What rod/amps to use?

[Canada_CT230]

Me again...

Tried some welding on those oak barrel steel hoops. Kept blowing holes in them with the 1/8" rods (6011 & 7014). I tried to turn the amps down but then had issues with arc strike.

I figured before I even started that the 1/8" rod was too big but gave it the old college try anyways.

What would be the best diameter of rod?

 

[KYErik]

I'd go with 1/16" rod.

 

[k0ua]

How thick is the steel? less than 1/8 of an inch? Try some 6013 1/16 inch at about 35-40 amps and dont sit still.. move .. This is where gas and TIG or a small MIG would be much better. DC stick will do a little better, then your AC machine. I have welded some 1/8 inch materiel with 3/32 7018 with good success, but that is a DC rod. Yep try the 6013. Not my favorite rod, but it has its place.

James K0UA

 

[k0ua]

Oh, and another trick on those 1/16 flimsy rods, is to cut them in half to be able to control them better, especially until you get more experience.. just peck off a little of the flux on one end for your stinger.

James K0UA

 

[SandburRanch]

I'd prefer 3/32 rod also but try laying your rod over about 60 degrees from vertical and dragging the rod at the speed you find that works for the temperature setting.

 

[Canada_CT230]

I'd prefer 3/32 rod also but try laying your rod over about 60 degrees from vertical and dragging the rod at the speed you find that works for the temperature setting.

Funny you mention laying the rod over. The only way I got a half decent weld with the 1/8 rod was when it was dragged while being layed over at a very shallow angle.

I'll try to find some smaller rods this week and try again.

I'm not after a really tiny/pretty weld. I want to make some metal art and the rough weld look is what I want to go with the rusty steel.

 

[bearcreek paul]

I have good luck with the harbor freight 1/16 quick start rods for 1/8 in on 40 amps.

 

[Shield Arc]

There is a chart about the middle of this page that might help you.

WELDING ELECTRODES

 

[Canada_CT230]

I guess that 1/16 rods wouldn't do me much good. My welder only goes down to 60 amps on the low end. Unless I go back to that little 120V / 70 amp stick welder that I borrowed to weld before.

I tried a 3/32 rod and it seems to be pretty good but would have to fine tune the amps as I got one hole.

What are the tricks to strike an arc at lower amps? It seems to still be a bit of a pain and either sticks or doesn't arc. High amps = easier arc strikes but then I get holes.

Anything I'm missing?

 

[k0ua]

Try some 3/32 6013 then, set your welder then to the 60 amps, and give it a try.. the 6013 will strike a little easier than 6011. Try leaning the rod over a little to strike instead of a pecking motion and scratch. Keep practicing.

James K0UA