Overhead Stick

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I'm mainly a Tig and Mig welder.  I can do great flat and vertical up welds with stick, but my overhead really sucks.  I had to go out and repair some leaks underneath a container that carries water.  I kept getting craters full of slag when trying to weld the cracks.  I just couldn't get a solid weld.  What the hell am I doing wrong.  And I noticed it happened mostly where I would end up burning a hole in it, and had to fill in a hole on top of the crack I was trying to fix.  What am I doing wrong?Welders have bigger rods.Welders achieve deep penetration.Welders know how to fill a gap.Don't eat the yellow snow.
Reply:First, what rod are you using, next what power and amp range are you using? Different electrodes take different techniques.
Reply:6013.  I tried different ranges, from about 90, down to 80.  It seemed that at 80, it was starting to get a little difficult to start, and I'm sure if I went lower, it would do nothing but stick.Welders have bigger rods.Welders achieve deep penetration.Welders know how to fill a gap.Don't eat the yellow snow.
Reply:That explains the slag being trapped. You have to push the slag back with a steeper drag angle with 6013, even then I don't recommend 6013 for anything other than flat or horizontal. Get some 7018, you will have better results overhead with that.Miller Maxstar 200 SDPiperliner #10 Gold
Reply:Use some 6011 at the same amperage you would for a flat weld, even a bit higher once you get used to it. Dig in deep at the front of the puddle then lift and spray to the rear of the puddle you want a triangular/ fan shape puddle with a regular consistent whip and lift motion. Hard to explain for me, but that's how I would do that. When you finish off, lift a bit and kind of spray til the crater is filled. 6010 is a good choice too, but its a bit "diggier". Hope this helps.
Reply:Thanks for the tips guys.  I really appreciate your help.Welders have bigger rods.Welders achieve deep penetration.Welders know how to fill a gap.Don't eat the yellow snow.
Reply:Use 6010 as stated if DC. What kind of machine are you using ? AC/DC ? Fixed taps ? How thick is material ? Most important is to try and get in a comfortable position. Try not to be floating and get something to rest your arm on . Sometimes tacking a piece of rebar or 1/2 '' rod to it will help give you support. Did you run a grinder down the crack first ? Opening it up gives you something to follow and a place to fill with weld. The hole should be a easy fix, you maybe running too hot. As stated, run along crack and if you blow through keep the arc  moving along crack just pull away enough for the hole to cool, just a second should do it. Then go back into the puddle. A picture would help.
Reply:You were running a 1/8 6013 at 80-90amps???They won't run.115-130overhead, depending on the thickness of your metal.I honestly would recommend 3/32 7018 at 80-90 amps, or 1/8 7018 at 125-135amps.Dead straight up rod angle, tight arc, and weld.IMO.Get us a pic if possible.
Reply:Originally Posted by DeepPenetrationI'm mainly a Tig and Mig welder.  I can do great flat and vertical up welds with stick, but my overhead really sucks.  I had to go out and repair some leaks underneath a container that carries water.  I kept getting craters full of slag when trying to weld the cracks.  I just couldn't get a solid weld.  What the hell am I doing wrong.  And I noticed it happened mostly where I would end up burning a hole in it, and had to fill in a hole on top of the crack I was trying to fix.  What am I doing wrong?
Reply:Theres your problem. Dumps those 6013's in the garbonza and get you some 6011 or 6010 if you have a machine that will run it. And some 7018. Get religious in running those 2 rods up, down, sideways, backwards and in your sleep. if theres anything ive learned about S.M.A.W. is that rule right there
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13Theres your problem. Dumps those 6013's in the garbonza and get you some 6011 or 6010 if you have a machine that will run it. And some 7018. Get religious in running those 2 rods up, down, sideways, backwards and in your sleep. if theres anything ive learned about S.M.A.W. is that rule right there
Reply:Originally Posted by 12V71Yeah, I don't even know what 6013 is.
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13They serve their purpose. But with all this nee technology its so easy to weld thin steel now.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Use 6010 as stated if DC. What kind of machine are you using ? AC/DC ? Fixed taps ? How thick is material ? Most important is to try and get in a comfortable position. Try not to be floating and get something to rest your arm on . Sometimes tacking a piece of rebar or 1/2 '' rod to it will help give you support. Did you run a grinder down the crack first ? Opening it up gives you something to follow and a place to fill with weld. The hole should be a easy fix, you maybe running too hot. As stated, run along crack and if you blow through keep the arc  moving along crack just pull away enough for the hole to cool, just a second should do it. Then go back into the puddle. A picture would help.
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopYou were running a 1/8 6013 at 80-90amps???They won't run.115-130overhead, depending on the thickness of your metal.I honestly would recommend 3/32 7018 at 80-90 amps, or 1/8 7018 at 125-135amps.Dead straight up rod angle, tight arc, and weld.IMO.Get us a pic if possible.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDavePractice first, show pics for advice, practice more.This is the only way to fix a skill problem.Never practice on the item you are fixing - which you already know since you popped holes in it.Make sure you don't long arc, which means keep pushing up - it feels unnatural compared to letting your arms drop in the flat position.As noted above, use whatever amps you would use flat for the same weld.Good luck and show some weld samples
Reply:And thanks to the rest of you guys for your input.  6013 was probably a very bad choice for that particular job.  We don't have 6010 or 6011, but we do have 7018.  I should've used that instead.Welders have bigger rods.Welders achieve deep penetration.Welders know how to fill a gap.Don't eat the yellow snow.
Reply:Yes. 7018 is your friend. Keep your arc short and use a very slight oscillation with the puddle. Don't move too fast. If your heat and technique is just right, it will flow right in there without any burn through or grapes.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720