Trying to learn

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I'm new to welding. I have a Lincoln AC225/DC125 Tombstone welding machine. What is a good rod to learn how to weld with? An what setting should I use this rod on 3/16 mild steel?
Reply:Everyone has an opinion on this. I think that 6013 is a good rod to start with, because it runs smooth, and is one of the easiest to get started. For that thickness of steel, id use 1/8 inch rod and about 80-90 amps or so, on DC, for starters. Actually, i think that id use a different rod for putting 3/16" steel together, probably 6010 or 7018, but for learning the basics (getting an arc going, laying down a good bead) 6013 is hard to beat. Good luck, and post lots of pictures :-)[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:6013/7014 are both good AC/DC rods to learn with. You can find the recomended settings for the various sizes on the packages. I'd suggest setting the machine at the middle to upper end to start with and use DC. Both these rods are drag rods. All you need to do is keep the rod coating in contact with the plate as you go. You will know when you have the heat and speed right as the slag will just peal right off on it's own, especially with 7014,6010/6011 takes a bit more work as these are whip rods and you need to do some manipulations to get good looking beads. Once you get the motions down they are fairly easy to run.7018 is a bit harder to run than the 6013/7014's because you will need to hold an arc gap between the plate and the rod. Once you can run 6013/7014 however 7018 doesn't take much practice to run well however. There have been a ton of threads on all these rods. Search a bit and read, read, read....No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan