Appauling Bead runs

[Jim#]

Well I'd be well happy with your stick welds....but I can't stick weld for toffee.

Mine look the same as yours...I tried going slower...but the stick seems to burn down like a blooming sparkler no matter what I try.

But every now and again I get a perfect weld...it's usually on a piece of scrap though

The strait welds are good enough for me but when I do a fillet weld more often than not they are full of holes and slag.
I'm thinking that turning up the amps is just going to burn fast sparklers, But I'll try again tomorrow.

 

[Jim#]

Jim this is a 3.25 rod running a tight arc @100amps on a bit of scrap 6mm plate.

That looks great? I would be very happy to achieve that.
I will try turning up the amps but may have to up the material from the 3mm I'm using at the moment.

 

[Shedendman]

My two pennys worth
Your clarke AC or DC if DC you may have whats known as arc blow or wandering arc which can cause problems on joints,your sticks are fine on both AC and DC though
And to ask the obvious you are electrode + ground - yer

 

[Jim#]

My two pennys worth
Your clarke AC or DC if DC you may have whats known as arc blow or wandering arc which can cause problems on joints,your sticks are fine on both AC and DC though
And to ask the obvious you are electrode + ground - yer

It is Ac and electrode and ground are correct ( It has idiot proof pictures ).

 

[Shedendman]

Try some 7018's

 

[mtt.tr]

Try some 7018's

6013 are by far the easiest beginner rod.

 

[Welderwayne]

Is it a welding set that’s adjusted by turning a big knob on the front and has a slider above to show your amps?

if it is, ignore the numbers and keep turning it up untill it welds right, I’ve never used one that have anywhere near a correct reading on the scale

I'm going with this I've used these type and amps are never anywhere near what it shows on the slider. Keep upping the amps is my best guess.

 

[Shedendman]

6013 are by far the easiest beginner rod.

I'd agree,but i found 7018 a little better to use than 6013,thats just me of course

 

[andy28]

mate when you did flat plate runs did you do them at 90amps also do you have any 3.2 rods..
thanks
andy

 

[HughF]

6013 are by far the easiest beginner rod.

I disagree. The slag/puddle transition line is often impossible for a beginner to spot on 6013s. You will not get worm tracks on fillets with 7016/7018, it’s basically impossible to screw up.

 

[HughF]

Jim, which part of Somerset? If you’re anywhere near frome/westbury/Trowbridge I could probably give you an hour one weekend, see what’s going wrong.

 

[Jim#]

It is Ac and electrode and ground are correct ( It has idiot proof pictures ).

mate when you did flat plate runs did you do them at 90amps also do you have any 3.2 rods..
thanks
andy

It was 90amp, That's what I dont get.

 

[Munkul]

turn it up, watch the puddle, not the molten slag or the arc, and travel slower.

 

[Memmeddu]

I disagree. The slag/puddle transition line is often impossible for a beginner to spot on 6013s. You will not get worm tracks on fillets with 7016/7018, it’s basically impossible to screw up.

Agree with you 7018 is way easier to use out of position and in fillets ,I found that it's much more controllable than 6013 and it lays down much more metal then 6013
Another thing I noticed it's an idiot proof rod
Once started it runs smoothly and there is nothing to adjust once you set your current ,it runs the same in every position
I usually use to use 2.5mm 7018 at 90ish amps whatever the position is

 

[Jim#]

I disagree. The slag/puddle transition line is often impossible for a beginner to spot on 6013s. You will not get worm tracks on fillets with 7016/7018, it’s basically impossible to screw up.

I asked for 7014 at the shop they said they only had 7018,So I stayed with 6013.
If that's true about no worm tracks with 7018 then that's my next rod.

 

[Memmeddu]

turn it up, watch the puddle, not the molten slag or the arc, and travel slower.

I suggest a steeper angle , tight arc and push the rod in the angle
The rod will run alone ,the steep angle will keep the slag back in the puddle

 

[Jim#]

Jim, which part of Somerset? If you’re anywhere near frome/westbury/Trowbridge I could probably give you an hour one weekend, see what’s going wrong.

Thanks Hugh thats very kind, If I cant clear this up from these tips I may take you up on that.
I'm in Bridgwater.

 

[HughF]

I asked for 7014 at the shop they said they only had 7018,So I stayed with 6013.
If that's true about no worm tracks with 7018 then that's my next rod.

If you are on an AC only welder, you'll need 7016. 7018 (that you get here in the UK) are DC only.

 

[HughF]

Thanks Hugh thats very kind, If I cant clear this up from these tips I may take you up on that.
I'm in Bridgwater.

I get around the south west fairly regularly. If I'm heading your way I'll let you know and perhaps I can call in.

 

[andy28]

AC 7018 for you mate https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5kg-3-2m...hash=item2621f12709:m:mRmBbL0prP31BwG0fSGxWHg ,https://www.weldequip.com/siftrode-7018.htm I will try finding a chart I read most of them on . keep at it know mate on you flat runs check under side of the plate..
chat to view mate