$300. Of course, like all welding
systems, the cost of protective
equipment and accessories will run
up the cost a bit.
For a new purchase at this
level, Hobart’s Handler 140, or
Lincoln’s 140C are similar, and will
run about $700 or so, ready to use.
Both seem to be quality products,
recognizing that these are for light
welding jobs, not tacking together
3/4” steel plate.
For serious bot builders
wanting to spend serious money,
the Lincoln Invertec V160 stands
out. This will run around
$1,400–$1,600. This 220 volt
system is on the lower end of
the “big boy” welding scale, but
definitely meets
the criteria of
“Best Value”
for an entry level
tool.
So, doing the
math on a used
Handler 135,
adding in gloves,
mask, hand tools,
some clamps, a
welding table,
wire, gas ... My
allowance is $20
per week ... carry
the seven ... and
— well maybe for
Christmas next
year. SV
Lincoln Invertec.
MANUFACTURING:
Debugging Welding
Pr blems
● by Some RFL Forum Bunnies, Edited by Kevin Berry
The Problem
The poster has some very old
welding experience, from 15 years
ago. He just bought a battered
old arc welder, 220V AC, with no
DC conversion unit. He was using
1/8” 6011 rods on mild steel, and
mostly wound up welding the rods
to the work. In striking an arc, he
was having difficulty keeping it
going. He was just trying to
practice striking and maintaining a
consistent arc, creating a weld pool,
and so on.
The Delphi Robot Fighting
League forum ( forums.delphi
forums.com/THERFL) — a bonanza
of fabrication information, opinions,
friendly abuse, and a wide (some
say wild) range of knowledge —
responded enthusiastically with
advice.
Here are the nuggets I dug
out of their avalanche of useful
information:
• Obvious, but it must be said:
Billy Moon’s Welding
Tips for Newbies
• Metal inert gas welders are the
easiest to weld steel with.
• Aluminum and titanium really need
Tungsten inert gas welders.
• If you have a joint that will take a
lot of flexing (like in a bot or race
car), consider brazing rather than
welding.
• You must get a digital welding
helmet with a variable darkness
setting. This makes welding for a
Make sure the welder is working
properly.
• If you are attaching a lot of rods
to your practice piece, it could
newbie way easier. They are
reasonably priced these days -- a
lot of places have "trade up sales"
where you can trade in an old,
traditional helmet for $30-50 off a
digital one.
• Use direct current to weld upside
down (stuff overhead).
• Look up a local welding supply
shop in your town and go visit
them at lunch time. They will carry
good quality welders, welding supplies, and gases, and can offer a
lot of advice. You won't get much
help from a 'big box' type store.
SERVO 01.2010 29
