Lincoln 5p / 6010 3/32" arc quality

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I notice when I start a bead, usually at 65A, after it stabilizes I get a nice sharp sizzle as I come in to a close arc, and a well defined round puddle till I whip away, see it freeze over and come back. The machine hums a certain way as well. Feels like the right zone. I like it a lot. Seems like about halfway through the rod the arc gets sloppy and sometimes I stick it as I come in close arc looking for the same arc quality in the next puddle. I am maintaining the same type of motion and coming in close on the arc. Sometimes I can and sometimes I can't find that clean sizzle zone again. The table on my tombstone recommends 55A but seems a bit cold, so 65 seems right most times.This happens in any position, except I tried vertical down today for the first time and it happened less. Doesn't change whether I'm on a cold piece or running bead after bead on a practice log, or anywhere within the duty cycle.Seems like a factor of the flux on the rod heating or the base metal temperature changing. The only change I noticed was on the vertical down, running away from the convection heat it seemed to happen less. But, I get it on flat and horizontal too.I don't know if this is a "problem" or normal. I don't recall this happening running red 6010 1/8" rod at votec on the trusty Idealarc 250's, but my hood time and experience since then are allowing the focus of clarity: the more I learn the more questions on details I realize I have, typical learning curve stuff.Sorry for the long post, but I figured details would more clearly define the conditions.Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 and WP17. 75A AC is for pipe thawing!HH 140 - new addtion 9/2012.I didn't agree, but hoped for Hope and Change.I got change for myself and my family: for the worse.This is the reality of: Barackalypse Now. Again.
Reply:More than likely its you. You will want to change rod angle work angle and arc length as the rod gets shorter
Reply:I go by the 32nd rule. 30amps for every 32nd of an inch.Puddle tells all, Arc is an indicator.Are you using a DC tombstone? On a small workpiece? If so, you could have some Arc Blow going on. If AC, then forget what I wrote..Most rods like it tight, if you long-arc 6010 it will splatter even more and arc will wander. Long-arc 7018 and you'd fail most welding tests out their...Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:From my lil' Lincoln stick welding electrode guide book, 5P at 3/32 is 40-75 amps.  1/8" is 75-130amps..  you will find different recommendation for different brands of rod too..  Also what the machine is set at vs the actual welding current can vary too.  a DC clamp meter is a great way to verify the actual current you are usingTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Thanks for the comebacks. It's the AC/DC  tombstone in my sig. I think I was just getting tired and getting sloppy maintaining my arc length. I was practicing on 1/8" steel angle: bed frame salvage.I have had this happen now and then and am still worry it may be an equipment issue. I'm not blaming my equipment for my skill level. I have had instruction and have the hood time to understand using the setting recommendations as a starting point and adjusting from there.It seems the arc gets erratic and spattery typical of a long arc and /or too hot, while at the same time feels like running cold as far as melting the puddle and sticking the rod easily or losing the arc. It occurs now and then, it does not seem to be related to duty cycle, and has happened on different current taps. I have not noticed any variations while running 3/32 7018. I usually run 3/32 6010 and 70108, have run a little 1/8 7018, and some 1/16 6013.My concern is if this is typical symptom of an intermittent failing component. I'm wondering if the AC to DC rectified current path during one half of the AC cycle may not be consistently delivering.My power feed is a recently installed 50A 2 pole breaker and receptacle on a new 200A service upgrade with about a 20' run of #6 wire.Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 and WP17. 75A AC is for pipe thawing!HH 140 - new addtion 9/2012.I didn't agree, but hoped for Hope and Change.I got change for myself and my family: for the worse.This is the reality of: Barackalypse Now. Again.