[mbp]

What would cause sputtering halfway down a rod--bad spot? heat buildup? too much amperage?---burns great, then starts really spitting about halfway down the rod. flat 3/32 7018 @ 200 amps DCEP thanks in advance

[GWD]

WOW! That is awfully hot for that rod. I'd guess that the flux has burned up by the time the rod is half used.

Try to start at 100A and move up or down from there in 5A jumps if your machine has those adjustments.

[Otto Nobedder]

Agreed!

3/32 7018 in flat, I'd start at 85 or 90 amps, and adjust from there.

At 200, I'd wager the rod is glowing by the time half of it is burned.

Steve S

[weldin mike 27]

Hey,

Ive had very little 7018 experience, except at trade school, but what i did notice that if they were run too hot, the flux would go all shitty and fall off. Follow the above recomendations and also the values given on the box.

Mick

[mbp]

sorry---my fault----3/16 " rod

[weldin mike 27]

Hey,

Probably still too hot, Stick welding is not always "the hotter the better" because the coatings of the electrodes can be compromised at to higher heat. There is equations to work out exactly how much heat for a given size of electode.

Mick

[GWD]

Hmmm...the Miller Calculator indicates that 3/16" 7018 should be run at 200 - 275A.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/ca ... ulator.php

[Otto Nobedder]

Wow!

Largest 7018 I've used on a job was 5/32, at 155A.

What the hell are you welding?

Are the rods kept in an oven? I've had challenges with slightly damp rod (MAJOR no-no for 7018) when half-used.

Largest rod I ever used was 1/4" 7024. 275A, DCEN, flat only. Didn't have to chip it, slag peeled off on it's own.

Steve S

[weldin mike 27]

Hi everyone,

Yet again I speak of what I do not know... One day i shall learn the old saying of better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Mick

[mbp]

hi guys--thanks for responses--was welding 1/2" 4x8 tubing--and it was doing a beautiful job-and doing it fast--I wanted some 1/4" rods but couldn't find any--these were really working great---almost looked like a wire rig had done it ---slag was peeling off almost completely on its own--no oven-- only a redneck lightbulb in an old fridge(which has always seemed to suit my farm purposes)--I am through with the job but before I use them again I'll put em in the oven--thanks for any input--I did notice the flux was staying intact on the rod all way down --even through the "bad" place-- thanks again marc