welding rods

[GChief]

Dry them out

And that is why the make ovens for welding rod, mine always go in the oven a days before use.

They stay there 24/7 @ work. The temps and time in/out are all logged for QA documentation purposes.

 

[Tony in SD]

I don't weld too much or good enough anymore for it to matter which rod I use. LOL

 

[buickanddeere]

Yes, I seem to like the amps on the high side with the 6013s I usually run. I clean the metal if it is dirty or rusty and get nice beads that as far as I can remember have never failed.

DC makes a difference too.

 

[caterpillar guy]

You just about can't use DC version of 7018 with AC it will just stick and spatter if you do get it going. I by mistake had on in the stinger and tried it several times then looked to see it was 7018. I use 1/8 inch rod in 7018 and what ever dad has at his place for the 7014, As for the 6013 and 6011 it is what ever is laying around here from some place I never have bought any 6013 that I recall. I did buy a box of 6011 once and never again. I'll be glad when it is gone. Works pretty good for vertical work on lighter material if you stop as it gets to hot and wants to burn through. Slag is tough to get off from the bead though like on 7018. Occasionally I can get 7018 to curl the slag up at the back end of the bead. 7014 will do that about all the time on hot welds of in the 145-180 amp setting. 3/16 rod works nice on 180 AC on 1/2 inch and thicker plate. I find 7018 works best when you can lay down a bead from start to stop that uses the complete rod without stopping. 7018 on reverse polarity seems to work best to me. I may be wrong for the use but will just stick for me other wise on DC.