Electrode, electrode size, electrode number

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I have been searching and reading till I am cross eyed.   I have read the stickies and advice for newbs threads and I am not finding what I am looking for.I would like to know how to choose a certain rod diameter, rod number (6010, 6011 etc) versus the amp requirement for stick welding 3/16" to 1/4" mild steel.This is the material I plan to practice with and I cannot find any real complete info on rods and their proper use and amperage requirement.  I see plenty of threads that contain rod information but they are mostly specific to a certain project or machine being used at that moment.I need more of a guideline to each rod diameter and number and what its use is.Examples:When to use 1/8" rod versus 3/16" rod?  6010 or 7018 for DC positive? What is the best general purpose rod?  Whip rod?  Drag rod?My machine is an Airco Bumblebee 250amp 230v AC/DC.
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Reply:3/32" and 1/8" rods are good general choices for most things a hobbiest will do. I'd suggest 3/32" for up to say 1/4" material roughly and go to 1/8" rods  for 1/4" and beyond usually. For thinner guage steel ( less than 1/8") go for smaller rods like 5/64" or 1/16". As far as amps needed, each rod type will vary depending on size. Ranges are listed on the packages usually.As far as rod types... The 1st 2 numbers will tell you the tensile strength. Example a 60XX rod is "weaker" than say a 70XX rod. The 3rd number will tell you position, an XX1X is an all position rod, an XX2X is a flat/ horizontal fillet rod. The last number will tell you the type of coating.General rods6010/6011: All position, fast freeze/ fill rods, useful for deep penetrating welds, cuts thru paint and rust better than most rods. Used to do root passes on open root welds. These are often used to do a first pass on an open root to close it up so a rod like 7018 that doesn't like open roots can be run. Also good for sheetmetal if one knows how to properly use it. 6010 is DC only, 6011 is an AC/DC equivilent.6013: An all position, generic light general purpose rod thats easy to run. Good for beginners on small projects.7014: A slightly stronger rod than 6013 but runs very similar. Also an all position rod. A good choice for beginners that doesn't require the special storage 7018 does.7018: A low hydrogen rod. The general "standard" for many "critical" welds. It dislikes moisture and needs to be kept dry. For code work it requires storage in an oven after opening.7024: A high deposition rod thats only good for flat or horizontal fillet work. Another good "beginner rod" thats easy to use. Lays down a very liquid bead and deposits alot of metal. Good for large welds.Edit: If you go to Lincolns site you can go to the consumables section and download a good chart that lists aproximate amp settings for all their rods by size and type.Last edited by DSW; 06-04-2011 at 11:06 PM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSW3/32" and 1/8" rods are good general choices for most things a hobbiest will do. I'd suggest 3/32" for up to say 1/4" material roughly and go to 1/8" rods  for 1/4" and beyond usually. For thinner guage steel ( less than 1/8") go for smaller rods like 5/64" or 1/16". As far as amps needed, each rod type will vary depending on size. Ranges are listed on the packages usually.As far as rod types... The 1st 2 numbers will tell you the tensile strength. Example a 60XX rod is "weaker" than say a 70XX rod. The 3rd number will tell you position, an XX1X is an all position rod, an XX2X is a flat/ horizontal fillet rod. The last number will tell you the type of coating.General rods6010/6011: All position, fast freeze/ fill rods, useful for deep penetrating welds, cuts thru paint and rust better than most rods. Used to do root passes on open root welds. These are often used to do a first pass on an open root to close it up so a rod like 7018 that doesn't like open roots can be run. Also good for sheetmetal if one knows how to properly use it. 6010 is DC only, 6011 is an AC/DC equivilent.6013: An all position, generic light general purpose rod thats easy to run. Good for beginners on small projects.7014: A slightly stronger rod than 6013 but runs very similar. Also an all position rod. A good choice for beginners that doesn't require the special storage 7018 does.7018: A low hydrogen rod. The general "standard" for many "critical" welds. It dislikes moisture and needs to be kept dry. For code work it requires storage in an oven after opening.7024: A high deposition rod thats only good for flat or horizontal fillet work. Another good "beginner rod" thats easy to use. Lays down a very liquid bead and deposits alot of metal. Good for large welds.Edit: If you go to Lincolns site you can go to the consumables section and download a good chart that lists aproximate amp settings for all their rods by size and type.
Reply:This link has been posted here before by others. Good link for general stick info if you don't mind the Lincoln branding. You sort of have to go through it top to bottom and mentally compile info on any given rod. http://content.lincolnelectric.com/p...ture/c2410.pdf"The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Here is a pretty complete book to enable you to learn to become a productive welder.  Enjoy iit.http://www.mckaymarine.com.au/Downlo...g%20Manual.pdfI offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:I think DSW  pretty well nailed it.  I'll add that as a general rule of thumb, you want the rod to be smaller than the thickness of metal you are welding.  As an example, 1/8" rod wouldn't be your first choice when welding 12 or 14 gauge.  For those nit pickers out there, I said general rule of thumb.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Nadogail, many thanks for the excellent link from Mc Kay marine. Very complete book.Last edited by Don Pablo; 06-05-2011 at 02:18 AM.
Reply:you will find variations. 1/8 6010 for example can be run from 65 to 120 amps, depending....
Reply:Another general rule of thumb is to use the decimal size of a rod to set the initial amperage.  so a .125 (1/8th) rod would be around 125 amps.  This will vary a little based on material and conditions, but that will get you in the ball park.  Hope this helps...BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?