Which rod? What power setting?

[coss]

I am a novice welder. I would like to weld another 3/8" chain hook onto the front end loader of my Kubota L3710. The previous owner added a piece of angle steel onto the top edge of the bucket to serve as a base for chain hooks, and there are two hooks solidly welded onto it now. That angle steel is 1/4" thick.

I have a 240/130 AD/DC stick welder.

What rod (both number and diameter) would you recommend?

What power setting on the welder?

Thanks.

 

[Shield Arc]

I would use 1/8-inch 7018. All welders run different. Try around 110 to 120-AMPS

 

[coss]

Shield Arc,

That's exactly what I'd like mine to look like. Thanks.

 

[coss]

AC or DC?

 

[Shield Arc]

Thanks!
Not bad for a guy who has only been welding a few weeks.

 

[Shield Arc]

AC or DC?

Only time I use AC, is for Tig welding aluminum.

 

[airrj]

As Shield Arc said, 7018 with 110-120 amps, but I would just add that be sure to have a bit of scrap plate available to test an practice on. Just to test the settings and your skills before you attack the final part. As he mentioned every welder is different. I just completed a large for me project with 1/4" and 3/8" steel and I did it all with 7018 1/8" and when I was practicing I found that I had to run my welder at 140 amps when I was in the flat position. If I was down near the recommended amps it would stick and sputter. I rarely use my machine for SMAW.

I don't know if I was really using 140 amps or if my dial is off, but the end result was great. Well worth the 3 or 4 practice rods and some scrap 1/4" plate.

Good Luck.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

As said, always practice first. I like 1\8" 7018 at 125 amps or more.

 

[4570Man]

I'd run 1/8" 7018 at 100 amps but my machine runs hot compared to what I've seen referenced here. Is this your first welding project?

 

[Texasmark]

#3 supporting ⅛ 7018 at 115 DC give or take.....given by a professional student at Hard Knocks Welding University...still trying to pass the final exam for 101. If I can't MIG it, 3/16 or ⅛ 7018 DC does the rest of my welding. Since I bought the MIG, once I burn up my box of 3/16s I won't buy anymore.