Stick weld on a frame?

[number9]

Anyone on here ever weld on a frame with a stick? I've got a Lincoln AC/DC 225 welder and don't really want / need to buy a mig welder just for using on karts.

I'm planning on adding a mechanical disc brake mount and some other weldments to the Manco American Express frames, not actually welding up a new frame.

Any tips on rods / amp settings to use from those that have would be great.

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[chancer]

It should work fine. Just a little practice, and the right settings on your welder and the right rods.
Search the FAQ section and helpful links thread. I remember ther is some great info there.

 

[tazmannusa]

I use to build buggies and even roll cages in a baja bug with stick, didn't have a mig and I was outside. 3/32" or 1/8" 6011 rods, start out around 75 amps DC electrode + and practice . adjust amps up or down from there, try both sizes of rods to see what works best for you

 

[number9]

Thanks guys. I've got some 3/32" 6011 already. Just wanted to ask for some confirmation. I'll practice on some scrap to dial the settings in of course, don't want to blow through the frame for sure.

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[Poboy kartman]

Is that possible? I kinda weld like I make toast: I cook it until it burns and then cook it a little less!

 

[landuse]

I have welded everything of mine with stick. I use 6013

 

[machinist@large]

I have welded everything of mine with stick. I use 6013

Paul, you and I dug into that when you were having issues on one of your builds. That time you were fighting it out with the correct dia. rod. And while I first learned how to stick weld with 6013, it's nickname in industry is "Liar's Rod" because even if you do everything correctly, there is zero garuntee that you actually have a good weld.

While I personally have very little use for 6013, I personally won't touch it unless I've got nothing else available. 6010/6011 (these are polarity specific) and/or 7014/7018 (DC only) are much stronger, and once you learn the fine points much nicer to use.

6013 is like playing with crayons; the others are like learning basic penmanship. (And for anyone else, stick welding is/requires penmanship). End of story.

 

[tazmannusa]

Interesting statement about the 6013, if it was truly as bad as your saying they would quit manufacturing it . If you know how to weld and use proper joint prep it works fine . I have known people in the past that love it and use it on farm equipment repairs with no problems .
I have used it also, built and hung a lot of coral gates just because I ran out of 6011, no issues with strength and if I took the time to hammer off the slag it looked nicer than 6011.
I have also chewed the fat with old time welders that built ships during WW2 most of them hated 6011 and loved there 7018 and 6013

 

[landuse]

Maybe it is a personal choice?? For me, 6013 is all I have ever used, so I don't know what the others are like. I could be using the crappiest rods out there and I wouldn't know it. I weld very seldom, but I will try the 6010's next time and report back

 

[number9]

I just do general welding around the property (tractor implements, jeep, etc) and like the 6011 better than 6013. Give them a try sometime.

I've got some parts on the way that will need welding on, so I'll be trying this out soon as I find some appropriate scrap to test with.

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