once I got use to mine,I love it.
These small welders seem to only run a few types of rod well. I felt your pain in the beginning n almost got rid of welder. Then came along a discount Lincoln box of rods 6013 n it came alive. Very hard being consistent with 7018 etc. when it won’t arc. Great video wish I would watched it sooner
I have a harbor freight welder 170 amp wire feed mig welder. It welds just fine. I’ve used the crap out of it. I’ve been welding for over 15 years I didn’t want to drop a thousand dollars on a nice Miller so I gave Harbor freight a shot and it has really surprised me I’ve had it for two two years now and it has payed for itself 10 times over
This is so funny. I learned the basics of all types of welding in 1 year at my votech pipe welding class. It's a 2 year class but I took my certification test my first year and passed. But they do not call it stick welding because it sticks😂. Strike your rod like a match and it will not stick. And the numbers on a rod are there for a reason. The first two number are the tensile strength the thirds number is the position and the fourth number don't really matter (read up on those) and if U wrap the stinger cord around your arm a time or two it takes all the pulling away. And never free hand unless your truly gifted. It's way more comfortable if u put your stinger on your rod a couple inches down where it's supposed to, jut brake off the flux and bend the extra down
Good deal man. Starting those arcs on the cheaper stick welders can be a little tougher but it worked. I wish I could afford a better one too so been through those pains getting used to the dragging it to start and arc the better ones have a buzz startup so no dragging it a half inch to start it.
You got exactly what what I would have suggested. 6013 and 7018 are the ones I use the most. 6013 runs just so well, that you can run them nonstop around anything.
When I first started using this welder, it was it was nice and smooth, I was very happy, used it several times since and it slowly started getting worse and worse and now can't even weld with it. Even cranked to the max it just spits and sputters. I wish it was something I could figure out and fix. The plazma cutter works ok and 3/8" is the thckest it will cut but that's not bad. I have not tried the tig yet, no gas. But the stick has just went downhill and I haven't used it all that long.Maybe it's just a lemon from the factory.
Nice job welding. One thing with these dual voltage welders is the amperage it is rated to output is less on 110 v power than 240v power even if the LCD screen says 90 amps. This is why its best to increase the amperage as much as you can and reduce till you get the right weld temparature
I bought one of these as well and then added a pedal, gas control valve and a tig torch. Probably should've just bought the tig model but it still works great.
Your having the same problem I was having when I started using a stick welder instead of a mig wire welder, I learned the strike it like a match and just barely contact the metal to get the ark going. you'll get it with practice. And affordable stick welders send bad at all, I have a little forteny welder and I weld for hours until the overheat sensor kicks in and it works just fine. I've made so maby projects with it. So don't let your school teachers say affordable welders send a good investment because they do work quite well.
yeah... I'm talking back to my phone watching this saying voltage everytime he says amperage....Lol.... from all of my research and I've been doing a lot .. These seem to be the best inexpensive unit that really has good reviews ...people really seem to like these...
I always practice welding with the first 1/4 of my stick then weld the job with lots of 3/4 sticks they stick and flop all over the place at full length, wastes sticks but I don't do it often enough to become properly skilled
715101 That's actually a really good tip for beginners. The full 14" rods are hard to get the hang of unless you do it all the time. That said, if you just steady the middle of the stick with a gloved finger from your off hand until you get going, it's much easier to control.
160a would be great as i have 130a invertR arc welder and found that great. I love the constructive comments. Congrats man you make the best of content. Im gonna try a gasless mig later on and see is it any better than gas one.
Strike an arc don't poke it I know about all of the comments are saying the same thing and turn your rod holder or stinger over. Place the rod in the stinger not at the 90 degree angle but the notch pointing the rod slightly forward this allows the rod to be burnt down without readjusting in the middle of the weld. Not trying to be a know it all but a few tips that might make it a little easier. I just bought a Amico 205 and May do a review on it since I can't find any on RUclips.
On the company website they list theDC160-A (blue unit) for $149.00 free shipping? They also have a newer model ARC160-A (red unit) for same price with free shipping?
The sticking of the rod is why I don't like stick welding, and am only considering one of the new stick machine technologies that prevents that. Does this machine have "anti sticking"?
I was thinking of getting a stick and rig rig but I don't think I'll do that as I don't have endless funds.this little stick welder for the price looks good.i have a Hobart 210 MVP but I think I need a stick welder
Also, you really should store those 7018 and I think 7014 in a rod oven. Being low hydrogen electrodes, they can't be exposed to the air for very long, otherwise they will absorb the moisture and not work correctly.
Read the comments about striking an arc than try the suggestions and practice the one that works the best for you. We all had to burn a lot of rods to learn to weld.
Jeeez man who taught you how to weld. I am not a professional and I learned in like 8th grade, but those starts were painful to watch. Strike it like a match and your life will be a lot happier.
well i watched a review here on the tube and it was 114 dollars on amazon i wanted one but i waited too long they are out of those , it ran pretty good , i am a retired certified welder that sold all his stuff thinking i was not going to need welding anymore !BIG MISTAKE now i have a dune buggy and i need to do a couple of jobs , fast forward it looked to me to run ok ,aside you had problems starting but hey we all been there if your in school youll learn it better as you go , its all practice welding is, i was lucky my father was a boiler maker so he came to school with me , i learned at george t baker aviation schooll , in miami my dad was my teacher he got permission ,,,,anyhow i am thinking about this one ,,thanks for sharing .
Which would you recommend as only a stick welder for long use . MMA-200 , ARC-200, TIG220DC /Stick arc ? Can't find any video reviews on actual use on these models.
It’s all about the duty cycle. It’s usually ~20% in cheaper welders at max amperage. That’s 2 minutes out of 10. It’s not great for professional/industrial applications but it’ll work just fine for homeowner/hobbyist use. Some high end/price welders have 100% duty cycle at 200+ amps on 220/240 VAC. If you want a fairly good welder for hobby use, get one that’s double the typical amperage required. A 200 amp cheap stick welder should be around 60 or 50% duty cycle at 90 to 110 amps. You won’t be able to weld that fast to overheat it!
What size electrodes are you using? I usually run 1/8" 7018 at 130a so I think your sticking problem is due to running it too cold. Any colder than 110 and it really doesn't run that well.
Do you have a long term review of this one? We just bought my dad a Amico MMA-220. Looks like it got good reviews too. It was like $210 price range, but I'm hoping it fits his neds.
@@pappaclutch3266 That's the vibe I'm getting, but most of the reviews I have found have been like an early impressions review by a hobbyist. So I'd like to see at least a first impressions review by an expert or a long term review by a hobbyist to know for sure I got dad a solid purchase. I think we did, but I'm not 100% convinced yet, more like 89% convinced.
@@Str8sixfan makes sense, good luck with your present! He will be happy no matter what you decide. I’ve had mine for a year and it’s been super great machine. I saw another comment on this video where someone said Amicos are basically Miller’s in Japan. That made me feel good about the one I have 🤞
@@pappaclutch3266 I personally have an Everlast machine, and I love it. Wanted to get him one similar to mine. But when the three of us brothers got to pricing it all out (and making sure he had gloves and a hood and chippin' hammer) it all added up quick. Looking at the stats on the MMA-200 it really compared well to the Everlast I was looking at, and saved us $138 between the machines and hence easier to buy all the peripherals for him. He was excited. I think it will probably play out well by the sounds of it.
Tip: Don't start a video telling the viewer what he/she has noticed because you did not show anything yet! You are assuming the viewer is a fan who's following all your videos, which is not always the case.
Buy this welder n same rod n make a video. I almost guarantee you’ll do the same. I file my tips on these small amp boxes to help it. It’s not a huge buzz box where the juice is trying to jump into anything. It simply isn’t carrying the current at that length on a new rod. Easy on the negativity til you’ve tried yourself 👌
crank your amps up lad, general rule: if the rod sticks your too low, if there's too much splatter then your too high
Robert S thats wat im sayin
i Learned 45 Amps Per mm² electrode...
His rods were sticking on the start because he wasn't using good technique for starting the arc. You don't need 100 amps to run a 3/32 7018 and you definitely don't need 100 amps for 3/32 6013! 7018 will also start better if you keep them in an oven, but if you're buying a $170 welder you're not going to have a rod oven.
It is actually the thickness of the material that is the problem . He wouldn't have had a problem with 1/8" to 3/16" material . But that was atleast 1 1/2" thick . If he would have pre-heated it a bit , it would have been less of an issue . Notice how he had less trouble towards the end of the video striking an arch ? The piece was heated up by then , having run 6 or so stringers ...LOL
You guys are the best learning tool we have, that's great advice, we will get into creating more or less power by looping your 100' lead over your shoulder and back again later.
When you are starting the arc, try hitting/dragging the electrode on the object you are welding on 45 degrees, it wont stick but it will start the arc every time! Learned that when i was 7 lol
Add a tip.
To start the arc, you have to tap the electrode when you start welding
Giuseppe Maggio taping and hitting, the same thing, sliding is the most important. I dont do alot of stick welding, i have a 280A 380V Enihel MIG welder, Co2 and Argon gas so i can weld aluminium too with alu wire
Dvotaktni Krkan Dvotaktni Krkan Yes, i weld with stick for several years, we are saying the same thing. However "ratheBwelding" is welding in the worst mode possible.
Dvotaktni Krkan breaking the flux of the end of the rod like he did also makes it harder to start the burn. I can stick weld have been since 7 years old but prefer wire feed welding, 6011 rods is what we always used gives the hardest strongest weld 7018 used more for rough surfacing 6013 more for softer welds.
Silent Death I thought the same thing when I saw this
I have the 160d version of this welder and it works great. 110 volts and it welds with 25.2 volts at the stinger, 26.4 volts with 220 volt outlet. The extra voltage helps the starts. I'm sure by now you are a pro. Watching you twice open that box reminded me of myself 50 years ago. You will do well and don't listen the the fools putting you down. Go cart frames arn't hard to weld with a stick with a little practice and instruction. Mig is for the unskilled, no harder than a glue gun once the machine is set up. Learn that stick machine then try some Tig and you will be good to go.
Good stuff Tom
Congrats man it's always nice when you get a new welder it's like getting a new heart or soul for your garage!
(not a welder, just interested in purchasing this product) i really like the fact that most people in the welding field seem to have nothing but constructive criticism in the comments of videos like this and are willing to hand off knowledge so freely about a skill they are so passionate about. you dont see that with many other trades except maybe automotive mechanics.
Imagine you're 'striking a match' to start the arc
If you buy this thing directly from Amico you get it for $139 shipped.
Caleb Blanton about a week to get
A-mi-co it's like a Miller in Japan when I was in Kawasaki and Tokyo I used a tig made by them really good running machine I'd buy one and put it next to my Miller sycrowave for a nice inexpensive portable welder the only thing cheap about it is the price you pay
The CTS-160 by Amico Power is also a very good welder! I've had mine 9 months and put it through its paces thoroughly. Plasma, Tig, and stick DC.
Yeah I agree with Dvotaktni Krkan about starting the welding at an angle of 45 degrees or less & even dragging the stick as you begin then going back to the start to begin pushing the stick to create your puddle. If you weld with lower amps you need to go slower with the weld to preheat the steel more to get a good puddle & good penetration, I normally go about 10 amps over the recommended on the box so that you weld a little faster on hot days. Also to make the puddle look nicer you should move the stick side to side as you weld forward pushing into the weld with your stick not dragging.
I thought I was the only one who struggled with arcing but now I don't feel so bad and I learned to go in with more of an angle than straight up and down
Exactly. The reason he kept sticking his rod (especially after using it for a first pass) was he was he didn’t have any angle on it
Funny, I was looking for a cheap stick welder to add to my MIG and I bought this same welder for around $140 and it's been great. I didn't have a lot of expectations for it at this price but it runs just about every rod (like all inverter welders it's not the best with 6010) really well. I bought a TIG kit for it on Amazon from WeldCity for about $50. It included everything I needed to TIG with the exception of the gas, tungsten, and flow meter (but was able to use the regulator from my MIG welder) and now I can scratch start TIG. This welder weighs about 10 lbs., is really portable, fun to use and works great.
Is the welder still going strong?
Still going strong
Son been a welder fabracator for 35 yrs try draging your rod to get your arch started im a subscriber to you and you are a very talented young just some words of wit from one of the old guys ,nice machine and best wishes.
Hey love your vids, try to drag your stick before you start your weld to heat it up, Joey from Statesville NC
I have the exact welder,works best with 7014 plug directly to 220v 50amp receptical.If you run it off 110v you will need to have it 30amp breaker,as it will trip a 20 amp quit often.Also best if ground placement is clean.Once I got use to mine,I love it.
These small welders seem to only run a few types of rod well. I felt your pain in the beginning n almost got rid of welder. Then came along a discount Lincoln box of rods 6013 n it came alive. Very hard being consistent with 7018 etc. when it won’t arc. Great video wish I would watched it sooner
I have a harbor freight welder 170 amp wire feed mig welder. It welds just fine. I’ve used the crap out of it. I’ve been welding for over 15 years I didn’t want to drop a thousand dollars on a nice Miller so I gave Harbor freight a shot and it has really surprised me I’ve had it for two two years now and it has payed for itself 10 times over
This is so funny. I learned the basics of all types of welding in 1 year at my votech pipe welding class. It's a 2 year class but I took my certification test my first year and passed. But they do not call it stick welding because it sticks😂. Strike your rod like a match and it will not stick. And the numbers on a rod are there for a reason. The first two number are the tensile strength the thirds number is the position and the fourth number don't really matter (read up on those) and if U wrap the stinger cord around your arm a time or two it takes all the pulling away. And never free hand unless your truly gifted. It's way more comfortable if u put your stinger on your rod a couple inches down where it's supposed to, jut brake off the flux and bend the extra down
Dudes ! take it easy on this guy be helpful not critical .Know it all's always think their crap don't stink !
Watching your face while you unboxed that made me smile :)
Good deal man. Starting those arcs on the cheaper stick welders can be a little tougher but it worked. I wish I could afford a better one too so been through those pains getting used to the dragging it to start and arc the better ones have a buzz startup so no dragging it a half inch to start it.
u can still run a sctatch start tig rig off that welder
Jacob Castlebury yes use dc- tho
You got exactly what what I would have suggested. 6013 and 7018 are the ones I use the most.
6013 runs just so well, that you can run them nonstop around anything.
Also, your welder has better clamp and electrode holder than mine had. For 170$? Thats great value.
Mihkel Laansoo i like 6010
If you like 6013 then you would also like 7014. Try some
When I first started using this welder, it was it was nice and smooth, I was very happy, used it several times since and it slowly started getting worse and worse and now can't even weld with it. Even cranked to the max it just spits and sputters. I wish it was something I could figure out and fix. The plazma cutter works ok and 3/8" is the thckest it will cut but that's not bad. I have not tried the tig yet, no gas. But the stick has just went downhill and I haven't used it all that long.Maybe it's just a lemon from the factory.
you read off both voltages it runs on and still call it dual amperage.
Nice job welding. One thing with these dual voltage welders is the amperage it is rated to output is less on 110 v power than 240v power even if the LCD screen says 90 amps. This is why its best to increase the amperage as much as you can and reduce till you get the right weld temparature
Strike it like a match. Don't come onto it straight and it will light easier.
Watch weldingtipsandtricks
You right. It warms the electrode
Dammit man, it's like the 12 days of Christmas.The relevant part starts at 8 minutes into the video!!
Sweet, around 120amps is good for a 3.2mm rod or 6013 :)
Nice plant dude!
I bought one of these as well and then added a pedal, gas control valve and a tig torch. Probably should've just bought the tig model but it still works great.
how did you add a pedal and gas control valve?
Your having the same problem I was having when I started using a stick welder instead of a mig wire welder, I learned the strike it like a match and just barely contact the metal to get the ark going. you'll get it with practice. And affordable stick welders send bad at all, I have a little forteny welder and I weld for hours until the overheat sensor kicks in and it works just fine. I've made so maby projects with it. So don't let your school teachers say affordable welders send a good investment because they do work quite well.
that's a really good working welder for that money, impressive.
Thank you. Ordered mine and very excited to test it out.
Just bought a refurbished amico 200 real cheap. These amico welder is excellent welder
You can still Tig with it. Just switch your polarity. (Swap leads) put the hot in neutral & neutral in hot.
ITS DUAL VOLTAGE
Defnotdemas aye someone who feels my pain
Mike La Guardia
Well current is proportional to voltage so he's sort of right
The Piscis to a degree
Hope hes not the poster child for the welding school
yeah... I'm talking back to my phone watching this saying voltage everytime he says amperage....Lol.... from all of my research and I've been doing a lot .. These seem to be the best inexpensive unit that really has good reviews ...people really seem to like these...
When you try to start that arc do it like your lighting a match
Makes sense because when I strike a match I do it like I am lighting a electrode
I always practice welding with the first 1/4 of my stick
then weld the job with lots of 3/4 sticks they stick and flop all over the place at full length, wastes sticks but I don't do it often enough to become properly skilled
715101
That's actually a really good tip for beginners. The full 14" rods are hard to get the hang of unless you do it all the time.
That said, if you just steady the middle of the stick with a gloved finger from your off hand until you get going, it's much easier to control.
160a would be great as i have 130a invertR arc welder and found that great. I love the constructive comments. Congrats man you make the best of content. Im gonna try a gasless mig later on and see is it any better than gas one.
Good effort bud I'm new at this also, thanks for taking the time and sharing....
Strike an arc don't poke it I know about all of the comments are saying the same thing and turn your rod holder or stinger over. Place the rod in the stinger not at the 90 degree angle but the notch pointing the rod slightly forward this allows the rod to be burnt down without readjusting in the middle of the weld. Not trying to be a know it all but a few tips that might make it a little easier. I just bought a Amico 205 and May do a review on it since I can't find any on RUclips.
I've enjoyed watching several of your build vids & although this one is 4 years old now, I'm wondering how the Amico 160 has held up? Thanks!
Looks like a good choice for a newbie-like me at 73. What's the lowest output voltage/amperage setting? Thanks
Not "dual amperage" how about "dual voltage?
I have this same welder and love it!
Nice video. Practice makes perfect! Let us know if you need any welding or plasma cutters for your shop
Nice job Holmes cool welder I have a Hobart 210 mvp I'm going to get most likely a Lincoln ac/dc stick looks fun
On the company website they list theDC160-A (blue unit) for $149.00 free shipping? They also have a newer model ARC160-A (red unit) for same price with free shipping?
When it stick Ur amperes or volts is not set right look on the packet to get a start of where the amp are
Strike it like a match yo.
The sticking of the rod is why I don't like stick welding, and am only considering one of the new stick machine technologies that prevents that. Does this machine have "anti sticking"?
I was thinking of getting a stick and rig rig but I don't think I'll do that as I don't have endless funds.this little stick welder for the price looks good.i have a Hobart 210 MVP but I think I need a stick welder
Hayyyyyyy man I like the video keep it up
Also, you really should store those 7018 and I think 7014 in a rod oven. Being low hydrogen electrodes, they can't be exposed to the air for very long, otherwise they will absorb the moisture and not work correctly.
You can store 7014 in a snow bank and the will still work just fine
just ordered one can't wait.
Read the comments about striking an arc than try the suggestions and practice the one that works the best for you. We all had to burn a lot of rods to learn to weld.
Jeeez man who taught you how to weld. I am not a professional and I learned in like 8th grade, but those starts were painful to watch. Strike it like a match and your life will be a lot happier.
what welding rods you recommend?
Do you still have this machine??
Is It holding up?? Any problems??
well i watched a review here on the tube and it was 114 dollars on amazon i wanted one but i waited too long they are out of those , it ran pretty good , i am a retired certified welder that sold all his stuff thinking i was not going to need welding anymore !BIG MISTAKE now i have a dune buggy and i need to do a couple of jobs , fast forward it looked to me to run ok ,aside you had problems starting but hey we all been there if your in school youll learn it better as you go , its all practice welding is, i was lucky my father was a boiler maker so he came to school with me , i learned at george t baker aviation schooll , in miami my dad was my teacher he got permission ,,,,anyhow i am thinking about this one ,,thanks for sharing .
Attended no English classes, apparently.
I have the same one and their bad ass I love mine good welding video tho
Just bought one for 110$. Very good welder for small job
Which would you recommend as only a stick welder for long use . MMA-200 , ARC-200, TIG220DC /Stick arc ?
Can't find any video reviews on actual use on these models.
Keep that crucible cup on the end of the electrode, don't tear the flux off brother
A few chucke2009 videos and you'll strike an arc like a pro. Strike it like a match and keep practicing. Great little welder.
what are they teaching you at that welding school. you kinda have to strike it or tap the rod to get it started
214mannygarza and up the amperage a little.
It is work!
how long are you welding?? how good is this compared to a miller, or Lincoln??
PBS #007
It's crap next to either, but then, so is anything with a $1,000+ difference.
It’s all about the duty cycle. It’s usually ~20% in cheaper welders at max amperage. That’s 2 minutes out of 10. It’s not great for professional/industrial applications but it’ll work just fine for homeowner/hobbyist use.
Some high end/price welders have 100% duty cycle at 200+ amps on 220/240 VAC. If you want a fairly good welder for hobby use, get one that’s double the typical amperage required. A 200 amp cheap stick welder should be around 60 or 50% duty cycle at 90 to 110 amps. You won’t be able to weld that fast to overheat it!
You can buy a TIG gun with the separated hose for pretty cheap
I know sometimes you have to use low amps it will STICK, but remember to SHORT STRIKE the rod like a match and you will be much happier
Yea the welder looks nice and seems to work ok
What size electrodes are you using? I usually run 1/8" 7018 at 130a so I think your sticking problem is due to running it too cold. Any colder than 110 and it really doesn't run that well.
Witch one mig or stick to build go karts or any thing that has 4 wheels ??
Were you using 120V or 240V?
Cool video
What do you mean the battery running low? Does it connect to battery instead of house power?
I think you need a slightly steeper drag angle
Good point buy the best welder you can afford you are not use it for 2-3 hours per day
should be around 125 to 130 amps for flat position for 1/8, 7018
its like Christmas
I’m happy for you your a cool dude
Do you have a long term review of this one? We just bought my dad a Amico MMA-220. Looks like it got good reviews too. It was like $210 price range, but I'm hoping it fits his neds.
Dude this brand is great
@@pappaclutch3266 That's the vibe I'm getting, but most of the reviews I have found have been like an early impressions review by a hobbyist. So I'd like to see at least a first impressions review by an expert or a long term review by a hobbyist to know for sure I got dad a solid purchase. I think we did, but I'm not 100% convinced yet, more like 89% convinced.
@@Str8sixfan makes sense, good luck with your present! He will be happy no matter what you decide.
I’ve had mine for a year and it’s been super great machine.
I saw another comment on this video where someone said Amicos are basically Miller’s in Japan. That made me feel good about the one I have 🤞
@@pappaclutch3266 I personally have an Everlast machine, and I love it. Wanted to get him one similar to mine. But when the three of us brothers got to pricing it all out (and making sure he had gloves and a hood and chippin' hammer) it all added up quick. Looking at the stats on the MMA-200 it really compared well to the Everlast I was looking at, and saved us $138 between the machines and hence easier to buy all the peripherals for him. He was excited. I think it will probably play out well by the sounds of it.
@@Str8sixfan that’s the exact machine I have. It’s great.
Just had my first day of stick weld, was told to put our amp between 100 and 110 hardly stuck, was able to start an arc every time had a great time
Looks like a decent welder..and this video should be renamed to "How to get Pro stick welders riled up" .
that's why its called striking an arc not poking an arc.
Richard moore I shouldn’t have laughed so hard at this lmao
This is why they call it stick welding...cuz i suck at it
I like to slide mine across the table until it sparks three times then i start welding
it gets the job done
Flick it like a match to start the arc.
Cool new stuff is fun!!
how well is this welder holding up?
put a link up where you got it if you would
though out the testing part I kept wanting to tell drag it don't poke it
Are those amico welders any good
Tip: Don't start a video telling the viewer what he/she has noticed because you did not show anything yet! You are assuming the viewer is a fan who's following all your videos, which is not always the case.
Man what type of steel tube do you use.. Erw or Dom
dude dont you learn how to start an arc in school?
His instructors must be very proud! 9:10
Buy this welder n same rod n make a video. I almost guarantee you’ll do the same. I file my tips on these small amp boxes to help it. It’s not a huge buzz box where the juice is trying to jump into anything. It simply isn’t carrying the current at that length on a new rod. Easy on the negativity til you’ve tried yourself 👌
Gixzer04 he’s literally just touching the rod to the base metal
Does the welder still work?
Amco he says, lol holy crap you really are a welder hahaha amico bro. Sound it out, clap it out if you need to hahaha
I have one like this , I think is a good welder.
Man come in with rod at an angle and strike by sliding it like a match and then attack it at whatever angle you need.