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Miller makes good machines but definitely you want a DC machine. AC "buzz
boxes" are OK for some small farm quality welding, but not much use beyond that.
( like fences or gates.)
A good DC machine ( and they also have an AC switch on them) can be used
for TIG as well. A cheap TIG torch runs about $80 and a flow meter about $75.
Those two items with a bottle of argon mix and you're all set to TIG just about
anything. As for magnetizing the metal, that's not a problem. A 250 amp
machine is enough for what we're doing. The "duty cycle" relates to how long you
can burn rod at the maximum setting, based on a 10 minute cycle. 50% duty cycle
means you can burn rod on maximum for 5 minutes, then let the machine cool down.
It's pretty hard to "smoke" a stick weld machine. The older or better machines
have copper windings on the transformer, the newer or cheaper machines have
aluminum wire on the transformer. Get a copper wound one if you can. You
won't be welding at max power anyway. 3/32 and 1/8 size rod is the most common.
Typically running at 90 to 125 amps.
Make sure you keep the rod DRY or use new rod. I buy my welding rod
in small batches ( 5 pound box ) so it's always new. Frank
D..
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