Smaw welder circuit breaker trip.

[smokskrene]

I picked up a what looks to be Russian SMAW welder from a coworker. It was her fathers who as recently passed away. I am very handy and with plans to chop my bike over the winter, I couldn't say no to the welder. I have never welded before but have done plenty of research.

I put a new plug on it, it had power, but nothing from the electrode. I opened it up to find that he had tinkered with the wiring. I reworded it to stock and eureka!! It works!!!! It's bittersweet however. So here's the problem...the sticks that came with it feel damp. They have a white powdery residue on them. I assume they are bad? I only have a 110v outlet to work off FYI. I started on the lowest setting and I can spark the electrode but can't maintain an arc. I turned it up and had the same problem. If the electrode sticks it trips the circuit. What to do? The circuit is on a 20 amp breaker. I was planning on switching to a 30 amp one as well as try new sticks.

Suggestions??

Thanks!!

 

[Hypoid]

First and foremost, circuit breakers are sized to protect the house wiring, nothing more. If you put a 30 Amp breaker on 20 Amp wire and start a fire, your insurance company will have grounds to refuse any claims.

Second, take a picture of the input and output voltage chart, and post it here.

 

[smokskrene]

What do you mean by input and out put voltage chart? On the welder or breaker?

 

[Hypoid]

On the welder: It should tell how many Volts, Amps, and Phase, AC power that is required, and the Volts and Amps output, in AC, DC, or both.

 

[smokskrene]

Ok will do in the morning, thanks Hypoid.

 

[smokskrene]

 

[Hypoid]

First, that unit would be much easier to use if you had 220V to feed it.

Second, it would not hurt to replace the old 20 Amp breaker with a new 20 Amp breaker.

Third, if you are stuck with using 110 Volt supply voltage, buy 1/16 welding rod, 6011 if you can find it in that size.

Also, when you try to start the arc, try dragging the electrode across the metal, like striking a match. When it starts to spark, lift the electrode off the work about the same distance as the diameter of the rod.

 

[smokskrene]

Thank a lot Hypoid! You've been very helpful! I'm really excited to get into this!

 

[smokskrene]

So I have adjusted amp settings, and have had fun so far. I practiced running beads but kept tripping the breaker. So I decided to just have fun until I can decide on what to do with accessing 220v outlet.

 

[Hypoid]

Cool! What kind/size of welding rod are you learning with?

 

[smokskrene]

I bought some 1/16 and they burn so fast. Like like 40amps would be better. I can only get down to 60. They glow after a few. So I stepped it up to the next biggest size that I have. I'm not sure exactly what kind they are. They were given to me in an opened and in labeled box.

 

[smokskrene]

The 1/16 are Hobart 6011