I Suck!!!

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At work we only use 7018's, all different sizes. but all 7018's. I bought a Hobart Stickmate AC/DC, and I'm trying different rods but I can't lay a smooth bead to save my soul. Whats wrong with me?
Reply:Could you be on electrode negative??
Reply:More info please. What rods are you trying to run? What are the settings on the machine? If you can run 7018 I would assume that 6013, 7014, 7024 would all be easy for you to do. 6010(5p) or 6011 run alittle different but not to much. Posibly your polarity is wrong for the rod you are trying? Heat at wrong setting? Work with me here, please.
Reply:Actually the rods I'm having problems with are 6013's 3/32 at between 75 and 90 amps.
Reply:and electrode positive
Reply:6013 is often referred to as idiot rod because its so simple to use. Guess that means you're not an idiot!  It is also called a drag rod because you just drag it along on the plate. I don't generally do a lot of stick, so its been awhile since I ran any. I can't remember if I held an arc with it like 7018 or not. I know I ran 6013 better than I did 7018 most of the time. I can't remember which polarity it liked better. My notes say ac or dc but doesn't list a specific polarity. ( I think it's DCEP) If I get a chance I'll grab a few off the shelf and play a bit with them. I'll let you know what amp setting works if I have any 3/32's i think most of mine are 1/8 but I'll have to look.If nothing else works send pipe fitter an PM. I believe all he usually runs is 6013. Man does some gorgeous welding.Last edited by DSW; 04-18-2008 at 11:01 PM.
Reply:thanks
Reply:Try the 6013 Electrode negative.  It works better for me.David
Reply:808APP I went out to the shop today but the only 6013 I have is 5/32, a lot heavier than what you are using so it seemed a little pointless to burn some rods to see what amps they wanted to run at. I thought I had bought some this week, when the LWS had a bunch of rod at a rediculous price but I guess I didn't get any 6013. They probably didn't have any 1/8" which is mostly what little I use.Keep me posted on how things are going and if I have to I'll see if I can't dig some up if push comes to shove.
Reply:When I weld with 6013, I use a little less amps than I do with the same size 7018 for the same joint.   Your current setting sound about right for the rod size.  Remember that 6013's don't lay down so nice and smooth like butter as 7018/14/24's do.  6013's are more spattery.  You can still drag it on the flux like a 7018 though.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33When I weld with 6013, I use a little less amps than I do with the same size 7018 for the same joint.   Your current setting sound about right for the rod size.  Remember that 6013's don't lay down so nice and smooth like butter as 7018/14/24's do.  6013's are more spattery.  You can still drag it on the flux like a 7018 though.
Reply:The first time I tried to use 6013 I couldn't get it to work...... looked terrible. Then I switched to a different box of rod (different brand and different size) and I could run a really nice bead, turns out the stuff I was using to begin with was bad. Maybe that's the problem?HH 187Miller Bluestar1EAHP AlphaTig 200X
Reply:Thanks for all the tips, I didn't get a chance to work on it today, but i will try again on tuesday and let you all know the results.
Reply:I DID IT!!!! I switched to electrode negative, and an old timer at work told me to oscillate the rod more. So, I made small circles, and it worked. I was able to turn the amps down to 65.
Reply:Good for you! Thanks for posting and letting us know how you are doing. It's always nice to hear how things go after you answer someones question. Now just keep practicing.