Advice for a Stick Welder

[ACMan]

Advice for a Stick Welder

Hi Folks,
I'm planning on building a grapple for my bucket and would like some suggestions on rod size and type for my 100 amp Lincoln welder. I've weld mostly small things like repairs on riding mowers, go-cart roll cage (tubing), brackets and such. I'm hoping to make a grapple and wanted to make sure that I use the best welding rod for my small welder. Any recommendations would be welcomed. Also any tips from the experienced would also be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[gray]

Re: Advice for a Stick Welder

ACman.

That is a small welder for such heavy work? I am looking at a larger MIG welder now and have a Thunderbolt Miller 225 AC/DC stick that has done well for me. I use it on up to 1/2" thick but it is low on duty cycle. I can not imagine running a 3/32' rod for more than 2min, at 100A and getting much from it. I run that 7018 rod at about 125A for good penetration on a weld and on thick stuff it is 3 passes at least.

Go to the hobartwelders site to get lots of good experienced info on wleding and welders. Mi input is limmited.

Good luck.

 

[bobodu]

Re: Advice for a Stick Welder

Yep...that's a little welder for such work /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif.I have one that I use for things around here...today I built a 3pt for the tractor.But it's a real cheapo and gets hot after 1 rod.The best rod that I have used is 1/8 E6013.I CAN make the welder work if I have no choice,but I try to take everything I can down to the shop and use the big stick.We get our new MIG this week and I'll be back in heaven.Someday,I'll have an extra $100 to buy a bigger used welder...

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Advice for a Stick Welder

That is a pretty small welder for that project.
6011 will give you a good root pass (deep penetrating) and you can follow up with 3 cover passes with 7018. The 6011 will be a nightmare to clean the slag off. The 7018 cleans off real well. Make sure all slag is cleaned off before trying a cover pass.
At only 100 amps, you're pushing it to run 6011 1/8 with decent penetration.
I'm assuming all, or most these welds would be a T joint.

 

[PineRidge]

Re: Advice for a Stick Welder

If you will be using 7018 low hydrogen rod for final passes like the Inspector suggested be careful to keep the rod dry. It is highly susceptible to moisture damage so it must be kept dry and clean at all times. Don't ask me how I knew that. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Advice for a Stick Welder

Maybe bake it in the wifes oven at 600 degs before using........?? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[ACMan]

Re: Advice for a Stick Welder

Thanks Guys,

I know its pushing it. Ive had to do the multi-pass to fix my older tractor's and it does 'n make a pretty weld. I'm not going to make a monster Jaw just something like the "Thumb" like on ebay. But you've confirmed what I was thinking.

I'll probably borrow my friends bigger stick welder, but I hate borrowing tools.
Maybe I can show my wife that making an attachment to my bucket can save me more money than what buying a new welder would cost... maybe I could show her the price of an Avant grapple bucket ....it is close to Christmans.

 

[Syncro]

Re: Advice for a Stick Welder

<font color="blue">"Maybe bake it in the wifes oven at 600 degs before using........?? " </font>

<font color="black"> </font> Anybody out there know if this will really work?

 

[RonR]

Re: Advice for a Stick Welder

600* sounds like a lot..

They make boxes with light bulbs as heat to store these rods in.

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Advice for a Stick Welder

OK, so maybe 600 is a bit too much.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

This is from the Hobart site
Storage: After opening, store in holding oven (220ºF to 350ºF) until used.

Edit..........
I knew I read 600 somewhere.........
Also on the Hobart site
Reconditioning: If exposed to atmosphere for extended periods, reconditioned for one
(1) hour at 600ºF.