37
HELPFUL HINT:
Pay particular attention to the Arc Force setting as it affects the ag-
gressiveness of the arc and the amp response. Set the Arc force to
approximately 30
-
50% and readjust it from that point to find the
optimum setting. Adjust in increments of 5% up or down from there
to obtain the best results Usually, an increase in the arc force for
cellulose based flux welding rods is helpful. Lowering the Arc force
setting is generally desirable for rods iron powder/Titania based flux.
Too much arc force will create overheating of the welding rod, and
even cause them to flame up. Too little can lead to sticking and arc
snuffing. Use the Hot Start features to improve arc starting and cut
down on failed arc strikes. Hot Start Amps refers to the % over the
set amps that the amps will be boosted during arc striking until the
arc is established. Hot Start Intensity controls the amount of time
that the Hot Start stays engaged after the arc is struck. Start by set-
ting Hot Start to somewhere between 30% and 50% and set hot start
time to .5
-
1 seconds. Adjust in increments of 5% up or down to
obtain best starting results.
When welding, the weld will be slower than MIG speed. One of the
most common mistakes for users transitioning from MIG to Stick
welding is the travel speed. Allow the metal to fill the puddle as the
rod travels forward. Be sure to try to separate the difference between
the slag and the molten pool of metal. The slag will coalesce behind
the puddle if travel and rod angle is correct. Do not let the slag travel
in front of the puddle. Keep the top of the rod inclined to the direc-
tion of travel around 10
-
20 degrees while welding in the flat position
(Electrode holder should be in front and inline of the puddle). To
begin, simply start the arc, and then drag the rod slowly and carefully
along the metal, allowing the rod flux to provide a standoff between
the metal filler and the puddle. Be sure to keep feeding the rod
steadily downward into the puddle as the rod melts. In the case of
E6010, 6011, and other rods with a cellulose based flux, a slight
stepping motion in front of the puddle about
1/8”
-
1/4”
in front of the
puddle can be used as a key hole opens up in the weld joint, ahead
of the puddle. This is also called
“
whipping
”
the rod. Do not flip the
end of the rod away from the puddle in a arc motion or the arc may
terminate while using E6010 or similar cellulosic rods. When experi-
ence is gained, numerous manipulation methods may be used with
rods such as E7018, 7014, 6013, and 7024. Weave the rod no more
than 2.5 times the width of the welding rod. To begin weaving,
weave small, tight patterns similar to C
’
s, cursive E
’
s, V
’
s, or even
figure
8’
s.
Component Identification and Explanation
Stick Welding Information
