I have an old welder, no idea what kind but what im trying to determine is what the best type of rod would be for me to use on heavy steel. It has several outlets to allow me to change the output (40-60, 60-80 all the way to 160-180). Does anyone know if this would be ac or dc?? how can i tell? I can weld ok with it using various rods but I'd like to know what the ideal rod would be without going and spending $100 on rods. thanks for any insight...
Need welding advice...
- Thread starter EGo_SmAsH
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gerard
Veteran Member
Chances are if it doesn't have a switch for Ac or DC, it's probably ac. You can by rod in pretty small quantities ($10 worth), so buy some 6011 AC rod and see if it works. If it does, you know you have at least ac. 6011 gives a lot of spatter, not great looking welds, but great penetration and doesn't mind a little paint or rust. You're going to have to find a chart to see what amps to use for x size rod though a lot of times the rod box will tell you. If it's AC, you can also try some 6013. Gives a little nicer bead, still good penetration but the steel should be clean. 7014 will give you a LOT of bead. Always nice to do a root pass with 6011, then go over it with 7014. Leaves a nicer looking bead with plenty of filler and the 6011 gave great penetration.
Hooked_on_HP
Veteran Member
No idea on the welder. 6011 for rusty metal and 7018 for clean metal.
Bill
Bill
dex3361
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How about posting a pic of the welder maybe someone on here knows about it. 6011 and 7018ac for starters are good welding rods if you dont have a rod oven for the 7018ac(to keep them dry) then use the 7014 in its place for a cover pass.
Hooked_on_HP
Veteran Member
Work is you ground. The cable goes from the work plug and clamps to the piece you are welding
Bill
Bill
Oh ok, I've been using the other one underneath the orange light for my ground...seemed to work fine.....i wonder what that one is then?!?!
JB4310
Super Member
Oh ok, I've been using the other one underneath the orange light for my ground...seemed to work fine.....i wonder what that one is then?!?!
Wow that is a mystery, Work is always ground on an ac, like bill said,
On a dc they are marked + and - Maybe that's neg on an ac/dc machine, that's just a wild guess, a qualified electrician could safely test it for you.
You could try the work socket for ground with one of the amp setting sockets and see if it seems to be a rougher weld, will sound different and splatter alot.
If so, then maybe that is an ac/dc.
Looks crude or homemade so anything is possible.
Then there's that "max" socket??? maybe it is 180 amps or who nows?
If you could show pictures of the inside, some one here might be able to tell you more.
Good luck, JB.
Willl
Elite Member
Pop the cover off and see if they're connected.
