new to DC

admin

Hi guys, I'm just getting my SA200 back together and should be using it by mid april. All I've mainly used is AC, professionly and personal. How do I know when to use DCEP or DCEN? Is there a site I can check or another thread here? I've used DC at other shops but was handed a bunch of rods and given work to do, no set-up or thought necessary.
Reply:I use dc+ when i am running 6010 that is the correct polarity and when i use 7018. Dc+ provides deeper penetration in to the base material and lower deposition rates than dc-. Dc- provides shallower penetration and a higher depositon rate. I use dc- when welding thin material or want to have minimal dilution of filler and base metal. --Gol'
Reply:It is really simple with the SA-200. Just run them all DC Reverse. Any AC rod, 6011, 6013, 7014, etc. will run on either polarity. They will run smoother with less splatter on DC than AC. Need to cut cast iron or stainless and don't have a plasma cutter. Switch to DC Positive and turn up the amps about 50% and blow it off. It will be rough but it works.
Reply:Old timer is right. The only time I change polarity on my machines is when I hook the feeder up with flux core. The electrode packaging will tell you which polarity to use for a particular electrode and all of the major manufacturers websites I have visited had charts for their electrodes. Some of the alloys do call for dcen.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.