welder question?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mexlokote · 05-03-2012, 10:14 PM

i just bought a 70amp arc welder and it is not working i tried to weld and the electrode just sticks to the metal and doesnt weld? any ideas who can help me,

TopFuel1966 · 05-03-2012, 10:52 PM

Poor ground?
Amperage set too low?
Moisture in the electrode flux?

RockTonka · 05-03-2012, 10:54 PM

70 amps is a very low output welder, I'm assuming you've got a stick welder (SMAW), probably an AC only version?? Without knowing more details, it will be difficult to help.
If my assumptions are correct, than a 6011 type rod would work best for you...easy to weld with, fairly forgiving, will handle a bit of rust or contamination, readily available (Ace, Home Depot, Lowe's). Try the smaller sizes, 3/32 or perhaps 5/64, these will be easier to strike and maintain an arc with.
If my assumptions are incorrect and you have a wire welder (GMAW/FCAW), then we would definately need more details...wire size, type, self-shielded or gas shielded...

El Campo · 05-03-2012, 10:56 PM

What side of rods are you using? I use about 125 amps or so when I use 1/8 inch rods. You are going to have to use small rods to use one of that low amperage. Also most new weldors put the rod straight onto the metal and do not pull it off in time (to maintain an arc) and it can stick then. I am guessing your heat (amps) is too low though for the rods you are using. (I am talking about DC welders btw, as I never use AC)

mexlokote · 05-03-2012, 10:59 PM

im using 3/32" and 1/16"

71swb4x4 · 05-03-2012, 11:01 PM

What kind of material are you trying to weld?

mexlokote · 05-03-2012, 11:02 PM

metal

RockTonka · 05-03-2012, 11:48 PM

Turn the amperage all the way up and strike the electrode like you're striking a match, try to hold the electrode an 1/8 of an inch above the material and maintain that gap as the electrode is consumed.
You don't seem willing to offer much information and our ability to assist is limited by this.

mexlokote · 05-04-2012, 12:03 AM

i bought this http://www.harborfreight.com/welding...der-68888.html

RockTonka · 05-04-2012, 12:34 AM

Stick with the 1/16" electrodes...this isn't a very good welder and you will struggle with it doing much for you. A couple car batteries in series would do better...for $80 bucks, it's a case of you get what you pay for.
Reading the reviews, it seems that those willing to give an opinion are struggling like you are.
Good luck.

GWs62 · 05-04-2012, 08:15 PM

RockTonka is right. I am in the welding supply business and I regret to tell you that you will have a hard time welding with anything other than 3/32" electrode as 1/16" is hard to come by. 20% duty cycle is rather low. I would suggest a 6013 rod as it is a much smoother bead and easier to run. Good luck.

of13swc · 05-09-2012, 02:19 PM

E6011, E1012 and E6010 require you to manipulate the electrode. Also depending on the position you are trying to weld, the next to last number on the electrode dictates what positions it can be used for (1 is for all positions, 2 is flat and horizontal and 3 is for flat only). I personally like 3/32” E6010 for my “root” passes the move up to E7018 that stuff lays in real nice. I also agree if moisture got to the electrode it will not run for nothing. Take one of the electrodes and bend it. If the flux breaks off its good but if it bends with the electrode moisture has got to it and it’s no good. With all that said try turning it up until it does not stick. You will have to find the correct amps so it runs and does not burn through your metal. There are a lot more to look for, but without getting into a welding lesson try that first.

05-03-2012, 10:14 PM	#1
mexlokote Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: greensboro,NC Posts: 276	welder question?? i just bought a 70amp arc welder and it is not working i tried to weld and the electrode just sticks to the metal and doesnt weld? any ideas who can help me,

05-03-2012, 10:52 PM	#2
TopFuel1966 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 471	Re: welder question?? Poor ground? Amperage set too low? Moisture in the electrode flux?

05-03-2012, 10:54 PM	#3
RockTonka Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,515	Re: welder question?? 70 amps is a very low output welder, I'm assuming you've got a stick welder (SMAW), probably an AC only version?? Without knowing more details, it will be difficult to help. If my assumptions are correct, than a 6011 type rod would work best for you...easy to weld with, fairly forgiving, will handle a bit of rust or contamination, readily available (Ace, Home Depot, Lowe's). Try the smaller sizes, 3/32 or perhaps 5/64, these will be easier to strike and maintain an arc with. If my assumptions are incorrect and you have a wire welder (GMAW/FCAW), then we would definately need more details...wire size, type, self-shielded or gas shielded... __________________ 1958 Chevy 1 ton dually 4X4 dump/flat bed My build thread 1966 "Not-So-Original" Chevy Custom Trim Suburban My Time-Killing Project Truck 1966 GMC Extended cab 1 1/4 ton 4X4 My Son's build thread

05-03-2012, 10:56 PM	#4
El Campo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: El Campo, Tx Posts: 1,246	Re: welder question?? What side of rods are you using? I use about 125 amps or so when I use 1/8 inch rods. You are going to have to use small rods to use one of that low amperage. Also most new weldors put the rod straight onto the metal and do not pull it off in time (to maintain an arc) and it can stick then. I am guessing your heat (amps) is too low though for the rods you are using. (I am talking about DC welders btw, as I never use AC) __________________ 72 Chevy blue LWB, 99% original Oklahoma truck, 28,000 miles 72 Chevy SWB: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=486626 (Attempt/Mistake #2) 2003 Harley Davidson Dyna Superglide with 2007 Street Bob front end 2000 Ford F350 Powerstroke 4WD CCLB, 310,000 miles running great (STOLEN St. Patricks Day 2014 AND NEVER RECOVERED) 2002 Ford F250 Powerstroke 4WD CCLB (To replace stolen one) Hook em Horns!!!

05-03-2012, 10:59 PM	#5
mexlokote Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: greensboro,NC Posts: 276	Re: welder question?? im using 3/32" and 1/16"

05-03-2012, 11:01 PM	#6
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: welder question?? What kind of material are you trying to weld? __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

05-03-2012, 11:02 PM	#7
mexlokote Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: greensboro,NC Posts: 276	Re: welder question?? metal

05-03-2012, 11:48 PM	#8
RockTonka Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,515	Re: welder question?? Turn the amperage all the way up and strike the electrode like you're striking a match, try to hold the electrode an 1/8 of an inch above the material and maintain that gap as the electrode is consumed. You don't seem willing to offer much information and our ability to assist is limited by this. __________________ 1958 Chevy 1 ton dually 4X4 dump/flat bed My build thread 1966 "Not-So-Original" Chevy Custom Trim Suburban My Time-Killing Project Truck 1966 GMC Extended cab 1 1/4 ton 4X4 My Son's build thread

05-04-2012, 12:03 AM	#9
mexlokote Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: greensboro,NC Posts: 276	Re: welder question?? i bought this http://www.harborfreight.com/welding...der-68888.html

05-04-2012, 12:34 AM	#10
RockTonka Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,515	Re: welder question?? Stick with the 1/16" electrodes...this isn't a very good welder and you will struggle with it doing much for you. A couple car batteries in series would do better...for $80 bucks, it's a case of you get what you pay for. Reading the reviews, it seems that those willing to give an opinion are struggling like you are. Good luck. __________________ 1958 Chevy 1 ton dually 4X4 dump/flat bed My build thread 1966 "Not-So-Original" Chevy Custom Trim Suburban My Time-Killing Project Truck 1966 GMC Extended cab 1 1/4 ton 4X4 My Son's build thread

05-04-2012, 08:15 PM	#11
GWs62 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: portland, OR Posts: 56	Re: welder question?? RockTonka is right. I am in the welding supply business and I regret to tell you that you will have a hard time welding with anything other than 3/32" electrode as 1/16" is hard to come by. 20% duty cycle is rather low. I would suggest a 6013 rod as it is a much smoother bead and easier to run. Good luck. __________________ When was the last time you did something for the first time? We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

05-09-2012, 02:19 PM	#12
of13swc Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ocean Springs, ms Posts: 204	Re: welder question?? E6011, E1012 and E6010 require you to manipulate the electrode. Also depending on the position you are trying to weld, the next to last number on the electrode dictates what positions it can be used for (1 is for all positions, 2 is flat and horizontal and 3 is for flat only). I personally like 3/32” E6010 for my “root” passes the move up to E7018 that stuff lays in real nice. I also agree if moisture got to the electrode it will not run for nothing. Take one of the electrodes and bend it. If the flux breaks off its good but if it bends with the electrode moisture has got to it and it’s no good. With all that said try turning it up until it does not stick. You will have to find the correct amps so it runs and does not burn through your metal. There are a lot more to look for, but without getting into a welding lesson try that first.



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