Need advice - 16 ga. to 1/8", vertical, stick

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Note: this is for a backyard greenhouse, so it's not code quality or anything, not even close...This is for where some arched tubing made from 16 gauge (.0635") galvanized will be welded to a 1/8" plate.  There's an arch on each side; the weld is at the top, where they meet. The 1/8" plate is an angle iron running down the length of the roof.Actually, this detail isn't that important.  The weld will be an inside corner filet weld, vertical position, the 16 gauge against the 1/8" plate.  Equipment available (and PLEASE don't tell me to go buy a MIG!) is:235 amp AC welder (Hobart 235 Stickmate)110V wire welder with .035" fluxcore (Lincoln 140HD) wire. No gas.Rods: anyHow would you do it, with the equipment available? Any advice about weave, amps, rod, up/down, etc. would be greatly welcomed.FWIW, I can weld pretty well on thicker steel - 1/8-1/4 - in all three positions, and have been able to flat-weld this 16 gauge stuff with 1/16" 7014 @ 35 amps without burn-through.-RuarkLincoln 3200HDHobart Stickmate LX235TWECO Fabricator 211i
Reply:Doable with both, but not easy.With stick, I'd probably run 3/32" rods on the low side and keep a tight arc. If you have less experience, smaller rods would allow you to run less amps and probably have more control. Stick my 1st choice would be 7018 followed closely by 7014.  I'm not as good with 6011, but I know guys who would choose it because it's a fast freeze rod and deals well with galvi without as much prep work.I don't do much FC wire, so I'd have to play with it some to get the right settings. Chances are though I'd probably have a longer stick out than I usually would to help reduce the heat and have a bit more control.I'd try and keep as much heat as possible on the thicker piece and wash the puddle onto the thinner one so I'd have more control. If possible try and set things up for lap welds so you can use the heavier piece as a heat sink and run slightly hotter..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:doable with either machine. Stick welding it would likely have better results. Personally I'd skip the vertical welds, and plug (puddle) weld using 6022. 6010/11 can also be used. It may be easier to punch/drill holes in the plate first.
Reply:No, this has to be vertical.  No other way to do it.-RuarkLincoln 3200HDHobart Stickmate LX235TWECO Fabricator 211i
Reply:Doable with both but I would choose flux core. I don't think you would have as much problem as it seems you are expecting.Last edited by mikecwik; 08-19-2013 at 08:02 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by RuarkNo, this has to be vertical.  No other way to do it.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerThere is probably a dozen other ways to do it. What do I know, after all, I just do this for a living. If you really want help post up a pic, otherwise, do it the way you are set on doing it. Either machine will work. Your comfort level with the machines available will dictate how you do it. If you suck with 7018 uphill, don't do it that way. If I had to do it with the machines you have, and the method you dictate, I would use 3/32 6010 downhill, quick and easy, easy restarts, play the arc on the plate.
Reply:Originally Posted by SquirmyPugYep, 6010/11 downhill will probably be easiest for you Ruark. Just practice it a few times, shouldn't take long to learn.