What rod and what amp or setting??

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I am going to try and weld some channel to go across the back frame of my fifth wheel, so I can mount a bike rack to carry three bikes.The frame channel is 4" and the channel I will weld across the top of it from side to side is as follows: 3.0x1.41x.17.I have an old Craftsman 180 amp AC welder, I have I believe 6013, 7014, 7024 and some arctec 222 rods in sizes up to 1/8 or so, any idea what setting I should use, and what rod would be best?First picture is the frame I will be welding to perpendicular to sewer hose bumper, and second is the motorcycle carrier I cut off when I shortened the assy and removed all excess weight. They are taken from the left side of the fifth wheel.
Reply:As far as rods go the 6013, 7014, 7024 would all work. I am not familiar with the last one so I can't say about that. 7014 would be my first choice of the 3 if I was to pick. Its easy to run, will run all position and is stronger than the 6013 even though that shouldn't matter for 3 bicycles. 7024 would also work well but only runs flat, so if you need vert,horizontal, or overhead it's probably the worst choice of the 3 I am familiar with.7014  1/8" 110-160 on AC6013  3/32" 75-105 on AC  1/8" 110-150 on AC7024  3/32" 65-105 on AC  1/8" 115-175 on ACClean the steel well as these rods will tolerate a bit of crud but not alot. I would run some test pieces to tune in the machine. I set the amps at about 1/2 to 2/3rds of the way on the amp scale to start most times. I set up lower 1/3rd the 1/2 for vertical.Have fun and good luck. I'm looking forward to seeing it finished.
Reply:I would say what ever rod you are most comfortable with.  I would use 6013 on AC.The amp settings DSW posted are spot on.David.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:So, ended up rushing things a bit, but am supposed to be leaving on two weeks holiday, daughter put on one of my helmets and took a picture of me playing on a piece of metal.Thanks for the advice.Channel is a bit flexy and because of spare tire, only could put two bikes on, rack had to be this far out or bikes beat against back of fifth wheel.Last edited by partsman; 07-18-2008 at 01:48 AM.
Reply:looks good, someone will piss and moan soon because you dont have gloves and sunscreen and sleeves .
Reply:Looks like it does the job well. If needed you could always shift that tire off to one side to make room for a 3rd bike in the future.Out of curiosity, which rod did you choose to use?Thanks for the picts. Nice to see picts of you welding. Its hard to find someone to take one while you work usually.Have fun on your trip.
Reply:Yeah, the welds look good, what rod and what amps?David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadlooks good, someone will piss and moan soon because you dont have gloves and sunscreen and sleeves .
Reply:To take the flex out run a piece of the channel across to the square tube center span. Should stiffen it right up.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.