Rod size for euro hooks

[650gSatoh]

Hi Guys,

Just wondering what rod size I should use for welding euro hook ends (cat 1) onto my Kubota l2501 lift arms?

I have some 3/32 7014. They will be beveled and I will do multi passes. I've never welded anything this thick before. I don't have a rod oven.

Feel free to give me any handy tips/advice. What amps? My welder is 110/220v.

Once they are tacked up do I weld the length of the joint 1 side and then go straight to the next? Then just keep repeating, side for side? Or do I need to let it cool down some, other than the time it takes to clean the welds?

 

[Cycledude]

I recommend taking them to a good experienced welder to get the job done right the first time, you definitely don’t want to experience one getting broke loose that could be very expensive.

 

[ruffdog]

I agree with CD that this job is not the one to goof up on. That being said, using 3/32 6011 as a root passes and 1/8 7018 cover passes would be my choice. Don't rush it and take time to clean between passes so it can cool a bit.

 

[ptsg]

On the ends I've welded before, I did a root pass with 3/32 6013 rods, then finished off with 2 or 3 passes with 1/8 6013 rods.

Can't tell the amps because the pointer on my old rectifier welder got bent at some point and it's not really accurate. I go by experience and feel most of the times.

 

[650gSatoh]

I recommend taking them to a good experienced welder to get the job done right the first time, you definitely don’t want to experience one getting broke loose that could be very expensive.

Best way to get experience is doing, but thanks for your concern.

 

[650gSatoh]

I agree with CD that this job is not the one to goof up on. That being said, using 3/32 6011 as a root passes and 1/8 7018 cover passes would be my choice. Don't rush it and take time to clean between passes so it can cool a bit.

Thanks for the rod recommendation. I see 6011 is better for deep penetration in thick metal.

 

[650gSatoh]

On the ends I've welded before, I did a root pass with 3/32 6013 rods, then finished off with 2 or 3 passes with 1/8 6013 rods.

Can't tell the amps because the pointer on my old rectifier welder got bent at some point and it's not really accurate. I go by experience and feel most of the times.

Thanks.

From quick research it looks like 6013 is similar but doesn't have as much penetration as the 7014 I have?

So far the front runner is the 6011 for the root and then I can finish off with my 7014.

 

[ptsg]

Thanks.

From quick research it looks like 6013 is similar but doesn't have as much penetration as the 7014 I have?

So far the front runner is the 6011 for the root and then I can finish off with my 7014.

Either one is perfectly fine for this application. The reason I mostly use 6013, it's because that's what I can easily buy on any hardware store close by for a good price.

 

[5030]

Sounds like a weiner welder (110-220) to me. Also sounds like you are imexperienced at welding (sucessfully), heavy gage anythin. I'd take it to a competent weld shop myself. I rarely stick weld anthing today unless it's outside where shielding gas is not ideal and if I do it. I use my Linclon Engine drive ac/dc SMAW welder and run DC. All my heavy gage welding inside is multiple pass shielding gas high amperage MIG with .030 wire.

Good luck, I suspect you'll need it.

 

[lostcause]

I'm pretty sure you can accomplish the task without an engine drive welder. that's the same kind of opinion as someone who will try to tell you you need a 3500 cummins and a gooseneck to safely haul a BX around. That said, I probably wouldn't attempt this kind of task if i only had access to 110 power and welder, but I'd be surprised to find any welder running on 220 that isn't more than capable of doing the job. don't let the welding snobs get any traction - it's bragging rights as much as anything else. do more with less when you need to. I'm a believer in the hold my beer while i try this school. Just find some scrap to get used to the welder, rod, and thick metal if you've never done anything like that before. keep turning it up until you get satisfactory results. Back in the day on my grandfather's farm, everything was done with an AC only welder and 1/8" 6011. to quote my granfather, with that combo, you could weld rusty farm equipment through 1/4" of cow @#$!