Does this seem right to you?

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I stopped by and talked to one of my welding instructors today. I was asking about the test I would have to pass. He told me it would be 1/8 galvanized to 1/8 mill vertical and overhead using 1/8 6011 downhill. He  was nice enough to hand me a stack of practice plates and some 1/8 6011 Lincoln rods. I will also have to do the same vertical and overhead with mig (which I currently know nothing about).I have been using 3/32 thinking it was right but using the 1/8 is a pain! I used a micrometer only to find the plates  are 12ga not 1/8 but this is what the test will be on. I included a photo of one of my better attempts. I'm running the rod on my syncrowave 250 at 75-85 amps and 70% dig. It took some time but I'm getting the hang of it. OK, Now for the questions; Does 1/8" rod on 12 ga( .105") sound right to you? Once in a while I get a rod that forms a fingernail of shielding and wants to put the bead only on one side. No matter how I turn the rod, it will do the same thing. Does moisture effect 6011 rods? What's going on?Gizzmo Attached Images
Reply:Why would they make you test on galvanized? That sounds ridiculous.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Something about heavy gauge steel studs.
Reply:Originally Posted by gizzmo Does moisture effect 6011 rods? What's going on?
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPDip those rods in water, roll them around a bit, and let them air dry for a day or two before using.
Reply:Originally Posted by gizzmoIs this something like a can of steam?Gizzmo
Reply:Sorry for the skepticism. I'll give it a shot, BTW - Beautiful welds!Gizzmo
Reply:Thank you! I don't run much 60XX rods, so they dry out on me. Years ago a pipe welder let me in on this trick.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Now that I think about it - The rods that came out of the box gave me more trouble than the ones I left sitting out. The stack I left sitting out in the humidity must have picked some water up. Thanks again for the tip!
Reply:One more tip bud. Put the rod straight in the stinger if you can't get the thumbnailing arc blow under control. This will give you all the room in the world to put that arc where it needs to be. It will put you far away  from your work piece or test plates but you can do whatever it takes to brace yourself. Use your pinky, vise grip on something, whatever it takes. Once the rod burns back far enough where you can start feeling it through your glove you could slowly slide that hand back and let it go. Hope that helps you a little. I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Thanks I'll absolutely give it a try!This place has the nicest people!Gizzmo
Reply:Originally Posted by gizzmoThis place has the nicest people!
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPThank you! I don't run much 60XX rods, so they dry out on me. Years ago a pipe welder let me in on this trick.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manI wish I knew this before I gave away two 3/4 full tins of 6010, years ago.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPThat's because most of us remember when we started out. None of us were born with a golden arm!