Selecting the correct electrodes

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Hello everyone, I could use some help on which welding electrodes to get for my Lincoln AC/DC 225/125. I am in the beginning phase of my welding, and am learning. I found a nice pile of 1/4" steel angle to practice on and some 12" steel pipe. Minimal rust. With that being said, I am trying to figure out which electrode will be best for using to practice. I am interested in using the DC, as this seems to be a little easier to learn on as I have been told. I have read that a 6010 is entirely different (more difficult, deeper penetrating) than a 6013, and that some rods are better than others to start on. Also, I am confused on which size and amps to use. Looking at charts are helpful, but also confusing... Could you pros help clarify what I should be looking for, and make some suggestions?
Reply:There is a lot out there, guys have a preference.  I have used them all over the years but I really settle on 3 to keep it simple and actually sort out some electrodes yesterday, has some old 10 sneak in with the 11,,, ha but,,, start with this.  1/8 6011,,, you can use 10 but 11 is everywhere and it restarts a bit better, then 3/32 7018 and 1/7 7018.  Buy 10# of each. Forget about the rest of it at this point.  Yes, 13 is lower penetration but so is 18 and they use the same current.  6011 is the low current rod and while guys do use 3/32 the arc length gets fussier with the smaller electrode.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Incoming voltage is a factor,,, a bit with this machine but set it at 85DC+ for the 1/8 11 and the 3/32 ,,, if incoming is low bump it to 90 and for the 1/8 lohy set at 105 or 115 if its low coming in.   The dials are rarely truely correct, my 85 is really 92 and my 105 is 118.  This is the same machine.

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Reply:For someone just learning, keep it simple...6010 and 6011 are similar in use and techniques, but 6011 is easier to find.  It's a handy rod to learn how to run and most things will seem easier afterwards.  6018 and 3/32 and 1/8" sizes will cover the vast majority of everything else for hobby welding.  Try to ignore the countless arguments about storing 7018 or having to keep it in a heated oven...that really only applies for doing code work.  Fresh 7018 out of an oven will start a touch easier, and run a bit smoother, but it takes a fair bit of skill to notice the difference...again, not a concern for hobby welding.Check out my bench vise website:  http://mivise.comMiller Syncrowave 250DXMillermatic 350P with XR AlumaProMiller Regency 200 with 22A feeder and Spoolmatic 3Hobart Champion EliteEverlast PowerTig 210EXT
Reply:I would start out with 1/8" 6010 or 6011 (I like 6010 a little better as it seems to wet out better) and 1/8" or 3/32" 7018. Learn those two rods (6010 and 7018) and you'll cover 98% of what you ever need to do.
Reply:I would suggest you buy, or borrow from a library, a/some good welding books and spend some time reading them. Lincoln has one titled Arc Welding, for example, which would probably be found at any good welding supply shop. Such books are full of information, from the basic operation of a flame or arc to the categories of weld rod to the more exotic methods such as atomic arc or plasma welding.