Stick welding with MIG welder?

When using a MIG machine, the voltage remains at a preset level and the current varies with the wire feed speed. A stick machine will allow the voltage to vary (normally from 80 open circuit to 15 volts during the full run of the rod) but the current will remain constant. If you try to do anything more than a short quick tack spot, all you will do is destroy your machine because of the over current condition you are causing when you short out the secondary windings with the stick electrode.

I have been involved today with a manufacturer of natural gas components that involved joining a class 30 grey iron casting to a carbon steel pipe. Of all the filler metals and processes that were tried, that wire was one of two different consumables and two different processes that qualified during the pressure test. We've had good success in many areas with it. Steve

Branden

Branden

Also, with the HF-251, you have to set the out put at the machine anyway, CC/CV. The hf-251 is an accessory for your primary machine, such as a Trailblazer, Bobcat, Shopmaster or whatever machine, the welder is set to CC/CV and it does the welding, not the hf-251. I'm willing to bet that running voltage through the 251 would damage the unit. But you could stick weld through the tig module, but the welder would still have to be set on CC. There isn't a rod out there to be used with voltage, that I'm aware of, they all say use for DC+,- or AC. The last letter stands for current, not Volage. If you still think it can be done, let me know. I do appreciate your feedback, but I do disagree. The only way things are done, is by doing it the correct way, not the "it can be done to get you by", way. That is not the correct way, and will usually end up with something going wrong 99% of the time.

Branden