Running 7018AC on DC, vertical

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Hey guys. A couple days ago I found an AC/DC Thunderbolt for $100. I couldn't let it go at that price so now it's mine. I bought some 7018 and 6013 rods to practice and when I got home I noticed that the 7018 rods where marked "AC". They work fine horizontal, but when I run them vertical the molten metal runs down the weld. I have turned that amps all the way down until I can barely strike an ark and I still can't get the 7018's looking ok vertically. The 6013 I am doing ok at however.Any tips on getting the 7018AC rod to go vertical? Or should I just go out and get some designed for DC?I am new to stick so any other tips will be appreciated.
Reply:well, if you are new at stick it could be a technique problem more than the rod.  Vertical can be tough to master.  Some pics would help us in diagnosing the problem.  I personally would prefer the DC rod over the AC version, but that should not stop you from being able to run vertical.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Since you are new to stick welding is almost certainly technique. Turning the amps down is not the answer. It is just something you have to practice until you get it figured out. You didn't say what size electrodes or what thickness metal you are attempting to weld vertically but both have a large bearing on how easy it is to run vertical with 701. Starting out the smaller the rod and the thicker the metal, the easier it is to master the technique. The Lincoln Procedure Handbook had a chapter on this and the correct rod technique..My experience with 7018AC consists of one 50# box of rod I bought when my LWS was out of regular Excalibur. Most AC rods actually run smoother with DC. Not this stuff. I'LL never buy any more 7018AC rod of any brand. Thought I never would get that box burned up and be rid of it.
Reply:Welding uphill with 7018 is diffacult. It is not easy.The stuff dripping down is slag most of the time - ignore it.If it starts to get arc blow. STOP then restart.Another tattic is to switch from DC to AC.Turning down the amps is not a remedy because then you would just have a weld that does not penetrate properly.Just experiment with the angle of the rod as you go up.Most structural welding is done with wire feed now so welding verticalup is not a problem.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldtimerYou didn't say what size electrodes or what thickness metal you are attempting to weld
Reply:Take your time and master welding up hill.  Once you get the hang of it, all process will be similar.  It took me a LONG time to get the hang of it, but now I can do it mig, tig and stick.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:A small tip. 7018 rod has a deposit rate 30% more than 6010-6011 rod. The freeze rate is also slower than that of 6010-11 which is a fast freeze eloctrode which 7018 is not. Those are the main problems with a verticle up weld with 7018.Drop one size for a 7018 electrode  compared to 6010-11. You lose almost no rate of deposit of metal compared to 6010-11 from spatter and the iron powder in the flux makes up for the rod size difference. Makes it a lot easier to keep that metal where ii should be compared to on your foot. A 1/8" 7018 rod is really too big for verticle up on 3/16" metal, especially if you are just learning. It's doable if you are experienced but I could never make it look good. A lot of welders think you have to run big rods to prove something. It's a lot better to size the electrode to the job and do a good job rather than a fast one that ain't so great.Good luck with your welding.
Reply:You say you were welding a 3/16 thickness angle iron.Were you welding in the inside of the "V" ?To practice this vertical weld you would want to be welding an actualjoint in two plates. Not just on a flat surface. The two plate need to be tacked together. You need to prepare the weld coupon properly to get a result that means something.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:I would try 3/32 7018 rod.  I like using the smaller rod over the big rod.  It make take more time and a few more rods but the control I get out of the smaller rod is worth it.  In my trade the standard is 3/32" 7018 and 1/8" 6010.
Reply:Ok, I finally got a chance to practice a little more today. I got some 3/32 7018 and was working on that same piece of angle iron. I was using a "zig-zag" technique with a slight pause at each side. This is what they look like. Am I moving too fast? I burned through a couple times so I think I am afraid to go slow.http://i535.photobucket.com/albums/e...0/welds001.jpgNow on this second one, it almost looked like I might be getting the hang of it on the bottom third of the weld, but as I worked my way up it began to look like the othershttp://i535.photobucket.com/albums/e...0/welds002.jpgLast edited by smig; 10-14-2008 at 09:23 PM.
Reply:Vertical up with no groove  is a bitch. (the one you did on the flat) Make your weave a little wider and it will be easier.You got it, just keep burning rod.  It takes a long time to get the hang of it.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.