Stick Electrode Size

admin

Does the stick electrode size matter much?  The Clarke 95E Arc Welder says to use 1/16"-5/64" electrodes but I have a bunch of 3/16" ones.  Will it work with if i use the 3/16" electrodes?  Will there be a difference in the performance of the machine or will it affect the weld in any way?
Reply:The 3/16 wont do much other than stick if even that....stay with the smaller rods and you will be fine....6011 and 6013's would work good as well as 7014's if you can find them that small....look at Walmart they have them from time to time....Mike
Reply:84zmike is telling you right. Your machine is rated for a rod less than half the size of the 3/16th. The amp required is directly proportional to the size of the electrode and the base metal thickness.SA200,Ranger8,Trailblazer251NT,MM250,Dayton225AC,T  D-XL75,SpoolMate3545SGA100C,HF-15-1  RFCS-14 When I stick it, it stays stuck!
Reply:The welder says it can go up to 90 amps.  The electroded I have are lincoln electrodes and has an operating current of 40-80 amps.  Could I use these electrodes with the 90 amp welder?  Any help would be appreciated, I am new to welding and don't want to waste all the electrodes I have.Last edited by 808metal_man; 01-21-2008 at 01:49 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by 808metal_manThe welder says it can go up to 90 amps.  The electroded I have are lincoln electrodes and has an operating current of 40-80 amps.  Could I use these electrodes with the 90 amp welder?  Any help would be appreciated, I am new to welding and don't want to waste all the electrodes I have.
Reply:A rule of thumb for stick is one amp for .001" of rod. 1/8" = 125 amps.  This is only a starting point and depends on the exact rod.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.