favourite stick rod

[Dargo]

6013 and 7018. Both from Air Liquide.

Same rods for me too. My dad was a professional welder for over 40 years and was brutal on me when teaching me to weld. I suppose him rejecting most of my first 500 or so welds is why recovery hooks I've welded on some old D9 dozers with just a 6013 1/8" electrode have withstood the test of time. If I had 7018's with me, I would had used them instead but, at least in my case, a lot of times I end up using what I have with me.

Technically, there are dozens and dozens of electrodes that are stronger than the ole 6013, but if some of the hooks and repairs I've made on heavy equipment have survived, there is a LOT to be said about why using a stronger weld material than your parent material. Now, on some cutting edges, like scalloped buckets on backhoes etc., I've used some 90XX and even 10XX rods. Again, I've found that even the cutting edges on most buckets aren't that strong.

Why is it that, even if it has to burn a hole through my pants to do so, I always get a glob of molten steel pop off and go inside my boot when I don't properly clean the surfaces first; even though it's impossible to thoroughly clean some jobs?

 

[Scooby074]

Why is it that, even if it has to burn a hole through my pants to do so, I always get a glob of molten steel pop off and go inside my boot when I don't properly clean the surfaces first; even though it's impossible to thoroughly clean some jobs?

Boot is bad. As i found out long ago, sneakers offer NO protection to molten metal boogers, and those same boogers are like a heat seeker to the tender bits between your toes ; BUT by far the worse place to get a booger is in your ears. Nothing like hearing the sizzle as it burns into your brain lol

 

[yomax4]

If you get a chance to run a machine that has the Hot Start feature, You can re-strike 7018 nearly as well as 6013. If you are welding at 115 amps, You can set the Hot Start to 150 or more amps and set the timer at .5 or . 8 seconds. It will give you a nice start and re-strike is a non issue even on the cheapo 7018 rods. Arc force is another great feature. Keeps your rod lit and prevents it from sticking in the puddle. Helps when you get a little out of possition too. These features have givin me a new appreciation for my machine.

 

[Soundguy]

Boot is bad.

why? seems to offer superior protection?

high shaft covered by pants, and hopefully your apron.. heavy material, not likely to burn thru, and closed toe..

no real place for a clinker to get in.

soundguy

 

[deereman75]

Well I picked up 11# of 1/8 inch lincoln 7018ac rods today. Going to try them out when I get the time.

 

[Scooby074]

why? seems to offer superior protection?

high shaft covered by pants, and hopefully your apron.. heavy material, not likely to burn thru, and closed toe..

no real place for a clinker to get in.

soundguy

I should have added four words there "Getting one in your".

Leather aprons and the like are great in theory but in the way much of the time. Welding jackets are good, especially if your out of position but i need a new one.

Coveralls... they're pretty much useless against a determined piece of slag when your out of position and cant move.

 

[deereman75]

What I have been using for my welding clothes is a pair of carhart overalls, and a HEAVY denim jacket. I havnt got a leather jacket (that will change in about 36 days) but it would be a lot better. I am also using an old pipeliner helmet, but that will be replaced by a lincoln viking tribal auto dark (in about 36 days)

 

[dex3361]

Well I picked up 11# of 1/8 inch lincoln 7018ac rods today. Going to try them out when I get the time.

I have always had good results with 7018AC. I started using them years ago when I used a Linde AC welder.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Well I picked up 11# of 1/8 inch lincoln 7018ac rods today. Going to try them out when I get the time.

That is what I use 90% of the time on my old Lincoln 225 AC welder. Great appearance, less spatter and very strong welds.


Personally, I've almost quit using 6011's after discovering how brittle the welds are in comparison to the 7018's.

 

[deereman75]

That is what I use 90% of the time on my old Lincoln 225 AC welder. Great appearance, less spatter and very strong welds.


Personally, I've almost quit using 6011's after discovering how brittle the welds are in comparison to the 7018's.

well I am going to see how well they work with my lincoln ac 225s. I will still use 6011 for root passes though, and 7018 for hot passes, fill passes, and cap passes.