6011 ran great; 7018 not good

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I worked on my project yesterday with my AC225.  I tried 1/8" 7018 ac on 120 but I couldn't get an arc to stay running.  I was doing a Tee joint and the result was what I think is referred to as a worm hole?  I had some weld on the vertical piece and the bottom piece, then slag right down in the middle.  (sorry no pics)   What does that mean and what can I work on to get different results.  (I didn't toy around with it - decided to cut bait and come back to the rod later).I grabbed a 1/8" 6011 on 120.  I had an easier time striking an arc and running bed.  I was able to see the weld puddle very clear behind the arc.  It took some adjusting to remember to keep the rod the right amount away from the puddle since it melts away.  (I was in the fluxcore wire mode where the wire keeping coming out there on it own).  But the length was easy to judge because you could see it in the puddle and arc.  Overall it felt like I was cutting butter with a hot knife.  Matter of fact I really dug the edges of my vertical piece that didn't look so good.  I didn't like that.  I think that was due to the angle I held the rod at??I want to get this to be good and secure.  If I need to start over then I need to start over.  I still feel like I need to get the 7018 on there but before doing anything else I wanted to get some input.Here goes nothing.   2"x2"x1/4" square tube on 1" steel plateLincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:Monica,A welding rod angle that is "shoving" the weld ahead can roll the slag under, also, not using enough heat to fuse the sides can do it too.  If you are using low heat settings, you have to watch the puddle and pause on the sides with a slight weave and watch for the sides to wet in..  From the weld, it does look a little cold.  The amps sound about right for 7018, even a little high for some folk.  But on AC sometimes the amps really require a higher setting. For the 6011, the amps settings sound high. 90 amps should be about the target. Too bad you don't have DC.Last edited by lugweld; 09-07-2010 at 10:58 AM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldMonica,A welding rod angle that is "shoving" the weld ahead can roll the slag under, also, not using enough heat to fuse the sides can do it too.  If you are using low heat settings, you have to watch the puddle and pause on the sides with a slight weave and watch for the sides to wet in..  From the weld, it does look a little cold.  What were your settings? 7018 will be higher than 6011.
Reply:sorry, I realized what you were talking about and re edited it.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldsorry, I realized what you were talking about and re edited it.
Reply:I am conflicted, because I see undercut after a second look. In one picture it looks like cold lap, but it could be the computer or the lighting in the photo.  But undecut could be from too high of current, though the weld looks cold.  Or it could be from improper too fast of movement, not allowing enough fill time. Or, too long of an arc.  Hold it close in there if you can. No more than the rods width off the metal.  AC can be aggravating with short arcs and want to stick. With the 7018, pausing will help, but the 6011 may benefit more from a whipping motion. That's moving the rod ahead of the puddle and back into it slightly.  Its operation is similar to a 6010.  But it can handle a little weave too, whereas a 6010 isn't generally recommended for a weave pattern in this situation.Another issue you are contending with is the under roll or "radius" of the tubing creating a gap that is difficult to weld.  Try dropping to a 3/32 rod and you will get up into the joint seam much better.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:I am wondering if some if your issues with 7018 may be related to excessive arc length.  7018 needs to be run with a relatively tight arc. and in some cases can be run with the coating lightly dragging on the weld joint.  The coating tends to form a cone, with the core wire up inside the cone, giving a natural control of arc length.
Reply:Monica, I have an AC machine and I have to set my machine at between 125 and 130 amps for 7018. Keep a tight arc. 120 amps for 6011 is a little on the high side. Try turning down 15 maybe 20 amps and see how that works out.Here's a few pics of 6011-1/8 105 amps and 7018-1/8 125 amps. Didn't have 7018ac.Hope this helps. Attached Images
Reply:Thank for the suggestions and things to consider guys.  I'll take them to the garage and have another go at it this week when I can steal away from work.  cajun, I appreciate the photos.  Gives me something to shoot for  Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand