Review on Stick Welder Campbell Hausfeld WS099001AV by Shane Tomko

I bought this machine about a month ago and didn't check it out until after I had completed my first project. I had no training and had to take some time (and spend some metal) to understand the basics of welding before commenting on how effective this thing is. While I really enjoy working this thing in my home garage, admittedly it will only be useful for amateur welders like me. It simply doesn't have amps or controls to drive large rods or optimize performance. However, after a month of nights and weekends, I made myself a small welding table/cart (see photo) and couldn't get enough of this purchase. Some things I learned: This machine loves the 6013 rods. The rods that came with the machine worked great (unknown brand, 1/16" x 12" L). I bought a small pack of Hobart 6013 rods off Amazon and they were rubbish (I think they got wet at some point) but then I got 5 pounds of Hot Max 5/64" x 14L rods and this thing ate them up. The manual warns against using the 6011 and 7018. I took a few small packs just to try and while they work (1/16 inch 6011 is good for tack welding and plowing through dirty metal) they don't work as smooth as 6013.- buy a good welding helmet. The included mask is a joke, but very handy when you want to show off your welding skills to friends, neighbors or uninterested girlfriends. I ended up spending money on auto dimming and have no regrets. I never tripped my 20 amp circuit breaker even after I put the bars in and heated them to cherry red. This thing runs from a household outlet all day, just don't connect anything else to the circuit if you can. metal and accessories. I know I'll be buying some more in the future, but this is the perfect way to test and see if you really want to get this without spending a lot. Grab that, gloves and a whistle or corner from Home Depot and play this weekend! One final note, the fact that this only draws 15-20 amps means that with a properly sized inverter this can be powered from an extra 12V socket in the car (at least my Jeep has a 20Amp fuse for the auxiliary connection). If you work on a farm or elsewhere, this welder can come in very handy!