SMAW mode on the Dynasty

admin

I got a few pounds worth of free 6011 welding rods. I haven't done much stick welding but I'm open to learning. I know the 6011 is supposed to to run on AC or DCEP. I read through the stick welding section of my Dynasty manual and all it really had was a diagram saying to just plug the electrode clamp in place of the TIG torch. Does the Dynasty switch polarity while in stick mode or would I welding in DCEN like this? I could switch the ground and electrode leads but with my inexperience I don't think I could tell the difference. In fact I switched it to AC at one point and the only thing different I noticed was the distinct AC buzzing and more spatter.
Reply:The Miller Dynasty 200DX automagically switches from DCEN in DC GTAW mode to DCEP in DC SMAW mode.  You never really have to disconnect your ground, and that machine is AWESOME for 6011.  6011 is my go-to rod for out of position and overhead.  It freezes before it can drip, which is very helpful to someone as unskilled with stick as myself
Reply:Awesome, thanks for clearing that up! I was pretty sure the bead appearance was due to my inexperience but I wanted to make sure the machine was setup correctly. With that said, I'm going back to burn more rod. It'll be a while before my beads start looking good but nothing better than practicing with free stuff
Reply:Just a heads up on 6011.  It runs better when the rod is cool.  If you're running too hot, halfway through the rod, the coating will start to turn darker (like bread in a toaster; heck, the coating is just cellulose anyway).  Then it starts welding like crap (it's hard for me to explain).If it does that, dunk the rod in water.  No, I'm not kidding.This trick does NOT work for most other rods, but it does for 6011.
Reply:Cellulose huh? That explains why it smells like burning paper. I'll try out your tip when I'm good enough to notice its welding funny.