StickWeld 140 Questions

[thor61]

Hello everyone ! I am new to welding and also this forum. I am currently waiting for delivery of a Stick-Weld 140 and have a couple of questions.... After viewing and reading many reviews, most convey that the ST140 is a great machine but the cables are to short. If I were to lengthen the cables what gauge would be needed ? Also are those copper/brass grounding clamps worth the extra money ? Last after purchasing needed clamps, rod and various items for welding from Harbor-Frieght I had noticed they have a $29.00 Spotweld gun for DC welders. Is this compatible with the ST140 ? It looks to be like something one would use for auto body restoration... Thanks

[arandall]

Thor61:
I don't know about the cables, but as far as the ground clamp is concerned, it is important to use a good one - with a good strong spring, and copper jaw faces etc. It has been my experience that Longevity provides better clamps with their machines than many other makes, so I'm guessing the one supplied with your machine will be adequate.

[Bluesman]

I replaced the standard ground clamp that came on our Longevity with one of those tough/heavy duty brass type ground clamps. It gets a MUCH better bite that those little silver clamps with the two chuncks of copper. When you clamp that thing on something, it is there until YOU move it and it can get a ground on dang near anything you pop it on, even through paint.

[WookieWelding]

that spot welder gun works on (any) dc power source

[JolietJames]

Is the machine going to stay in your garage/shop? Most of us have built carts for our welders and we just wheel the welder to the work. I'd be more for getting a longer power cord than extending the cables.

[arandall]

I agree with JJ about the power cable. I believe it is easier and more efficient, and likely cheaper, to extend the power cord than the welding cables.