Scorpion tail slag... URBAN LEGEND?

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I've read a few times the comment "you know you stick weld right when the slag peels up like a scorpions tail".I usually end up chipping mine like I'm digging my way through a glacier in the North Pole!Can anyone explain the relationship to a good weld and easily removed slag?Is it the heat or what?Help please, I'm trying to improve my welding.***************************************Lincoln AC225 stick welderLincoln HD100 WeldPak flux core wire feed welderThree of the cheapest grinders money can buy
Reply:It's no urban legend.  You should at least be able to run your chipping hammer along the edge of the bead, in one quick swipe, and most of the slag should come off.However, that's with low hydrogen rods, not so much with rods like a 6010.
Reply:I'm talking 6011 and 6013.  I don't have any low hydrogen rods because I don't have a good way to dry them.***************************************Lincoln AC225 stick welderLincoln HD100 WeldPak flux core wire feed welderThree of the cheapest grinders money can buy
Reply:Most people that use 7018's don't keep the rods in an oven.  I know that it's reccomended to do so, but unless they're damp, they will weld fine.  If you ever get them that damp, a little while in the oven (kitchen oven) will dry them out just fine.That said, if you're welding coded stuff, you may want to just stick to the rules.
Reply:When you weld with the larger low hydrogen rods like 3/16", it's pretty easy to get the flux to peel off the weld like a scorpions tail without using a hammer.
Reply:You should be able to get 6013 flux to peel off.  Too much ampeage and it bakes on.  Try running a  straight bead on flat plate and use a slight weave.  If you are close one strike with the chipping hammer will disturb the flux.  From there fool around with your amperage and make sure your bead is smooth.  This will not happen if you are doing a fillet weld.
Reply:Check out this video, I shot it from my phone so the quality is kinda crappy, and yes, I sent it to my G/F, hence the "what's up baby"  Anyways, there you have it...scorpion tail.  7018 by the way
Reply:the rod i've seen do it the best on is hardfacing rods. we have to hardface our rotors monthly and the slag just peels itself off."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:Don't go at it right away. Let the weldment sort of cool out form under it.  That's one of the added benefits of the slag anyway, to hold the heat in a let things cool slower.
Reply:Well I don´t know....but when I weld with 6013 (even thou I hate it) and I make a great weld slag will come off by itself, like a scorpion tail, however that´s only on horizontal weldsMy Babies: HF Drill pressHF Pipe Bender3   4.5" Black and Decker angle grindersLincoln Electric PROMIG 175that´s it!
Reply:It's one of the joys of stick welding - the reveal when the slag comes off. Mine rarely comes off by itself, though. It usually needs some persuasion.Shag, how did your girlfriend react to being sent a video of a weld?
Reply:Originally Posted by scott brunsdonShag, how did your girlfriend react to being sent a video of a weld?
Reply:7024 slag peels up easy too
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyDon't go at it right away. Let the weldment sort of cool out form under it.  That's one of the added benefits of the slag anyway, to hold the heat in a let things cool slower.
Reply:i guess he doesn't peen welds either?"Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:jet rod (7024) is really easy for the scorpion tale but if it is not right it is a bear to get off