Is this typical for AC stick welding

[metalpuddler]

Picked up a Lincoln Power arc 4000 to carry on the back of my SUV. I am not satisfied with the way it welds. It strikes the arc just fine and welds great for about a an inch and a half then momentarily looses the arc and comes right back. It stops just long enough for the weld puddle and flux to solidify. I have noticed that when welding if I practically bury the rod in the puddle it will continue welding, however if I come away at all it will stop. Welding vert up it stops at every step up. Is this normal?
In trying to find a weld/gen to carry on the back of the SUV for gate and gate operator repair I was limited to weight of the unit. I guess the market on these small weld/gens is all used up. Was initially looking for a thermal arc scout and ended up with this Lincoln not realizing it was an A/C machine.

[snowbird]

Normal no. current interruption....ground clamp solid and close to work ?
stinger solid contact and connections?

How old are your electrodes, wich type, manufacturer? does the flux break when you bend them about 45 degrees? if it breaks do you see oxidation inside the rod? are they dc? ac? ac-dc? moist?

maybe try with with electrodes from rreputable manufacturer and seller that are known to be good on this type of machine.

[metalpuddler]

All connections are good, first thing I did. Brand new box of Lincoln 3/32 7018AC/DC. The droping of the arc is very consistent not just once in a while.

[metalpuddler]

Flux breaks as soon as the bend starts. Will put in oven and try again as well as try from a different box. Also will not burn DC rod at all, will spark but never developed an arc.

[metalpuddler]

Rod test results

6013 3/32 & 1/8, welds crisp and clean with no interruptions

7018 A/C 3/32 & 1/8, arc stability loss every inch or so (2 different brands 3/32)

7018 D/C 3/32, won’t start arc at all only scratch sparks

6011 3/32 & 1/8, won’t maintain arc at all, cuts in and out like engine is running out of gas or too much load on engine. I can watch the governor trying to keep up.

6010 3/32, same as above.

So it almost feels like an engine issue except for the fact it will run the 6013 like a new machine, Ideas? Anyone?

[snowbird]

Use 6013!!

for your application it's probably stronger than a 7018 poorly laid. you could also try 7014.

I don't want to start a dilemma but 6013 in the rest of the world is very popular

[Meltedmetal]

Your results are definitely not typical of AC welding but may be typical of that machine. 7018AC and 6011 and for that matter 6013 should all weld fine on AC. Have you looked at the manual for the machine? It is available for download on the Lincoln website. Can you check your welding voltage and current to see if it producing up to spec. Should be about 25 vac at 100 amps. Open circuit voltage 62 vac Max.---Meltedmetal

[Tryagn5]

load test....

Picked up a Lincoln Power arc 4000 to carry on the back of my SUV. I am not satisfied with the way it welds. It strikes the arc just fine and welds great for about a an inch and a half then momentarily looses the arc and comes right back. It stops just long enough for the weld puddle and flux to solidify. I have noticed that when welding if I practically bury the rod in the puddle it will continue welding, however if I come away at all it will stop. Welding vert up it stops at every step up. Is this normal?
In trying to find a weld/gen to carry on the back of the SUV for gate and gate operator repair I was limited to weight of the unit. I guess the market on these small weld/gens is all used up. Was initially looking for a thermal arc scout and ended up with this Lincoln not realizing it was an A/C machine.

What i gather is this machine is only running an electrode which uses the least amount of amps. I would gather either the machine engine is running poorly, which it will not maintain rpms as the rod burns, likely clogged carb, or poor engine condtion. I have welded with these in the past, they weld a lot like an ac buzz box, poor control and very sharp arc. Now if you could load test the machine ie..load bank it would be easy to troubleshoot. Honestly i would be going the trailer route. Doubt you will be happy with thoose little welders. Fyi honda makes a 13hp gen/weld version, they weld very nice, i also have seen some wildcats on some garage door trucks.
Kevin

[Sberry]

6011 is low amp, 13 is much higher.