Can my Lincoln AC-225 handle fabricating a root rake

[hisamits.oo]

Mine is a 220A Lincoln AC-225 buzz box and I've been thinking of building a basic root rake for my Cat D4E (front blade). I was thinking to use 1/2" tines and maybe 3/16" or 1/4" square tubing for the main frame. I already welded smokers and car trailers before but not sure if this setup can cut it for something this heavy-duty. Do I need to switch to DC or just preheat and go slow?

 

[IronCrawler]

Great plan, those half-inch tines and quarter-inch tubing should do the trick, especially if you gusset the corners. I've put together a few heavy pieces using an AC-225 myself. Sure, DC is the way to go if you can swing it, but AC can hold its own, just make sure to preheat those thicker areas and take your time with the beads. Are you thinking about adding some gussets or bracing the frame corners? Trust me, it'll make a world of difference

 

[so1lr1pper]

Mine is a 220A Lincoln AC-225 buzz box and I've been thinking of building a basic root rake for my Cat D4E (front blade). I was thinking to use 1/2" tines and maybe 3/16" or 1/4" square tubing for the main frame. I already welded smokers and car trailers before but not sure if this setup can cut it for something this heavy-duty. Do I need to switch to DC or just preheat and go slow?

Your AC-225 can definitely lay down good welds, and for 1/2" and 1/4" material, it'll get the job done but it might take a lot of patience and effort!
You'll probably be running near the top end of its amperage range, especially for the 1/2" tines.
Preheating is a good idea for the thicker stuff and plan on multiple passes to get good penetration.
A good rod like a 7018 or a 6011 for penetration on the first pass will help.
DC would be ideal for better arc control and penetration, but with good technique, your buzz box can handle this project.

 

[bullet-0wl]

Your AC-225 can definitely lay down good welds, and for 1/2" and 1/4" material, it'll get the job done but it might take a lot of patience and effort!
You'll probably be running near the top end of its amperage range, especially for the 1/2" tines.
Preheating is a good idea for the thicker stuff and plan on multiple passes to get good penetration.
A good rod like a 7018 or a 6011 for penetration on the first pass will help.
DC would be ideal for better arc control and penetration, but with good technique, your buzz box can handle this project.

I'm just starting out and got a question, if I'm only using AC, is one rod better than the other for minimizing spatter or improving control? Appreciate any advice you've got!

 

[Blah-BAM]

@bullet-0wl if you're sticking with AC, 7018AC rods run a lot smoother and spatter less than 6011 in most cases. @hisamits.oo your buzz box can handle that rake fine if you take your time and run multiple passes.