AC Welding Stick

[Steved]

From limited past experience with stick I have always done DC but I understand that stick can also be welded in AC mode.

What are the advantages? Does it perform the same cleaning action as with TIG AC welding?

Comments appreciated.

Regards,

Steve

[cnslmva]

Steved,

Stick welding done with AC current is usually limited to high deposition electrodes (7014, 7024, etc.). You can use AC with 7018, but it is usually recommended with large diameter electrodes (3/16" and up). AC does not give as smooth of an arc as DC and isn't used in much code quality work.
Hope this helps!

[cope]

I am not sure, but I would imagine that 90% or more of all home shop welding, as well as a lot done in garages, is done on AC. For 99% of what gets welded in a home shop there is no need for anthing other than 6011/6013/7014. People buy the 7018 and store them on the shelf and soon they are no longer true 7018.

[hankj]

I use all three rods that Cope mentions on my old Sears buzz-box. They weld just great on AC. You can also buy an AC rated 7018, but I've never needed it.

Arc stability is much better with DC, but you can get into things like arc-blow and other stuff that is not a concern with an AC welder. Besides, buzz-boxes are generaly cheaper than DC power sources.

Hank

[Sberry]

If you have DC there is no point in using AC unless you have alloy work, I tend to like AC for nickel on cast sometimes, other than that put the machine on DCRP and bust the knob off so people dont fool with it.

[hankj]

Cary,

For sure. I think I'd leave the knob on though. Like you say, if you got it...

Hank

[HAWK]

Steved,

The only reason I run AC is for 1/8" and larger 7014 rods. It makes a killer weld when needing to lay down the metal and fill gaps. As I mentioned recently the 7014 1/8" rod on AC is how I welded up a tilt trailer from scratch with 3x3xx3/8 angle iron for the frame. I ran 3 stringers and no caps for the most part. I had a guy buy it just because it was heavy duty and he liked the look of the welds. Other than that I have no use for AC stick. Now GTAW is a different story!!!