Welding Tips and Tricks

I just got a used stick welder, and I am confused on how to chose which rod diameter to use. My little MIG welder has a chart on it to give you a baseline for settings based on metal thickness.

But all I have seen so far for stick welders is this rod use this amperage range. But how do I know what amperage is a good starting point for the metal I am welding?

Am I missing something obvious?

Thanks

It's a common question, no worries.

You decide how much amperage you want to use, then pick the rod size that runs good in that range.

Also, rule of thumb: Don't use a rod thicker than the material to be welded.

It normally will require too many amps to run correctly and you'll blow a hole in the workpiece while welding.

As a result, rod diameter is equal or smaller than the thickness of the metal to be welded.

MinnesotaDave wrote:It's a common question, no worries.

You decide how much amperage you want to use, then pick the rod size that runs good in that range.

Also, rule of thumb: Don't use a rod thicker than the material to be welded.

It normally will require too many amps to run correctly and you'll blow a hole in the workpiece while welding.

As a result, rod diameter is equal or smaller than the thickness of the metal to be welded.

Thanks, that helps. Are there any tips on picking the amperage?

Sort of.

But smaller rod sizes would use less amps so it kind of isn't relevant.

For example, 1/8" material can often be welded with an 1/8" rod at 125 amps (depending on the rod and material position).

But a 3/32" rod at 100 amps works fine too.

The above is generally true for 6013, 7014, 7018 rods.

Also, thick plates with a nice deep bevel and a gap may only need 90 amps for the first pass but can handle increased amps and rod size after the gap is closed up.

You might find this useful...

http://www.rebelwolf.com/downloads/linc ... _guide.pdf

Good luck,
Larry

ldbtx wrote:You might find this useful...

http://www.rebelwolf.com/downloads/linc ... _guide.pdf

Good luck,
Larry

Thanks that helps. Now I just need to get the breaker and wire I need to get a 50 amp outlet.

Sorry to butt in, but I've been battling with the same question... so it doesn't matter how thick the material is, just make more passes if you're using thinner rod? What about, say 16g welded to 5/8 plate? I've read where the bead needs to only be as thick as the thinnest piece - does that provide enough penetration in the thick piece?

Depending on the angles your attaching the pieces togeather at generally yes.

My brother has a (really) old P&H ac buzzbox, they solved the problem, kinda. a series of holes at each amp setting, you stick the 'fluxless' end of the rod in the hole, you want the rod that just fits in that hole/setting, , , , simple.

fwiw

-c-