How hot is too hot?

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First let me start by saying that I am not a welder, don't play one on TV...hell, I haven't even stayed at a Holiday Inn in forever, but I do have an old AC/DC stick welder that I use to make multiple pieces of steel stick together. I've even gotten to the point that I can do so without a lot of cursing a swearing, and sometimes they even look pretty good...for someone who isn't a welder.My problem is, that I know next to nothing about the in's and out's of welding...like what rod to use, what to set the machine on and such. I have 6011 rods in 3/32 and 1/8 and depending on how thick of material I'm welding, I either use the thin or thick rod and keep bumping the heat up till I seem to be getting penetration but not blowing holes in everything.I keep saying that I am going to sign up for an evening welding class at the local vo-tech, but I always seem to have a reason why I can't. I'm guessing that this is something that is tough to teach over an internet forum, but can someone lend some pointers, or point me to some on-line training that might be of help?
Reply:Watch this video and it will get you started off in the right direction. Lots of good info put out by Willie. Not many are more knowledgeable than him in teaching new folks how to weld properly.
Reply:What little I know about welding, I learned from Willy! Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Post your location, maybe a member will help if near you.
Reply:I have a seasoned iron worker/welder of 30+ years that I bounce as many questions off as I can, and he has been a big help, but I feel like I don't know what to even ask at times. But, had I looked a little better...   I would have seen the sticky on metallurgy at the top of the list. I'll give it a look thru.
Reply:Here's another good video and website to learn more about welding. This guy has way more info than Willie, so check out his website for more learning.
Reply:I learned a little more over the weekend...I learned that I had my machine turned up much hotter than I needed. I have been using it in the 130-140 range with the 6011's. It has been working fine on the 1/4" plate, but after reading a few posts here, I turned it down to around 60 and it worked just as good...and I don't know if I was just having a good day, or if it was the lower temp, but the welds were looking better than normal. Still a lot of spatter though...even after grinding the pieces clean.
Reply:Miller makes an iPhone app for weld settings (there are also books).  Also I guess a welder is to hot when you get a lot of undercut, and to cold when it globs together.-JessForney C5 Arc WelderLincoln Idealarc 250-250 Ac/Dc Arc WelderMiller Bobcat 225g PlusLincoln PowerMig 200Forney O/A Rig
Reply:Originally Posted by Ron_JFirst let me start by saying that I am not a welder, don't play one on TV...hell, I haven't even stayed at a Holiday Inn in forever, but I do have an old AC/DC stick welder that I use to make multiple pieces of steel stick together. I've even gotten to the point that I can do so without a lot of cursing a swearing, and sometimes they even look pretty good...for someone who isn't a welder.My problem is, that I know next to nothing about the in's and out's of welding...like what rod to use, what to set the machine on and such. I have 6011 rods in 3/32 and 1/8 and depending on how thick of material I'm welding, I either use the thin or thick rod and keep bumping the heat up till I seem to be getting penetration but not blowing holes in everything.I keep saying that I am going to sign up for an evening welding class at the local vo-tech, but I always seem to have a reason why I can't. I'm guessing that this is something that is tough to teach over an internet forum, but can someone lend some pointers, or point me to some on-line training that might be of help?
Reply:LOLL! If TomB's #5 is a correct statement, the dial on my Miller is WAY off! Running 3/32" 7018 on Saturday at 65 amps and the last 2 inches of rod was glowing
Reply:Originally Posted by drujininLOLL! If TomB's #5 is a correct statement, the dial on my Miller is WAY off! Running 3/32" 7018 on Saturday at 65 amps and the last 2 inches of rod was glowing