Thread: Hello and advice?

Originally Posted by distractor

All these welds are using Satincraft 13 rods (which I really like) at 90A. I tried using some Speedex 12 rods but I find it very hard to strike and maintain an arc.

The beads look fine. The welds on the angle look rather high like there isn't much penetration. I'm not a welder so please don't take my comments too seriously.

I know what you mean about Satincraft versus Speedex. I bought some Speedex but didn't like them because the arc seemed very sludgey (technical term here). However, recently I was testing a DC welder and used the Speedex rods and they do work well but they need more current to spark them into life. The recommended current range is 55 - 80 but I find they like 75 - 100 amps on 3mm plate. If you have a packet lying around why not try laying beads with more current until they work. They don't give a lively arc like Satincraft but it is easier to see the puddle when they do work.

Hopefully this reply will elicit some more meaningful feedback from the knowledgeable folk here.

Originally Posted by distractor

All these welds are using Satincraft 13 rods (which I really like) at 90A. I tried using some Speedex 12 rods but I find it very hard to strike and maintain an arc.

Hi Distractor,
First there are no real issues with your welds, outside of steady travel which will come with practice.

A couple of points then.One is that Satincraft 13 and
Speedex 12 are probably are differently to one another as you going to get in the ms range.

They are made for different applications so they run differently from one another.

13's best function in a downhand or horizontal vertical position whereas 12's are best used as a positional electrode. They are therefor a bit more "sludgy" ( good term Steve ) than the 13's so they hang in there doing the out of position stuff.Notice that the ripple patterns are not as fluid and smooth as the 13's.

Yes they need a touch more grunt and a shorter arc.Its only a matter of getting used to it.

Grahame

Thanks for the comments and advice. Nice to know the difference between the two rods.
I also bought some Ozito 2.5mm GP rods because of the 5mm longer length. I like these better than the Satincraft ones. Any opinions on these?

Originally Posted by distractor

I also bought some Ozito 2.5mm GP rods because of the 5mm longer length. I like these better than the Satincraft ones.

Do you mean 5mm or 5cm ? I can't imagine an extra 5mm being much value. The important thing is that you like them. Can you explain why you think they're better ?