First attempts with my stick welder.

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This pic was taken on stick number 4 where I also tried a start and stop. Amps were set to 85 on 1/8" 6013 rod. Looks to me like I wasn't travelling at a consistant speed. Just before the start and stop ( I know they need work) you can see where I almost burnt through. It's 1.5" sched 40 pipe.I wasn't sure if I'd like stick (being a Mig guy), but it was fun and I think I'll enjoy learning a new proccess.My Photos on Flickr
Reply:Weldcat,Try different rod angles it looks as if you may be holding the rod at too low of angle.  I'm not sure.  you were right about weld speed.  It needs to be more consistent.  One thing that will help you is to hold the electrode holder with both hands until you get use to it.  also try to rest your elbow on the bench top.  Learn to strike you arc like you were going to strike stick match.Be safeLarryTry not use $10.00 worth of time on $.10 job!!Miller Bobcat
Reply:85 amps that´s too low for 1/8 rodif that´s SCH40 pipe 1.5" should be around 1/8 wall? If so, or near that try 3/32 rod at about 85-90 amps, should work...and practice practice practice...good luck!My Babies: HF Drill pressHF Pipe Bender3   4.5" Black and Decker angle grindersLincoln Electric PROMIG 175that´s it!
Reply:weld looks neat enogh you have the hang of it just more practice and trial and error to help you find out what rods and amps to metal sizes etc.
Reply:Its a great start, too bad you din't learn stick first.  Just burn more rod and experment.   Clean your plate before welding, it will help you see what works better or not.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Thanks for the replies. I had the rod at about a 40deg angle. I'll grab some of my 1/4" steel and give it another go with more amps/less angle.The one thing that I tend to forget is that I can't remain at the same didtance since I don't have wire feeding to the pool but rod burning away.Fun none the less so practice I will.ThanksMy Photos on Flickr
Reply:Hold the rod near verticle, slightly dragging it towards the direction of the weld.
Reply:Your weld looks really good for just starting.  I think 6013 is a good rod to start welding.  I started with 6011 and 7018 in school.  When I tried with 6013 it took me a long time to approach what you posted.  Many long time welder have trouble switching to 6013.  I think it is an easier rod learn when you have no expectations.  I prefer small circles over whipping with 6013.  Distance is important. The closer you are the less spatter, however too close and the arc gets snuffed out by slag.Looks like you are maintaining a steady disance and travel.  You're  arm is the wire feeder.  Feed rate will vary with amps.  Use two hands if possible.  Also, replace your mask lense if you haven't in a while.  Find the puddle and watch the edges to see if wetting of the freshly heated is occuring and also blending with the previously laid metal is occuring.I use 3/32" 6013 on 1/16" metal all the time.Again, you're welds really look good, I am impressed.  The appearance of the bead will change with practice though you are doing a lot of stuff correct.  Once you get it, you'll be hypnotized.  You'll look forward to chipping off the slag.Last edited by tapwelder; 06-08-2007 at 09:27 AM.
Reply:wildcat to my eye you are possibly holding too long an arc ,looks like the metal is dripping down into the pool.close the arc length let the rod drag at an angle where you can see the slag pushing back say 60deg and travel slowly.as elvergon pointed out 85 amps is too low on flat for a 6013 rod try arround 115.as already stated by the rest of the lads its very good for a first attempt.glad to see you are giving yourself a chance by using 6013 keep at it.what rod is it exactly?pipefitter.
Reply:Just for some information for us are you using AC or DC (if so what poliarity).As metioned above - you need to add a few more amps.  Try around 100 and see how that works for you.  AC will generally require 10± more amps than on DC.Here in the Great White NorthMosquitoes can't fly at 40 below
Reply:Using DCEN. All good points. Going to be slow for me right now. In the middle of a long distance move. But will have more practice time once in the new house.Thanks for the input.My Photos on Flickr
Reply:For the first time?I have no complaints.. ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.