how to for general welding? DC+ or DC-

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I've always done ac welding and/or mig. I've now got a Idealarc tombstone 250 that is AC/DC. I always heard DC was bit better so thought I'd play with it a bit. I bought some 6013 rods and got some 6011 here. Please explain the two types of DC? one is + and isn't one-? which do you use for general construction. do you run lower amps too? need a little education here on how to use the 'DC' feature of this welder. Also: I had to put on a new power cord so got about 8ft of 10-3 - this suitable? I hope to order some 8-3 but they only had this other in stock.Last edited by Geno; 01-20-2015 at 12:31 PM.
Reply:Hello Geno, the polarity is determined by the type of rod being used. The rod manufacturer will specify, in their literature, the required/recommended polarity. Some rods can be used on AC/DC+/DC-, however they will generally list, in order, the polarities that are recommended. If the rod is designed for a particular polarity only, it will be stated so in their description. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:These may help, http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...rticles16.htmlhttp://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/guidelines_smaw.pdf                                  http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...-skills/stick/
Reply:If you just want a quick answer, DC+ is the most common polarity you'll weld with.Just default to that unless you have a pressing reason to do otherwise.DC+ most penetrationAC    middle DC-  least penetrationThis website calculator will help you with amps for each rod:http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...calculator.phpDave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I run 6011, 6013, 7014 and 7018 on DCEP almost all the time.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:As I read through some of the responses here I would make one suggestion. Consider that some rods are DC only and if you attempt to weld with them on AC you may end up throwing hammers and other tools as a result of the frustration. Case in point: welding with E6010 rods on AC current, arc will likely extinguish constantly due to the lack of arc stabilizers in the flux makeup of the E6010 electrode. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Thanks a million folks- I most likely be in the DC mode always once I start. I use mig on most projects. I picked up this ac/dc 250 tombstone more or less for tying the DC feature as well as was a good deal. I don't see me ever wearing it out- It'll out live me by far I suspect.