Basic stick welding question

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I have a tig welder and would like to try out the stick welding part of it. My question is, what sticks should I get for welding regular steel. What do the numbers mean on the sticks? Any basic rule of thumb for stick welding? Is there a rule of thumb for how much amps to use on what thickness of what you're welding? Is it the same as tig where it's 1 amp per .001 of an inch?
Reply:What welder do you have and what metal are you wanting to weld?Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:I have an AHP AlphaTig 200x 2016 model. I'll be working on all sorts from angle iron to square tubing. .065, .095, etc...I just wanna know what is what, what the numbers mean, etc.
Reply:For starters:"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Download the miller and lincoln weld calculators from the app/play store.   Start with a box of 3/32 7018 and a box of 6013 for thin metal. 1/16 6013 is even better. No the 1 amp rule does not apply to stick welding.   The AHP runs hot so stay on the low end of the settings for the size of rod you are using.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:ThanksWhat does DCR and DCS mean for current?
Reply:Direct Current Reverse...electrode positive, ground (work lead) negative. (AKA... DCEP).Direct Current Straight...electrode negative, ground (work lead) positive. Like you would use for DC tig...(AKA... DCEN).Rich
Reply:@ Pacemaker - try this mnemonic aid,DCSP = DC straight polarity => DCEN = DC electrode negative, DC- ===> SENatorsDCRP = DC reverse polarity => DCEP = DC electrode positive, DC+, ===> REPresentatives"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:AC= All Congress. Always flip-flopping on the issues."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by PcmakerI have an AHP AlphaTig 200x 2016 model. I'll be working on all sorts from angle iron to square tubing. .065, .095, etc...I just wanna know what is what, what the numbers mean, etc.
Reply:Just remember for straight (DCEN) your electrode holder (also called Stinger) lead plugs into the - port.  For reverse (DCEP) the stinger plugs into the + port on your machineTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Check the label on the package for recommended amp settings for the size/type of rod you are using and adjust from there.
Reply:The AHP runs hot so stay on the low end of the settings for the size of rod you are using.
Reply:Are you suggesting 6013 on DC? Just curious because I hate 6013 on DC, way better on AC for whatever reason. Granted I have a dinasour for a welder.6011 or 7018 for me for DC. 6011 when it's dirty or really has to penetrate.Chay
Reply:Originally Posted by miller300aAre you suggesting 6013 on DC? Just curious because I hate 6013 on DC, way better on AC for whatever reason. Granted I have a dinasour for a welder.6011 or 7018 for me for DC. 6011 when it's dirty or really has to penetrate.Chay
Reply:I don’t know why, but when it comes to SMAW AC never crosses my mind. I’m not a big fan of 6013, other than looking at member here pipefitter’s amazing 6013 pipe welds. This is about as good as I can do with 6013. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpaw...1/16 6013 is even better.
Reply:Only suggested 6013 for thin metal because it's a low penetration rod. This is from Miller's settings calculator.  Though I'd suggest abandoning stick welding sheet metal all together and get a MIG.   Last edited by soutthpaw; 01-02-2016 at 10:05 AM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawOnly suggested 6013 for thin metal because it's a low penetration rod. This is from Miller's settings calculator.  Though I'd suggest abandoning stick welding sheet metal all together and get a MIG.
Reply:Originally Posted by miller300aAre you suggesting 6013 on DC? Just curious because I hate 6013 on DC, way better on AC for whatever reason. Granted I have a dinasour for a welder.6011 or 7018 for me for DC. 6011 when it's dirty or really has to penetrate.Chay
Reply:some people use 3/32 and smaller 6013 for sheet metal but by the time you get up to 90 amps most just use 7018 which has more penetration and better quality weld more easily..6013 and 6011 can also be welded down rather the vertical up which can be a useful feature at times. .6013 has a habit of leaving slag inclusions more easily. usually never see slag inclusion with 7018 or 6010
Reply:Unless you are doing something specialized you can weld everything you need to with 6010 and 7018. I stick weld all kinds of things on a weekly basis and never use anything other than these two rods.
Reply:Originally Posted by DrilldoUnless you are doing something specialized you can weld everything you need to with 6010 and 7018. I stick weld all kinds of things on a weekly basis and never use anything other than these two rods.
Reply:6011's are very good rods and very similar characteristics to 6010. Before I got a DC shop welder years ago 6011 was my go to rod but I haven't used them since I got DC machines. I actually prefer the 6010 of the 5p+ variety than the 6011. Since you mentioned 6011 that makes the list complete of all the rods I have used in the past 20 years. 6010,6011 & 7018 are the only rods I have used in the past 20 years. When I was in school and learning how to weld back in the 90's we used every rod imaginable but I haven't used them since in the real world.Also to expand on OP's question I use 1/8" rods for everything. Certain things would be better with smaller or larger rods but I weld everything from 11ga tubing to 1" thick plate with 1/8" rods. It is a good multipurpose size.As for amps on a 6010 1/8" you will be  between 75-125 depending on material thickness and on 1/8" 7018 you will be between 110-165 depending on material.  Most the time with 6010 I start around 90 and 130 on 7018.