AC Welding question

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As i'm sure you will find out quickly, I don't know much about welding.  I have welded a decent amount of things (never had a weld fail yet).  Anyway, I'm putting together a frame on a trailer house axle for a wood splitter I'm going to build.  I acquired some 2x2 square tubing that is 11 gauge.  I only have a old Lincoln AC Welder.  My question is, what is the best type of rod/amp to weld 11 gauge tubing (mostly 90 degree angles, some flat).  I can go buy whatever rod I need, but right now I have some 6011, 6013, and 7018 on hand.  Thanks
Reply:The more relevant question is what size rod you have. 11 ga is more or less 1/8 inch, so best to use a rod size smaller than 1/8 inch, presumably 3/32 size.  You don't need the extra penetration of 6011 with 1/8 inch plate, just leave a little gap to help with penetration.  So I say 6013 or 7018.  The bad thing about the 7018 is that it has probably accumulated moisture, which is detrimental to 7018, so I would grab that 6013, assuming you had it in 3/32 size.  But all in all, the size is more important than which type of rod you use.  I imagine a really good welder could weld 1/8 inch plate with 1/8 inch rod, but probably not the best idea for the occasional welder, you would just start blowing holes.I will let the real experts give you a better answer.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:I would have to double check, but I think the 6013 is 3/32.  I know the 7018 is 1/8 and less than 2 weeks old.  I thought the 1/8 might be a little big.  I don't have a problem buying more rod for this job if I need to (right tool for the right job).  I just wanted to make sure I don't screw this up since I haven't welded with steel this thin before.
Reply:I'd go with 3/32 6013, or maybe 7018... But 1/8 7018 would be too thick... I'm sure that it could be done, but it would be better and easier to go with the 3/32...[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Also be sure you're buying 7018AC rod which has a different flux composition. The flux on regular 7018 will not burn properly on an AC machine causing the rod to burn back and the arc to go out.
Reply:Originally Posted by markfugaAlso be sure you're buying 7018AC rod which has a different flux composition. The flux on regular 7018 will not burn properly on an AC machine causing the rod to burn back and the arc to go out.
Reply:Say, I bought some 3/32 7018AC and ran some test beads and had little success.  As I mentioned, I have welded a time or two.  I just can't seem to work this rod (80 -100 amps).  Went back to run some test beads with 1/8 7018AC and no problems.  Would I have any success welding the 11 gauge 2x2 with 1/8 on 90 amps?
Reply:What are the downfalls of using 1/8 instead of 3/32 7018 on this 11 gauge on a lower amp?Last edited by styles038; 02-26-2011 at 11:16 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by styles038Say, I bought some 3/32 7018AC and ran some test beads and had little success.  As I mentioned, I have welded a time or two.  I just can't seem to work this rod (80 -100 amps).  Went back to run some test beads with 1/8 7018AC and no problems.  Would I have any success welding the 11 gauge 2x2 with 1/8 on 90 amps?
Reply:I cant keep the arc.  Either sticks or loses arc.  I cleaned and re-clamped many times.  Tried rod after rod.  Didn't matter what I would do.  Is it possible the case of rod is bad (moisture)?  Like i said, I just bought it.  I'm sure it sounds like I don't know what i'm doing.  I don't know what else to tell you guys???
Reply:Try the 6013; should be easier to maintain an arc.
Reply:Yes, 6013 is easier to strike and has a more forgiving arc.  You should be able to develop a feel for running a bead with it easier.You are plugged into 240V are you not?Gordie -- "I believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
Reply:Originally Posted by NiteskyYes, 6013 is easier to strike and has a more forgiving arc.  You should be able to develop a feel for running a bead with it easier.You are plugged into 240V are you not?