Just starting off

[Ragnarok]

7018s are slightly harder to use than 6013s also not much point in spending the extra for most stuff, 45 degrees is very low for arc welding.

 

[PTvor]

If you are using a buzz box (Open Circuit Voltage) OCV usually about 50V, a lot of rods such as some brands of 7018s and stainless rods will be very hard to use properly because they need a higher OCV. It's worth checking the data sheet or the box before you buy rods and find they don't burn nicely. Some rods are designed for DC.

 

[Ragnarok]

i used to use lincoln 7018s on my merlin 150, just a bit of a tighter arc and harder to strike than the lincoln 6013s and 6011s, thats what i always found anyway

 

[SiPMerlin150]

If you are using a buzz box (Open Circuit Voltage) OCV usually about 50V, a lot of rods such as some brands of 7018s and stainless rods will be very hard to use properly because they need a higher OCV. It's worth checking the data sheet or the box before you buy rods and find they don't burn nicely. Some rods are designed for DC.

I got them to strike at the 2/3 of the output power, and the package does say, 50-88 amps, I'll keep them tucked away unless somebody from here would want them for a small price, only opened them up today. Yes, its a 50V buzz box.

 

[SiPMerlin150]

i used to use lincoln 7018s on my merlin 150, just a bit of a tighter arc and harder to strike than the lincoln 6013s and 6011s, thats what i always found anyway

Very tight arc, more of a yellowy arc also, and rust colored slag

 

[SiPMerlin150]

Stringers on 5mm plate Unbranded rods

I've got 40 of my favourite brand rods ( I mean, decent rods that i have had sucess with) Dunno whether or not i should be mentioning brand names, but Weldequip sells 5kg boxes on here..

Still need to practise and the lack of either rods or suitable material is partially to blame, but heres so far..

I think im pushing back into the puddle before moving on, i need to stop doing that, in the back of my mind i think that pausing and pushing into the puddle will help with penentration, but i forget that i'm supposed to just be running stringers...

The two stringers on the left were done by 2.0mm mild steel 'E4303' rods these were sold as '6013 type' and the two stringers to the right were done my 1.6mm '6013 type' rods, again unknown brand. Next day or so will see my decent rods arrive.