TDPurcell

On April 25, 2016 at 10:45 AM, Charles R. Stevens said:

Tho the Hobart will weld circles around a Miller (despite having the same ratings the Miller will trip out a lot more if your pushing hard against the duty cycle) 1/4" with gas shielding and short welds is the practical limit (pre heating is a good idea at the upper limit as is making a tin can shroud to convert the cooling fan to a ducted fan) it certainly will disappoint you trying to weld 3/8"+. A yard sale tome stone will do you better, or a 220 Hobart mig. 

I'm certainly not a welder, despite having 5 diferent units ;-)

This is what I'm finding out, and it makes sense to me now.  New projects = new learning opportunities.

I'm now looking at inexpensive stick welders to purchase or rent.  The Everlast PowerARC 140 (which I think is what LawnJockey is referring to) looks interesting at $256 from Home Depo.  Says a 140 amp max at 240V (100 amp at 120V).  I'm thinking that the 35% duty cycle would be fine if I just plan on taking my time with it.  I'm also thinking that 120V might not be practical to weld 1/2", but not sure.

Again, thanks everyone for the input and feedback.

jmccustimknives and Frosty.  Thank you for the feedback and advice.  I appreciate it a lot.

Would a Hobart Handler 140 MIG welder be a powerful enough welder for building a tire hammer utilizing Clay Spenser's plans?  If not, what are the minimum specifications for a welder up to the task?

https://www.hobartwelders.com/pdf/spec_sheets/Handler_140.pdf

Thank you for all of the replies and suggestions. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, but these posts give me some ideas about different options. I appreciate the help.

77 iron: This forge is marked with "Canedy Otto Mtg Co Chicago Heights, Ill" at the opposite end of the crack.

I recently acquired a cast iron Canedy Otto forge that was cracked and was apparently repaired with JB Weld on the corner where the blower arm attaches. I am concerned that this repair will not be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the blower arm and blower. What can I do to reenforce this repaired corner? Should I have it professionally welded or perhaps bolt a metal strap around that corner? Or should I attach the blower to the opposite corner? Any advice or opinions would be appreciated.