Welding Tips and Tricks

Hello chaps

I'm new here and to welding so looking for advice etc. on building a support cradle for my boat.
I will be welding section to section and 3/8" plate to it so it can be bolted together etc.
I bought a cheap ac welder to do the job and invested in a proper helmet screen (reactive one) and will be starting as soon as my fingers mend after a rather unfortunate accident with a table saw.

If there is any one willing to give some advice on amp settings or welding rod size / choice ect., I would be very thankful

Regards

Bob

From UK

Hey,

Welcome to the forum,

For a steel project of that thickness, go with a 3.25mm 6012 or 13 Good for general purpose.

Mick

Welcome, Robert,

I agree with Mick, the 1/8" (3.25mm) 6013 is a good choice. Assuming your machine is AC (6013 is designed for AC but can run DC fine), I'd start about 120 A, and adjust 'til you're comfortable.

Steve S

Robertj.

Even though you are new to welding, you probably know that welding can be done in different positions, in example when the pieces are flat, vertical, overhead ... let's say out of position. Each position has its difficulties. Perhaps the easiest for a beginner is the flat position of the work pieces.

Many shops break down their large assemblies into sub-assemblies in order to have better access to weld them. Then the welded sub-assemblies are united and the out of position welds are performed.

If possible, to ease the difficulty of welding, you may consider orienting/rotating/flipflopping your assemblies to make the welding easier.

Others tack weld every thing up so you have the correct dimensions of the overall assembly and then rotate and flipflop it to make welding easier.

Last comment for now, in order to reduce your distortion due to welding, attempt to balance the tack welds and the sequence when welding all of them.

Only some suggestions.
Tanks for the patience.
Alexa

Welcome to the forum.

HI there Robertj,

First of all welcome to the forum.
The E6013 rods will work fine but you might have some problems with the welds, this type of rods usually gets worm holes or undercuts if you are not used to using it.

Since your materials are thick enough, may I suggest using the E7024 rods, it has more tensile strength, easier to apply, you can just drag the rod and no need for weld manipulation or weaving. Just set your amperage to 150 or 160 and you'll have a good weld. But best done with flat or horizontal positions only. This rod is just perfect for your AC welder.

Do try it first on scrap metal to get the hang of it !

7024? Jet Rod?

You must mean 7014.

7024 is a DCEN rod, that I've never used smaller than 1/4", at 275+ AMPS, flat 1G only. Makes mirror-smooth welds, and a slight breeze will clear the slag.

Steve S