welding question

[tpolley]

last night i was trying to weld vertical up using the weave method. i was using a lincoln stick welder. not sure if the model but it has an ac/dc switch. anyway i set it for dc and set it for 105 amps. i was using 6013 welding rod which according to the specs should be good for ac or dc and all positions. the weld was dripping down.

 

[goodfellow]

What thickness (and were the two pieces of steel the same thickness). Were they properly cleaned? Was the rod fresh? If it's thick material, did it have a bevel at the joints? You "set it to DC" -- Was the setting DC+ or DC-?

 

[tpolley]

metal was 3/8 thick channel iron. the joint was a lap joint. no bevel. i was using about a 10 degree push. the surface was ground clean and free of rust. i don't know about electrode positive or negative. i assume electrode positive. i don't think the machine has the ability to switch from electrode positive or negative unless one could switch the ground clamp with the electrode clamp.

 

[george4]

Assuming correct settings and weld speed, dripping is often a sign of too long of an arc.

 

[tdkkart]

metal was 3/8 thick channel iron.

It was probably dripping because the rod was the only thing melting.
105 amps is WAY light for 3/8" thick material.

 

[tpolley]

so what amperage should i run for that particular fit-up and weld position?

 

[nate379]

Around 180-200 is what I would do. 3/16" rod? Been some years since I busted out a stick welder though. Bought a MIG in 03 and never looked back.

 

[tpolley]

i'm using 1/8 rod

 

[speed bump]

Theres some skill involved using a medium freeze rod like 6013 uphill. Instead try some 6010/6011 they are a fast fill/fast freeze rod which is more suited to running uphill. Also according to Lincoln 3/16" rod is the biggest you want to use vertical or overhead so if it was me I would run an 1/8" root with about 95-100 amps and then a 3/16" cover with about 105-115 amps.


BTW here is an article on polarity to hopefully help you understand what you want to be doing. For 6010/6011/6013 you will want to run DC Electrode positive or straight polarity. If you are using something like 7018 you run that DC EN or reverse polarity.
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowledge/articles/content/acdc.asp