Lincoln ac225 not penetrating

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So I purchased a used Lincoln ac225 and I picked up some 6013 3/32 rods im welding in 1/4 plate or thinner and I can't seem to penetrate enough. Tried different rods like Hobart 7014 3/32 and still not penetrating. I even slowed down and tried to hold it longer it doesn't stay arc either. What could it be?
Reply:Find a friend that can weld, have them try it out. Post up pictures of your attempts, we can't tell anything from your description. I learned how to electric weld on that machine some  45 years ago, they are pretty much bullet proof, if it sparks it should weld fine with the correct technique.Just my  opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:could be many things..incorrect input voltage..only getting 1 leg of the 220volts?..try a 6011 rod..6013 not really a deep penetrating rod to begin withMiller Syncrowave 180Miller 211 w/ spool-gunLincoln Ac/Dc buzzboxCutmaster 38 plasmaVictor,Smith's,and Craftsman (Harris) O/A torches.DeWalt Multi cutterFiber Metal helmets(old school)Enough Snap-On to be a dealer
Reply:The first thing I would do if i bought a used AC welder is buy new leads for it. AC welders need leads that are in perfect condition because the current fluctuates back and forth 60 times a second. DC welders can weld better with less than desirable leads because the DC current flows one way from positive to negative. Sometimes if the leads are bad the stinger will start to get hot after burning only 5 or 6 rods and that's a good sign that resistances is building up in the wire. But that doesn't always happen. If you have your welder plugged into the appropriate input power and you crank the amps up on high and it still won't weld I would bet you need new leads and possibly a new power cord. Just my 2 cents from experience. Good luck.Also check all connections and clean them if you have the welder apart.
Reply:I was looking at my leads and they look bent and abused. The clamp and electrode look green. I think I, going to change them out. Where can I find a kit or where would be the best place to find them?I may not have the 40 yrs of experience but I have done a bit of welding in the last 10 yrs I just haven't had a welder just stop penetrating. Oh and it did penetrate for about 2 BBQ pits and after that it just stopped.I am going to try the 6011's as well
Reply:Originally Posted by bigsal51I was looking at my leads and they look bent and abused. The clamp and electrode look green. I think I, going to change them out. Where can I find a kit or where would be the best place to find them?I may not have the 40 yrs of experience but I have done a bit of welding in the last 10 yrs I just haven't had a welder just stop penetrating. Oh and it did penetrate for about 2 BBQ pits and after that it just stopped.I am going to try the 6011's as well
Reply:Thanks for the help I truly appreciate it
Reply:Is there a gap between those 1/4" steel plates?