Another welding problem

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Nov 12, 2007 | 06:58 PM

GLR

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From: NY and VA

Another welding problem

I'm building a trailer so I figure I'll get new rod to use with my Lincoln buzz box. Using 7018, Lincoln electrodes work great. Needed more rod, got Hobart 7018, what a pain to strike an arc and keep it going. Back to Lincoln rod, no problem, tried Raynor rod (supposedly made by Lincoln) same deal, hard to strike an arc and keep it going. The whole thing is weird in that I can go to my welding shelf and pick up some old 7018 Lincoln rod that has been in the open for years collecting moisture and dust and it works great. Maybe my Lincoln welder only works good with Lincoln rod, or maybe it's me. Any suggestions or comments?

Nov 12, 2007 | 08:15 PM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

What size rods, and what amperage are you running?

Nov 12, 2007 | 08:26 PM

GLR

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From: NY and VA

1/8 100 amp. What's a mystery is that only the Lincoln rod seems to work. I get ----and try the other rod at the same setting and on the same material. And at different settings, even cut a practice weld with a band saw to check penetration. The Lincoln machine only seems to work with Lincoln rod. I know some people with a Miller, and a Marguette, If I get a chance I'll try out their machines.

Nov 12, 2007 | 11:30 PM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

Seems a touch low- I usually run my 1/8" at 112-115, depending on position, and weave it.

Nov 14, 2007 | 02:44 PM

horsepuller

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I agree with Jared. Turn it up. I usually run 1/8" 7018 at 115-125 amps.

You didn't say if you have the AC/DC machine or the AC only model.

One thing that could be causing the difference in the way the different brands perform on your welder: The Lincoln rods may be the 7018AC rods designed specifically for welders with low open circuit power sources. All 7018 rod is by default AC/DC but the 7018AC rods from any manufacturer are the only ones designed to be primarily used for AC. Consequently they are the only 7018 rods that can be used DC with either polarity.

Last edited by horsepuller; Nov 14, 2007 at 04:32 PM.

Nov 22, 2007 | 10:16 PM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

7018 AC needs to be used with AC, with DCRP you get zero penetration and lots of porosity. Regular 7018 works ok with AC, but I have had porosity issues with it on AC.