Running stick root with AC machine

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Hi guys, Ive been practicing my welds on 1/2" steel plate. I'm using an AC 220v Old big Forney buzz box. 1/8 6011 for root, and 1/8 7018 fill and cap. Beveled the plates 75 degrees total, and grinding approx 1/8-3/16 face.Practicing horiz, vert, and OH and they look pretty decent for not welding anything this thick for a while. I'll be venturing into practicing on 6" pipe this week.The problem I am having is running the root passes. No matter how hard I try, the electrodes are constantly sticking. I'll run pretty good for a few seconds, but as soon as I get a keyhole, and try to push through, it's sticking.What I would like to know is if it IS possible to run roots with an AC machine. I know that DC is recomended, especially for pipe, but can a successful root be accomplished with AC, or am I wasting my time? Thanks
Reply:if you're sticking then turn the amps up.  yes you can run a root with ac.  you may need to step down to a 3/32 or alter your root gap or root face.
Reply:Good advice Scott, I thought about using 3/32. Gonna pick up a box, and see how it works out.I really feel like the heat is at a good setting. when I am able (without sticking) to get the bead going, its perfect, just wants to constantly short the arc and stick.
Reply:Hi njmm313,If you are going to get serious about welding pipe welding i would definitely suggest a DC machine. DC machines provide much more stable smooth weld. You can make acceptable welds with AC machines but it is much more difficult.Basic and advanced welding information at my online Welding School.
Reply:Originally Posted by Scott Youngif you're sticking then turn the amps up.
Reply:Ditto to all the above. Higher amps for the current rods being used. Or downsize your rods.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Cool guys, thanks alot, ill give it a try. I plan on upgrading to ac/dc as well as getting a torch for scratch start tig in the near future. I'll post pics this week of the coupons I cut out of the plate, and pipe. I'm thinking of going to my local tech school, and seeing if I can do a bend test to some of them.
Reply:Exactly how many amps are you using to make this root and do u have any pics of the root?only thing worse than an ugly woman is an ugly weld
Reply:can you elaborate on pushing through the keyhole? i thought you established the keyhole but whipped on "this" side of it... how deep do you push through?
Reply:A 1/8" to 3/16" root land width is pretty deep.   Try 1/16" to 3/32" root land depth.   Basicaly, after you cut/grind your bevels, square off the root edges so you have a flat land surface about the same thickness as a nickel.   Tack the plates apart so you have a root gap of about 3/16".   Using 1/8" rods, you should be able to penetrate the root fully with that opening size.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33A 1/8" to 3/16" root land width is pretty deep.   Try 1/16" to 3/32" root land depth.   Basicaly, after you cut/grind your bevels, square off the root edges so you have a flat land surface about the same thickness as a nickel.   Tack the plates apart so you have a root gap of about 3/16".   Using 1/8" rods, you should be able to penetrate the root fully with that opening size.
Reply:Originally Posted by Scott Youngjust asking?  are you sure a 3/16th gap?  did you mean a 3/32 gap?  i like the 1/16 to 3/32 root face.note: i am not a pipe welder, but have been around it and fit pipe from time to time for a pipe welder.  my cap isn't as consistent as it needs to be.  once i can get that consistent cap all the way around i will try to go for pipe.  i know, i know.....practice.
Reply:Guys, I picked up some 3/32 6011, and about 10 feet of various size pipe from my local steel shop.The original post was plate, and I'm practicing my plate welds before I start pipe.I used 1/8" 6011 and 7018. The plate is 1/2" thick, and 75 degrees total V groove bevel. 1/8" gap (using bare rod) and 1/8-3/16 face. NO BACKING BAR. My amperage was approx 125 (6011 root) and 135 (7018 fill and cap) verticalHoriz and OH I turned down about 10 amps.I'm gonna give the plate a couple more shots, this time using 3/32 6011 root with 3/32 gap and i'll try the nickle sized face (root land?). I'll take pics when I'm done for entertainment purposes
Reply:id say that 3/32 rod with the 1/8 gap and land will be an easier setup. then 1/8" 7018 outG
Reply:OK here are some pics from tonight.AC Forney Welder75 degree total bevel, Vertical Position3/32 6011 Root, 3/32 gap, nickle size face  95 Amps1/8 7018 fill and cap 135 AmpsRelatively pleased with them. I appreciate the advice with the gaps and face and rod size.What a huge difference 3/32 rod made with the root passes. Didnt stick once, and was smooth. Tomorrow i'll start the pipeTook 4 total passes, 1 root, 2 hot fills and 1 cap Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33Sorry, I didn't realize the conversation had changed subject to pipe.  The original poster was asking about welding 1/2" plate in a v-groove joint, if I remember right.  Assuming a backing bar is used behind the joint, 3/16" gap is fine for plate.   Would be too wide for open root pipe I would think.   Of course I'm not a pipe welder either, though I do weld it once in a while.  3/32" to 1/8" gap for pipe has worked for me.
Reply:Originally Posted by Scott Youngyour right i thought he was hitting the pipe and i misread.  my mistake.
Reply:Originally Posted by njmm313OK here are some pics from tonight.AC Forney Welder75 degree total bevel, Vertical Position3/32 6011 Root, 3/32 gap, nickle size face  95 Amps1/8 7018 fill and cap 135 AmpsRelatively pleased with them. I appreciate the advice with the gaps and face and rod size.What a huge difference 3/32 rod made with the root passes. Didnt stick once, and was smooth. Tomorrow i'll start the pipeTook 4 total passes, 1 root, 2 hot fills and 1 cap