DIY shielded rods and arc stabilizing coatings?

admin

Hi. I've been reading about obscure or very old welding rods--I'm interested in both DIY cellulose rods and Silicon Bronze shielded rods (yes, these exist).When I tried coating steel wire or brazing rods, the arc won't stay lit. (The coatings I've tried are newspaper, sodium silicate, newspaper+sodium silicate, and brazing flux.) After a fraction of a second, the arc seems to soften and look like a normal flame, then it's gone (and the wire tip is red hot). This is DC, so I don't see why the arc is going out, but it is. I can burn 6013 just fine (but one brand works much better than another), so I'm not sure whether my machine could be part of the problem.Any thoughts about what I might try to keep the arc lit?
Reply:Try putting a good bit of calcium carbonate (for shielding). Then some  potassium silicate, potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate (for arc stabilization).  Alumina is also used as an arc stabilizer."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Thanks! I didn't know potassium was useful for DCEP.
Reply:Try mixing in some lime and a little bit of wood ash and see what happens."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder