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I am looking to purchase some stick electrodes to try stick welding mild steel with my Everlast PowerTIG 200 DV. I frequently read blogs about the ability or inability to run 6010 rods so I'm trying to avoid the mistake of purchasing welding rods I will be unable to use. Which type and diameter of electrodes should I buy that will run on my machine? Any input is appreciated.
I would start with 6011 or 6013 and some 7018. Start to practice with the 7018, it will help you learn the feel. But later, use the 6011 or 6013.
7014 will do fine. No need to waste money on 7018 for GP work. 7014 is medium penetrating and is known as a "Fab" rod in the industry. Relatively high speed deposition rates, and a nice bead. 6011 should work if it's a decent quality rod in place of the 6010. Use Lincoln Fleetweld 180.
I have not had a chance to extensively work with the new DV. I have reason to believe it may actually work better with 6010, but we can't put that stamp on it until I actually test it.
Your machine will run 1/8" electrodes or smaller on 240v input.
If it's useful information, all the electrode types mentioned will run electrode positive.
For a good cheap rod look at the Hot Max Brand on Amazon part number 23046 1/8" 7014. 10lb for less then 20 bucks and free shipping if your a prime member.
I like the 7014 and their 7018.
Good point. Some reading material for the OP http://www.weldersuniverse.com/fille...sumeables.htmlQuote:
Originally Posted by DaveO
Thanks for all of the input. Today I'll be picking up a box of Lincoln 6011 1/8 in. and a box of Lincoln 7018 1/8 in. welding rods from Home Depot. It looks like they are selling 5 lb. boxes of these rods for about $13.00 a box. I'll post another reply with the results or lack of results (never stick welded before). I'm sure the machine is capable but can't vouch for the operator. Stay tuned.............
Well, I went to Home Depot yesterday and bought a box of Lincoln 6011 and 7018 1/8 in. stick electrodes. I tried the 6011 rod first at several amperage and arc force settings. I was using 1/4 in. mild steel plate. I tried tapping and scratching the rod to get the arc started and after sticking the rod like crazy I settled on scratching the rod and got a little better at it after many tries. After fooling around with trying to run beads I settled on practicing at 95 amps and 50% arc force. I found the 6011 rod made lots of smoke with little flux covering the weld and made ugly beads (probably me). I found the 7018 rod made less smoke with more flux covering the weld and the bead looked much better than the 6011. It seemed like holding a very tight arc gave the best results with both types of rod.
I have included a picture of the final welds on plate I did with the 6011 beads on top and the bottom 4 beads with 7018 rod. I cleaned all the welds in my blast cabinet so you can see my attempts at stick welding without all the flux and contamination blocking the view.
Attachment 12479
I am used to much cleaner weld beads with MIG and TIG and find stick welding a very dirty process in comparison. After running a bead with stick I find a lot of flux, soot, and splatter as opposed to the other two processes. For some reason I want to get better at stick welding so any comments or suggestions are welcomed.