Rods with easy slag removal

admin

So here's the deal, my neighbor has cancer and is receiving chemo therapy (not sure if I spelled that right) and when he gets home I'm sure that he is exhausted and just wants peace and quiet. However my banging on the slag probably isn't helping that. I want to be a good neighbor and keep the noise to a minimum. The rods I'm currently using take more time to bang the slag off one weld then it takes to do several welds and they still don't look great.So my question is what brand of rods would be an affordable (preferably under $5 a pound but I'll consider any options) choice for easy slag removal?Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:7024 would be my guess but probably any of the iron powder rods have e-z slag removal. did he contract the cancer from uv ray's?i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:1ST- Don't hammer the slag, rake it off. Grind a nice chisel edge on the blade of the chipping hammer to aid in this process.If it is just for practice/decorative stuff, Lincoln 6013's from Lowes or Home Depot seem to brush off. For real projects, Hobart 7018 from Tractor Supply runs real nice and the slag peels itself off when the heat is right.TOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:When properly used,(correct amps and travel speed), 7018 rod slag practically removes itself. On welds of several inches, it may start peeling/curling up before the weld is completed.Just like Chris's pic above^^^^.  Either that or just minimal chipping.
Reply:Originally Posted by docwelder7024 would be my guess but probably any of the iron powder rods have e-z slag removal. did he contract the cancer from uv ray's?
Reply:I keep all my rods in their original packaging and on a rack in the shop.For average work 7018's do not need to be stored in an oven. If you want to make a simple rod oven, go to a flea market and find an old refrigerator. Take the compressor and related "cooling" components out and mount a small light bulb inside to keep it warm.TOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Use angel grinder with wire brush.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekku7018s? I don't have a rod oven
Reply:Try 7018, if the slag doesn't peel off easily..try turning up the heat/amps.
Reply:If you use a grinder I would find that more annoying than chipping slag.                                                     JMHO,                                                                MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Dude!!7018's don't need a rod oven for hobby work!! Do we have to beat this horse again??Very few welders have the skill to tell a warm 7018 from a cold one.Every 7018 weld on my truck bed came from cold 7018's, stored in their cans.
Reply:If you can't store your 7018 in an oven, store them in water! 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 AKweldshopDude!!7018's don't need a rod oven for hobby work!! Do we have to beat this horse again??Very few welders have the skill to tell a warm 7018 from a cold one.Every 7018 weld on my truck bed came from cold 7018's, stored in their cans.
Reply:Originally Posted by storemanWhat about the ones on your c-clamp?  (Just funning you.)
Reply:Aha!  I knew there had to be an explanation.  30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:Cheap and easy rod oven! BBQ grill. Run a cord through the bottom hole. Heat lamp bulb!Put your rods in a baking pan. Cover with aluminum foil! Close the lid!
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekku.... The rods I'm using are sears cheap 6013s.......
Reply:Id have a look at 7016's ttheyre low hydrogen like 7018's so theyre good for critical work, but without the iron powder so they weld slightly slower then 7018, slag is very easy to remove, we use them in AUS for pipe welding.Sent from my LG-P716 using Tapatalk
Reply:If you're using an AC machine, 6013 and 7014 are the two common rods that are easy to use.1/8" is very easy for beginning welders.But rods are not created equally.Hobarts from hardware stores are not as easy to run or chip as some other brands (50 lb hobart boxes from a welding store are better I'm told)Cheap brand, that also works excellent, near me is Washington Alloy. It's what I primarily use and is only $2 per pound.What size 6013 and amps are you running?Dave 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:6013 should be about the easiest to peel up that you can get.   If the slag is hard to get up you have probably one of two conditions: 1) Wrong amps for rod. Already mentioned but worth emphasizing.  Likely too cold.  2) Wrong polarity. Use DCEP (Torch connected to positive if there is no switch or selector). This will make a rod hard to come up.  If it's an AC buzzbox, polarity is not an option. Another issue comes to mind at this point... you may be holding too long of an arc as that can make for irregular and hard to release slag.  Drag the rod on the metal to keep the arc gap to a minimum.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauRod oven, you don't NEED no STINKIN ROD OVEN. Since your not doing code quality welds in the first place, the oven is completely unnecessary. Just store in original package.If a critical weld comes along, just cook the few you will need to use for 30 minutes or so at 300*-350*.
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tHey Light'.If you're chipping slag, your starts must have gotten better? (Sorry, I haven't been keeping up).Anyways, slag will curl on 6013 just like on 7018 WHEN YOUR AMPS ARE SET RIGHT (I'm not yelling, just can't find the highlighter on tapatalk).If slag is tough to remove, your either too hot or too cold. Are you still using that little welder, or did you get your Grandfathers Lincoln?
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveIf you're using an AC machine, 6013 and 7014 are the two common rods that are easy to use.1/8" is very easy for beginning welders.But rods are not created equally.Hobarts from hardware stores are not as easy to run or chip as some other brands (50 lb hobart boxes from a welding store are better I'm told)Cheap brand, that also works excellent, near me is Washington Alloy. It's what I primarily use and is only $2 per pound.What size 6013 and amps are you running?
Reply:Originally Posted by johnrbauerUse angel grinder with wire brush.
Reply:Originally Posted by johnrbauerUse angel grinder with wire brush.You must live in either a townhouse, duplex, condominium, or some other type of close quarters living arrangement as the amount of noise generated by chipping slag with a manual hammer is very slight. I doubt you would even begin to bother someone in excess of 20 feet distance if they could even hear what you were doing.You're not chipping with an air hammer are you?Come to think of it, remodeling the front doors of the local crossbar hotel accommodations and then chipping slag from the weldments may be bothersome to the tenants.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:Originally Posted by SlobYou must live in either a townhouse, duplex, condominium, or some other type of close quarters living arrangement as the amount of noise generated by chipping slag with a manual hammer is very slight. I doubt you would even begin to bother someone in excess of 20 feet distance if they could even hear what you were doing.You're not chipping with an air hammer are you?Come to think of it, remodeling the front doors of the local crossbar hotel accommodations and then chipping slag from the weldments may be bothersome to the tenants.
Reply:As you get more consistent, the slag with come off easier.Dave 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'd start off with 6013 as mentioned earlier on clean steel and practice till you can make it look good. That rod is very easy to work with and inexpensive to purchase. The slag will almost lift itself off when everything is set right and your technique is bettered. 7014 is also a nice rod to work with and slag removal is easy but it's more expensive to use. One thing I did in the beginning was take a paint marker and mark a line you want to weld on top of, then make perpendicular lines at one inch intervals. Have someone behind you monitor the time and vary your welding current and speed welding in 15 second intervals with the person monitoring the time telling you when to stop at the 15 second interval. The one inch marks will be reference to the proper speed vs. time.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:Originally Posted by SlobI'd start off with 6013 as mentioned earlier on clean steel and practice till you can make it look good. That rod is very easy to work with and inexpensive to purchase. The slag will almost lift itself off when everything is set right and your technique is bettered. 7014 is also a nice rod to work with and slag removal is easy but it's more expensive to use. One thing I did in the beginning was take a paint marker and mark a line you want to weld on top of, then make perpendicular lines at one inch intervals. Have someone behind you monitor the time and vary your welding current and speed welding in 15 second intervals with the person monitoring the time telling you when to stop at the 15 second interval. The one inch marks will be reference to the proper speed vs. time.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuSo 15 seconds of welding should result in a 1 inch line?
Reply:Originally Posted by SlobNot necessarily. It is just a reference for you to evaluate your travel speed vs. welding current. Different rods, differing diameters, different settings all play into the equations.
Reply:Originally Posted by SlobNot necessarily. It is just a reference for you to evaluate your travel speed vs. welding current. Different rods, differing diameters, different settings all play into the equations.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuI've been running about 1" of beads in 5 seconds of welding. 5/64" 6013s at about 80 amps. Too fast?
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuI've been running about 1" of beads in 5 seconds of welding. 5/64" 6013s at about 80 amps. Too fast?
Reply:You might try some 3/32 rods, if you have a Home Depot or Lowes close by, they have Lincoln rods in I think its 2lb for $5-7.Thermal Arc 210 - Tweco 211I - Cutmaster 52
Reply:Originally Posted by mxpapaYou might try some 3/32 rods, if you have a Home Depot or Lowes close by, they have Lincoln rods in I think its 2lb for $5-7.
Reply:So today I tried the 5/64" 6013s at 60 amps (couldn't get an arc started at 50) and although the slag did come off a tad bit easier, it wasn't really much of a difference at all, still had to pound on it. They are Forney brand if anyone wants to know.However today I decided to break into my box of 3/32" Inweld brand 6013s. The slag chipped off a thousand times easier. It was so nice. And only $3.47 a pound at my LWS.Also for those of you who suggested 7018s I picked up a pound of them today for $3.17. Will check them out tomorrow.Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:Slag doesn't peel up by itself in many situations no matter what.. like if its deep in a bevel (like a root).Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:Originally Posted by MikeGyverSlag doesn't peel up by itself in many situations no matter what.. like if its deep in a bevel (like a root).
Reply:I doubt you will have any luck with the 7018s and your 90 amp buzz box. No harm in trying though. Here is a 7014 weld on 2 inch thick material, self peeling slag, the other is a 7018. There is some good 6013 out there, there is also some junk. Ive had really good luck with it.Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:lighttekkuSilent Running is a movie - not welding.You are looking through the 'Wrong end of the Telescope'.I would embrace your neighbor - and deliver whatever you can do for him . . .  Be genuine in your overture  -  and noise will not be an issue.Opus
Reply:I was thinking last night, if you use stainless steel electrodes the slag will pop right off on its own.Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:Originally Posted by Doug247I was thinking last night, if you use stainless steel electrodes the slag will pop right off on its own.
Reply:Originally Posted by OPUS FERROlighttekkuSilent Running is a movie - not welding.You are looking through the 'Wrong end of the Telescope'.I would embrace your neighbor - and deliver whatever you can do for him . . .  Be genuine in your overture  -  and noise will not be an issue.Opus
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuWill those even work on mild steel?
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuWill those even work on mild steel?
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveThey weld, they are expensive, and won't run the same as regular rods - I'd pass.Have you tried dunking your practice piece in water before chipping?(not on your real welding, but on practice pieces)When the metal is cooled like that, slag tends to come off easier.But, as I've noted before - the more consistent your welding becomes, you'll notice slag will come right off in the position you're practicing in.Just keep after it
Reply:Originally Posted by Doug247Yes they will. They work just the same for practice. In theory 309 is the best choice with stainless rods, its a rod used for joining dissimilar metals. Its also known as millwright rod :P. Anyone can weld with it, even a millwight! I used some brand of welding rod with their own numbering system when I was learning how to weld back in highschool. There is still carts and dollies and yard art holding together from back then at the folks place. Rusty as heck with really shiny welds. I didn't know too much back then and I don't ever remember using the internet as a learning guide, but those stainless rods it what got me started.Just wanted to add they were free, so if you can get some given to you take advantage of it.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuWho in their right mind would turn down free rods? Not me, that's for sure.