Lap joint issues

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Hello, this is my first post.I just purchased a Lincoln AC/DC 225 buzzbox. I'm trying to weld 1/8" hot rolled steel angle iron. I have ground away the mill scale in the areas being welded. I'm using 6013 1/8" welding rod. The rods are Hobart brand, brand new and dry. I'm using 85 amps DC electrode +.As you can see I'm having some issues. I believe the arc is only going to 1 of the 2 pieces in each joint.Do you have any suggestions on what I could do differently?Thanks!
Reply:DC electrode negative is slightly smoother.  You are holding your electrode way too high off the work.  If that is one inch of weld you will likely consume two inches of electrode.  I suspect you are travelling way too fast also.  Amperage shoujld be up around 125....  I would try 115 first.   Start your weld on the inside corner and weld to the lower part so that you do not accidentally blow through.   Angle your electrode backward to the direction you are travelling and angle it toward the joint rather than straight up and down.
Reply:I agree your amps are too low. Also looks like you aren't waiting for a puddle to form and moving too quickly. Keep a fairly tight arc. 6013 can be run as a drag rod, so all you have to do is keep the coating in contact with the material to keep the right length. 7014 is an even easier rod to run if you run out of 6013. and need to pick up more rods.I'd suggest running some beads on scrap and really watching the puddle to see if you can determine just what is slag, and what is molten metal. It takes a bit to learn to see the difference once you learn to ignore the arc and look around it. Take a chunck of angle and just run bead after bead on top of each other to save on practice material. Remember to cool the piece every 2 or 3 welds so it doesn't get too hot and screw with your settings.Good luck..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:Leave it on DC+, hold a tighter arc.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerLeave it on DC+, hold a tighter arc.
Reply:Once you learn to establish, and control, a puddle.. you'll actually find that AC will run the 6013 better in this type of situation.Corners are a PITA with DC current.  You get arc blow when welding into corners.  You'll get less when welding out from corners.And you'll find that AC will start the arc better for shorter repetitive welds.  Easier restrikes."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/