difference between welding with AC and DC

[billy hill]

I got a good deal on an AC/DC stick welder earlier this week. And was wondering what the difference between the 2 currents was. As far as I can tell. Welding on DC seems to be a lot smoother. But, I know that there's more to it than that. Really haven't had a chance to REALLY play with it. It started snowing soon after I got it home. And I aint all that crazy bout welding with all that amperage in the snow.

[brainlessfool]

an ac buzz box is fine for most welding, a dc is needed for higher strenth welding. "dc" runes the curent in a str8 line form the rod to the work. thats why it "smoother". there's more to it than just that butt I'm sure there's a cert. welder in here some where that can be more no target for ya.

[kyle_22r]

they're both plenty strong.  dcep will penetrate a bit more than a/c though, and is easier for some people to control.  you also have a wider selection of rods with DC

the only place where you'd really *need* a/c is on something that's giving you bad arc blow with DC, like materials that have become magnetized