How Much Power or Amperage do I need in a Stick Welder?īut note that the number given is not final and you can weld thicker materials if you are able to make more passes. On the other hand, a cheaper choice will be good for some occasional jobs. Some of the most popular brands in the world currently include Miller, Lincoln Electric, Hobart, Everlast, and ESAB. If you are planning to do more welding, you should aim at a well-known brand. But if you want quality stuff you have to think about the brand, warranty, availability of spare parts, etc. For your basic welding needs, you really don’t need to spend a large amount of money. It all depends on what you are planning to use it for and your budget. How Much does Stick Welding Equipment Cost?Īs with any sort of machine, the price of the stick welding equipment will vary. It consists of four parts: a stick welder or a constant voltage power supply, an electrode holder (also referred to as a rod holder), a ground clamp, and stick welding electrodes which are the rods used for welding. The equipment that it uses and setting it up can be done quite fast. Stick welding is widely considered as the easiest and simplest welding process. If you make the connection the other way around it will mean that you are welding in electrode negative (DCEN). So connecting your stick holder to the positive connector and your clamp to the negative will mean that you are welding with electrode positive (DCEP). How you connect your equipment will also determine the choice between the positive and the negative electrode. You will connect your stick holder and ground clamp there. Usually, there are two connectors on your welder, one marked with “+” and one marked with “-“. Making your stick welder settings for DCEP or DCEN is important! The resistance in the cable becomes greater the longer it is even though they are usually made out of aluminum or copper.Īlso important to note is that welding with AC in humid conditions increases the chances of the welder getting shocked.

This is because the voltage that goes through the cable drops as opposed to AC. However, AC is a better choice if the distance between the power supply and the work area is greater. On the other hand, DC provides a non-stop current from the moment you start the welder arc. Every time it switches the arc will go out and will be restarted again.

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