Which rod? What power setting?

[coss]

I am a novice welder. I would like to weld another 3/8" chain hook onto the front end loader of my Kubota L3710. The previous owner added a piece of angle steel onto the top edge of the bucket to serve as a base for chain hooks, and there are two hooks solidly welded onto it now. That angle steel is 1/4" thick.

I have a 240/130 AD/DC stick welder.

What rod (both number and diameter) would you recommend?

What power setting on the welder?

Thanks.

 

[Shield Arc]

I would use 1/8-inch 7018. All welders run different. Try around 110 to 120-AMPS

 

[coss]

Shield Arc,

That's exactly what I'd like mine to look like. Thanks.

 

[coss]

AC or DC?

 

[Shield Arc]

Thanks!
Not bad for a guy who has only been welding a few weeks.

 

[Shield Arc]

AC or DC?

Only time I use AC, is for Tig welding aluminum.

 

[airrj]

As Shield Arc said, 7018 with 110-120 amps, but I would just add that be sure to have a bit of scrap plate available to test an practice on. Just to test the settings and your skills before you attack the final part. As he mentioned every welder is different. I just completed a large for me project with 1/4" and 3/8" steel and I did it all with 7018 1/8" and when I was practicing I found that I had to run my welder at 140 amps when I was in the flat position. If I was down near the recommended amps it would stick and sputter. I rarely use my machine for SMAW.

I don't know if I was really using 140 amps or if my dial is off, but the end result was great. Well worth the 3 or 4 practice rods and some scrap 1/4" plate.

Good Luck.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

As said, always practice first. I like 1\8" 7018 at 125 amps or more.

 

[4570Man]

I'd run 1/8" 7018 at 100 amps but my machine runs hot compared to what I've seen referenced here. Is this your first welding project?

 

[Texasmark]

#3 supporting ⅛ 7018 at 115 DC give or take.....given by a professional student at Hard Knocks Welding University...still trying to pass the final exam for 101. If I can't MIG it, 3/16 or ⅛ 7018 DC does the rest of my welding. Since I bought the MIG, once I burn up my box of 3/16s I won't buy anymore.

 

[rgr33]

Novice welder here too, curious about the choice of 7018 over 6011?
I am still learning about differences in the rods

 

[gsganzer]

I am a novice welder. I would like to weld another 3/8" chain hook onto the front end loader of my Kubota L3710. The previous owner added a piece of angle steel onto the top edge of the bucket to serve as a base for chain hooks, and there are two hooks solidly welded onto it now. That angle steel is 1/4" thick.

I have a 240/130 AD/DC stick welder.

What rod (both number and diameter) would you recommend?

What power setting on the welder?

Thanks.

Download Millers welding ap to your phone. It gives you settings for stick, mig, flux core, tig based on material, thickness, electrode etc.

 

[airrj]

Novice welder here too, curious about the choice of 7018 over 6011?
I am still learning about differences in the rods

Novice here as well, but I will give you what I do. I don't do much SMAW, but I keep 1/8" 7018 and 1/8" 6011 rods in the shop. I use the 7018 for most everything because it is an easy rod to use, the weld looks clean afterward and it is a strong weld. I just use it for everything, except for dirty nasty jobs I use the 6011. When I need to weld new backhoe teeth on the tractor, or an ugly painted and dirty surface that I can't get really clean, then I go for the 6011. Also, the 6011 digs a bit deeper, so I have used it a few time on broken items that I can't get a grinder in to, to make a good V for penetration. Often I will do a first pass with the 6011 and if I need more cover I will then cover with 7018.

All of that being said, I don't stick anything at or below 3/16" thickness. I use MIG or TIG sometimes up to 1/4" so I don't have any experience with stick on thinner stuff. I hope that helps, and I hope I don't lead you too far astray.

Good Luck
R.J.