Newbie Stick Welding Question.

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I used to stick weld quite a bit back in high school and was actuallyy pretty decent at it. Now, 30 years later I'm trying to get back into it again. Is there a "rule of thumb" for setting the correct amperage based on the thickness of the steel and the rod being used? Example, two pieces of 3/16" mild steel and a 6011 rod would require what amperage?
Reply:First of all, try 6013 for starters, much smoother running than 6011.  For flat position, try 7014, very smooth welds and easy slag removal.Sure there are guidelines in the Lincoln/Miller/Esab sites and more, but how about experimenting yourself?Amperage too low = electrode sticking, coarse humped up bead, no penetration.Amperage too high = long arc length, spatter, concave bead, burn through.Amperage just right = smooth bead, easy slag removalTell us what you find works for you.
Reply:Like pulser said, go to Lincoln/Miller/Esab sites, they have guidlelines and how-to and I know that Miller has an online parameter calculator http://www.millerwelds.com/education...calculator.phpRough rule of thumb for for mild steel single-pass fill is 1 amp per 0.001 inch thickness of workpiece.  Example, 1/8 inch steel use 125 amps.  For stick, you then go back and figure out what diameter and type rod to use for 125 amps and the position/material-condition/etc.
Reply:I convert the rod diameter to decimal   ex.----1/8" = .125 and start amps there. Go up or down depending on position, thickness, gap, etc.  6013 is very smooth! ---------john
Reply:I was tought the same way as jptech, just convert the rod size and that should give you a "mid point" amp setting.  Now all you have to do is make sure you have the right rod size for the material.  But that is almost self expalnitory espcially if you are already familliar with stick welding. Don't use too big a rod for too big a material.  Good luck burning rod.
Reply:Originally Posted by BrukerI used to stick weld quite a bit back in high school and was actuallyy pretty decent at it. Now, 30 years later I'm trying to get back into it again. Is there a "rule of thumb" for setting the correct amperage based on the thickness of the steel and the rod being used? Example, two pieces of 3/16" mild steel and a 6011 rod would require what amperage?
Reply:Originally Posted by pulserFirst of all, try 6013 for starters, much smoother running than 6011.  For flat position, try 7014, very smooth welds and easy slag removal..