Century 230 amp AC welder

[Ericem1]

My son recently purchased a Century Arc welder, 230 Amp AC P/N 84230.. He only spent $50 for it and it looks like new, my question is this a good welder to start learning on? He'll be welding steel frame work mostly. Thanks for any advise/assistance..

[Ries]

Sounds like this is just an AC buzzbox, like a lincoln tombstone or a miller thunderbolt. These are simple, idiot proof stick welders. They work fine as long as they dont overheat. I dont know about this century, but I have owned century wire feed models that had problems with overheating.
This one should be fine- get him to buy a few pounds of rod, something simple like 1/8" 6011 or 7018, and just start running beads.
Stick welding takes lots of practice. He will stick the rod to the metal over and over again, but with a little time, you can do it.
I learned by myself on a similar buzz box, and it was my only welder for almost 10 years- I made literally tons of stuff with it. Got very good at chipping and grinding.
If it is possible, it sure doesnt hurt to take a night class at a local community college or votech.

[Ericem1]

Thanks for the welding rod info, he is already enrolled in his last year of Votec (auto repair) and we have checked into attending a class at our local community college.. Your website is great. Thanks again.

[hankj]

I'd stay away from 7018 as a learning tool. It's harder to run than 6011; needs more amperage. 7014 is a nice, easy rod to start on. Have your son start by learning to strike and hold an arc, then run beads on the surface of some scrap plate. Once he can run a good bead, it's time to try to weld something. A good textbook will help a great deal.

Hank

[gnewby]

The 7014 is a good idea and you might also try some 6013. Both rods are pretty easy to get started and both can give you some good results.

I also vote against the 7018 if you do buy any you might want to make sure that it is an AC rod, as I have tried some 7018 AC DC rod on my old AC stick welder and never had any luck.

One of the problems with the 7018 unless you are going to use it right away it. It must remain pretty dry to get good results with it.

[Ries]

I think these guys are right about which rod to use- its been a while since I did much stick, and my numbers are mixed up in my head. Sorry about that.

[marbern]

I love 7018 ac or dc you just increase the amps a bit and your golden.

[marbern]

oh and my 12 yr old is learning with it now on an ac machine