With all the different types of welding and the plethora of welding equipment material available, it can be confusing to figure out what you really want or need. This article discusses arc welding. Arc welding is the umbrella that TIG and MIG, some of the most common and popular types of welding techniques out there, fall under.
The name gives away what arc welding is really about. Like any other type of welding, arc welding is used to join metal and other materials together through the use of extremely high temperatures. With arc welding, there is an electric arc created, through which the electricity can flow between the metal workpiece and the metal electrode.
To make the job easier, there are portable arc welders available in the market now that make it very convenient for the welder to carry the machine around and do small repairs. The 70 amp arc welder especially is a great investment and is rated very highly by experts and professionals. Despite the ease of use of the 70 amp arc welder, the limited amperage does not allow it to be used on just any surface. The 70 amp arc welder is best used on thin sheets of metals that are about 1/8th of an inch and 18-gauge thick. Wrought iron, automotive sheets, and boat trailer are just some of the things you can weld with a 70 amp arc welder.
Before we talk about a 70 amp arc welder and what you can weld with this particular type of welding equipment, let’s learn more about arc welding.
What Is Arc Welding?
Arc welding is often referred to as stick welding and is named so because it involves a charged electric arc that forms between the workpiece and the electrode. The arc is protected by either inert gases, or flux, and the heat then softens the metals, allowing it to weld when cooled.
The first arc welding technique was perfected in the 19th century and was used extensively to build ships and aircraft throughout World War II. Today, there are many improvised and bettered types of arc welding available that are in use when it comes to building steel structures and also in industrial construction projects. The temperatures in arc welding can go up to 6500 degrees Fahrenheit on average!
Arc welding equipment is generally inexpensive and affordable for most people. It includes an AC machine, a set of electrodes, electrode holders, chipping hammer, connecting power cables, earthing clamps, and wire brushes. Safety equipment is also necessary, so add welding gloves, safety goggles, a welding helmet, and sleeves to the list.
Types of Arc Welding
There are a lot of different types of arc welding. These include MIG welding, shielded metal arc welding, tungsten inert gas welding, submerged arc welding, and flux-cored welding. All these types involve the creation of an electric arc between the workpiece and the electrode, melting the metal and joining the pieces together.
- MIG Welding: MIG welding is also known by another name – gas metal arc welding (GMAW). This form of welding includes a metal wire that is heated and melted to create an electric arc that melts workpieces and joins them together.
- TIG welding: Also called Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), this form of welding utilizes a tungsten-based electrode that gives current to the welding arc. The tungsten and weld pool are protected by an inert gas mixture.
- Flux-Welding: The Flux Welding process requires a hollow electrode that is filled with the flux material. The rest of the mechanism is the same as that of a MIG welder. There is a continuous filler wire being fed into the gun. The flux creates a slag that protects the weld pool from exposure to the environment.
- Submerged Arc Welding: Submerged arc welding is another arc welding process that is named so because the weld pool that is created because of the electric arc is submerged in a layer of flux. The flux conducts electricity when it is molten, providing a pathway for the current to flow.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Arc Welding
The reason for the popularity and rampant use of arc welding in several industries is its effectiveness and durability. Here are some other reasons why arc welding has gained the status that it has today. But where there are benefits, there are drawbacks, too.
Advantages
- Cost – The equipment isn’t very expensive, so costs are low
- Portability – These devices and pieces of welding equipment are very easy to transport and carry
- Cleanliness – Arc welding is equally effective on dirty work surfaces, but cleaning it would result in stronger welds
Disadvantages
- Skill – Arc welding is one of the trickier types of welding and requires a skilled or experienced worker. As a result, labor costs are high.
- Efficiency – A lot of waste is produced during some types of arc welding, driving up project costs
What Does a 70 Amp Arc Welder Do?
An arc welder is a small portable device that you can carry in your truck and use to weld in tight, little spots. The machine requires you to attach electrodes of your choice and comes with earth clamps and cables to connect it to the power source.
The 70 amp arc welder is perfect for little repairs around the house. It is also an affordable and durable machine that can last you for a good few years if you invest in a good one. The machine is easy to transport, and once you get the hang of it, it is very easy to operate too.
However, for a beginner, arc welding and setting temperatures according to the materials still might be a bit tricky. Expert welders advise amateurs to start off with MIG welders or 220 Amp arc welders and then move on to lower amperage ones. Also, welding with low amperage might take more time than the average MIG welder, so you might want to be more patient.
What is the relationship between Amps and Thickness?
One thing they don’t really teach you in school is how to set the settings on a welder. Experienced welders can tell what the perfect welding settings should be by observing the weld pool that is created by each setting; if there is too much spatter, your temperatures are too high, and you should turn it down a bit. For beginners and learners, there are amp charts that can guide you with regard to the perfect temperatures for welding different materials.
The amperage used also depends heavily on what kind of metal you are welding and its thickness. The thicker the metal sheet, the higher the amperage you will need. Generally, 70 amps are ideal for welding mild or stainless steel sheets that are 1/8 inches thick. For thicker sheets, a MIG welder might work better.
What Can It Weld?
A 70 amp arc welder can weld stainless steel that’s 1/8-inch thick or 18-gauge. It is perfect for welding
- Boat trailers
- Wrought iron
- Automotive sheet metal
An arc welder can be a useful tool to have around the house as it can weld almost anything as long as you take care of the material and thickness of the metal sheet being welded.
There are many different brands of 70 amp arc welders available in the market, all within an affordable range of prices. Many come with some additional features like protection against overheating and are designed to make the resultant arc smoother. All in all, it is a great investment for hobby welders and home repair enthusiasts.
FAQs
How much does a 70 amp arc welder cost?
A 70 amp arc welder from one of the best brands on the market can cost you anywhere between $100 and $200. However, this kind of welder will easily last you a couple of years. Thus, investing in such an arc welder is a good idea.
Can you make a 70 Amp Arc Welder at home by yourself?
Yes, you actually can, if you know enough about welding and machines. There are YouTube videos and tutorials that guide you on making your own arc welder at home, but we would not recommend this. It is tricky, and if you make any mistakes, it could be dangerous too.
How many amp arc welders are available?
There are arc welders available for 70, 110, and 220 amps. Higher amperage ones are out there, too. For thicker sheets of metals, you should consider buying a higher amperage arc welder.
How do you know if your electrode is too hot or too cold with an arc welder?
Experienced welders can tell the temperature of the electrode just by looking at a weld pool. Too much patter means the temperatures are too high, and a bulky weld bead indicates low temperatures. Practice first and observe the weld pool, adjusting the amperage to get the right temperature.
What factors does the amperage of an arc welder depend on?
It depends on two things:
• Type of metal
• The thickness of the metal sheet