How to root out the problem

WeirdoDrummer23 · Mon Apr 25, 2016 6:23 pm

Hey everyone, just bought a Chicago Electric 225AC stick welder(for messing with on my off time) and picked up some 1/8 6013 rods since I learned about the 7018 AC/DC issue. I know you get what you pay for and it was only 230.00 but I've never experienced arc pulses before. Striking an arc is no problem but after a few seconds into the bead the machine seems to "pulse" and I'll lose my arc for a second or two, then it comes back for a few more seconds before doing it again. Any ideas?

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JR-Jonas · Tue Apr 26, 2016 4:04 pm

I would check your connections on the new machine on the backside of the terminals make sure they're all tight nothings loose

Poland308 · Tue Apr 26, 2016 7:35 pm

You may have to switch to a smaller rod. I had to use a no name small buzz box to do a small emergency repair once and found I couldn't keep a good arc going for more than about half a rod with 1/8. Switched to 3/32 and it did ok.

Diesel · Tue Apr 26, 2016 10:32 pm

I'm gonna go on a limb and say you're too cold. Run into this problem once in a while when the person doesn't turn it up to what I ask. Itll weld but it sits on top and is very easy to snuff the arc out. I get down from the lift or wherever I am and have to turn it up 15-20 amps and it runs beautifully.

WeirdoDrummer23 · Tue Apr 26, 2016 10:35 pm

My bad, forgot to mention I'm running about 125 with the 1/8 6013. Not hot enough?

Wed Apr 27, 2016 10:46 pm

I'd be hotter. AC requires you to be about 30% hotter than you'd use for the same rod on DC.

135-150A.

Give it a go, and report back.

Steve S

WeirdoDrummer23 · Thu Apr 28, 2016 8:45 am

10 4 I'll give it a go

WeirdoDrummer23 · Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:04 pm

Ran one at 130, 160, then just below 200. Same problem. Acting like a bug zapper

WeirdoDrummer23 · Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:05 pm

I'm able to tie in okay and the beads end up looking fairly good but it can't be normal for a machine to do that

WeirdoDrummer23 · Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:47 pm

I also took the cover off and made sure all connections were tight, still no improvement. Does it on all heat settings.

JR-Jonas · Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:49 pm

The book said that it can only use 1/6 to 1/4 electrodes.

Thu Apr 28, 2016 11:57 pm

It sounds like you have "Chinese Machine Syndrome".

Harbor Freight has a no-questions-asked return/exchange policy. Go get another.

Steve S

WeirdoDrummer23 · Sun May 01, 2016 5:54 pm

Okay, new evidence: I swapped out the machine and had the same problem; HOWEVER, I found that the rods that come with the machine run like butter they are grey E6013 rods and I bought brown 6013 without the E in front. What's the difference?

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DLewis0289 · Sun May 01, 2016 6:00 pm

If I was stuck on a deserted island and was forced to us a Buzz Box, the ONLY rods I would use to maintain sanity would be MG-500's.......period.

Sun May 01, 2016 6:27 pm

WeirdoDrummer23 wrote:Okay, new evidence: I swapped out the machine and had the same problem; HOWEVER, I found that the rods that come with the machine run like butter they are grey E6013 rods and I bought brown 6013 without the E in front. What's the difference?

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Brand is the primary difference, and the different color suggests a different flux composition.

All the "E" means is "electrode", and using it is redundant, since it's written on the electrode.

Steve S

WeirdoDrummer23 · Sun May 01, 2016 6:53 pm

That's what's weird. They're both 1/8 6013. One runs normal and the other like jiffy pop. I'm glad it's not the machine but this kinda raises more questions than it answers

Mon May 02, 2016 8:20 pm

Try putting the "jiffy pop" rods in the oven at 250*F for a couple hours. They may be moist.

Failing that, throw them out and buy good quality rod.

Steve S