hi all
I've welded before, doing little things on the farm and always with the generator. I've just bought a little electric welder when I moved in here, London Ohio, and I bought 7018 rods. I couldn't get anything going and went out to buy 6013 rods ... piece of cake.
Question: What is the meaning of the numbers?
Thanx
Fick
PS. That's my name, no hidden meaning at all. It's a common last name in South Africa. Just in case!
The first two numbers are the tensil strength of the rod x 10,000. The third number indicates what position the rod can be used in. The fourth number represents the chemical make-up of the flux. I.E. 7018 = 70/1/8.
70,000 pounds of tensil strength / 1 means you can weld the rod in any position / 8 is a low hydrogen flux.
Is the diameter of the 7018 the same as the 6013? A low amperage stick welder might push 1/8" 6013 but it won't push 1/8" 7018. In my experience you need a minimum 110 amps for 7018 and that low you might play bow and arrow trying to start and stabilize your arc. 120-125 amps is ideal for me. Also, it is harder to start a low hydrogen rod like 7018 then a fast freeze rod like 6013. You might try running a 3/32" or 1/16" rod. Hope this helps and good luck.
By Fick
Date 07-21-2002 16:26
Thanx It is exactly like you said. I did get some 6013 rods and now I can weld again ... well sorta. I'm still trying to get arc right but on the moment I can at least go forward.
Fick
I'm sorry for having to correct Stich55. The first two numbers are the tensile strength of the welded metal x 1,000 lbs/sq.in.
Giovanni S. Crisi
Sao Paulo - Brazil
Thnx. Math is not one of my stronger subjects.
Most 7018 doesn't run well on the smaller machines. You need higher open circuit voltage which is found on the higher input/output machines. Also most 7018 runs better on DC reverse polatiry. If you turn up the amperage to compensate, the arc will be erratic and you will overheat the rod. You could try some 7018AC rods which are designed to run on AC and DC machines.
CHGuilford
By Fick
Date 07-21-2002 16:28
Thanx
I did overheat the rod to the point where it melted.
You guys are great.
Fick
This is correct. E7018 requires a high open circuit voltage to weld. That is 60 volts or more. This is measured with a voltmeter connected across the output terminals (lugs) with the machine turned on and no welding being done. The E7018AC or AC7018 is specially formulated flux coated electrodes that are designed to weld at low open circuit voltages (even as low as 40 volts). E7018 is an AC or DC Electrode Positive electrode. Most electrode manufacturers also have low open circuit voltage E6013 and E6011 electrodes. If an electrode has more nonconductive material (flux) than conductive (electrode wire) it will require higher open circuit voltage. On the limited input/output machines most will show a decrease in open circuit voltage as the amperage is increased. Decrease the amperage and an open voltage increase may occur.
A little stick welding trick learned by folks who must carry the stinger up scaffolds or other places far away from the power source is to carry both 1/8 inch dia. 6010/6011 and 3/32 inch dia. 7018. Both diameters will run in all positions at current settings between 90 and 95 amps. The 6010/11 will make the tacks or burn away paint or rust in tough spots and the 70 series rod (smaller dia.) can still be run in all positions to finish out the weld. This technique is especially good out on the farm. Keep in mind that this advice cannot superseed any code requirements that may exist.
