7018 rods question

I was reading on the Miller website an explanation of rods. It said that 7018 rods are "not recommended for use in small ac arc welders". Does this mean I should not use it with my Lincoln ac 225 amp welder? What is the ideal rod for the machine I have?

Reply to
stryped
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For general purpose use on mild steel, 1/8" 6011

Reply to
Ned Simmons

stryped fired this volley in news:5828384f-f7eb- snipped-for-privacy@w8g2000prd.googlegroups.com:

I've done it successfully, even on large, multi-pass fillets. Low- hydrogen rods are "persnickety" about maintaining a stable arc. If your welder isn't a really stiff current supply that won't vary much with load and input voltage variations, it's hard to keep the arc steady.

On the other hand, my forever-old Craftsman 225 variable worked OK on them, after a few bad beads and some current adjustments.

I'd rather have DC and RF stabilization for Low-H rods, but I don't do enough welding to justify the expense.

The "ideal" rod for any slap-up welding on mild steel is the venerable E6011. That rod will run a good bead all by itself, just leaning against the work.

LLoyd

Reply to
Lloyd E. Sponenburgh

Lloyd E. Sponenburgh wrote: ...

In the other reply, Ned also recommended 6011, and that is the most common reply to a "What all-round rod is good?" question. But I gotta say that I like 6013 much better. My welding is little & far between, so I get out of practice & maybe that's why I find the 6013 better. For me, it's much easier to strike and run than 6011. It's also said that

6011 is better for rusty steel, but I haven't had a problem with 6013 & rust.

I've never even tried 7018 because of the need to keep it dry. It's advantage couldn't be worth the extra fussin'. For me.

Not at all an expert, just a guy with an opinion, Bob

Reply to
Bob Engelhardt

Again, no expert, but I'm surpirsed that no one mentioned penetration differences between 6013 and 6011. 6013 makes a prettier bead, for me at least, but 6011 gives me better penetration.

Pete Stanaitis

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stryped wrote:

Reply to
spaco

You're both right. 6011 penetrates better, use it for steel over say 3/16 thick. Also burns through paint, crud, and rust. 6013 won't burn a hole as easily, use it on thin material.

one more, 7014. its great to fill up that hole you burned through.

Karl

Reply to
Karl Townsend

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