Everlast POWER DIGITAL SERIES, Operator'S Manual, Page: 24 / 30

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EVERLAST
Section 3 Getting started
continued
4. Use the Arc force and Amp adjustment
to change arc qualities. Adjust the amper-
age according to the recommendations of
the electrode (welding rod) manufacturer
for the type and size of the electrode used.
The arc force will affect how crisp the arc
is whether it is smooth and buttery or
deeply penetrating. Use it to suit the de-
sired weld finish. Experimentation will be
required to find the optimal setting de-
sired. It is an excellent tool for out of posi-
tion welding.
5. Electrode selection. Electrodes are
usually given performance and character-
istic ratings using a system of letters and
numbers determined by the American
Welding Society (AWS). The rating system
includes the minimum tensile strength of
the finished weld, the weld position (flat,
vertical, horizontal, or overhead or a com-
bination of two or more positions) and the
flux type. Additional information may be
given. Each manufacturer has their indi-
vidual name and terminology as well. As
there is no general recommendation that
can be made about a particular electrode
selection, except for practice welds, a
electrode designated by the AWS as E
6011, E 6013, E 7014, or E 7018 may be
used, each having its own distinct features
and purpose. These are among the most
common electrodes used in the industry
and are not difficult to find. E 6011 elec-
trodes are not as smooth running as some
of the other electrodes, but offer the ad-
vantage of being able to weld on rusty
metal and contaminated surfaces. It is
widely used and requires very little skill to
begin using. This is not a particular en-
dorsement of an E6011, rather a simple
example of what may be used in develop-
ing proficient technique. It is recom-
mended that a variety of electrodes be
used and practiced with. Consultation
with an experienced local welding supplier
will help greatly in determining what weld-
ing electrode is the best for your given
situation. Many times, samples or small
packages of electrodes are available at
relatively low cost to determine for your-
self the best electrode to use. Be sure to observe the manufacturer rec-
ommendations regarding polarity. If the
weld appears lumpy, porous or otherwise
malformed, change the polarity of the
ground cable and the electrode holder ca-
ble. Many electrodes run with a reverse,
(DCEP) setting. A few run with a straight
polarity (DCEN). Some will run either way.
3.14 Proper weld identification. The fol-
lowing image is designed to help you iden-
tify welding issues related to amperage
and speed. These are the two major issues
that are encountered when most people
learn to weld. Notice that the weld bead
contour is affected as well. Overlap and
undercutting are two main causes of weld
failure. Proper washing of the weld bead
into the sides or “toes” of the weld is impor-
tant. Keep the welding electrode or the TIG
tungsten and welding arc within the weld
joint to prevent overlap. Pausing on the
sides of the welds to wait for the sides to fill
reduces the chance of undercutting, even
if the current is a little too high. If it is pos-
sible, with any practice weld, cut the joint
down the middle, lengthwise, or place the
weldment in a vice and use a hammer to
bend the metal over the weld area until it is
either broken or bent 90 degrees. This de-
structive testing method will help you im-
prove your skill by revealing faults and
flaws in your welds.
Image 3.14a