[TheForge] MIG setup

[Ralph Sproul]

Rick,  I'm unfamiliar with "smooth arc" and "forcing arc" connections on
your welder - especially if there is a common ground lug.

Is this welder an AC welder? or AC/DC welder?

AND........yes, low hydrogen rods are hard starting in AC or straight
polarity.  They should be run in reverse polarity (even though they do sell
a 7018AC from what I'm told).

Reverse polarity starts much easier as it is "electrode hot"

I run 1/8 7018 at 90 - 120 amps.......and usually more close to 95-105 amps
on my machines........with reverse polarity (electrode positive) on all
three of my DC machines......I dont' own an AC (only) machine.

Ralph

----- Original Message -----
From: "RICK KORINEK" <rickkorinek at rcn.com>
To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2004 5:41 PM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] MIG setup


> Ralph,
> Hello.  I have a related polarity question.  I was making a
> top die block for my 50# LG.  It is a platform with the
> dovetails which will take replaceable dies (similar to the 2-
> piece bottom dies that Sid sells, and you make).  I was
> welding the die block together--making the dovetails out of
> pieces welded together.  The question is about using 7018
> rod. I purchased some 1/8" rod to use for this application.
> I had a hell of a time getting the arc to start.  I have a
> small (180 amp) stick welder.  Even at full current, I could
> not draw an arc.  Finally in frustration, I abandoned the
> stick machine and went back to the MIG machine and welded the
> die up with 60k tensile wire.
>
> So, my first question is:  Is 7018 just plain hard to start?
> Also, what polarity I should have set up for the 7018?  And
> would this make a difference for start-up?  My welder was set
> up with the electrode on the "Smooth arc" connection and the
> ground wire on the "common ground" connection.  There is
> a "Forcing arc" connection point that I know nothing about.
> Do you have any wisdom to sprinkle on this situation.
>
> Thanks,
> -Rick
>
> Ps.  I will forward the draft article I wrote about the
> Fitchburg event to you.
>
>
> ---- Original message ----
> >Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2004 16:27:08 -0400
> >From: "Ralph Sproul" <brhlbsmt at mcttelecom.com>
> >Subject: Re: [TheForge] MIG setup
> >To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
> >
> >Hi John,  General rule is reverse polarity for hard wire and
> dual shield
> >wires(electrode positive) and straight polarity for strictly
> flux cored wire
> >(electrode negative).
> >
> >There are exceptions for some of the flux cored wires.
> >
> >Ralph
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: "John Switzer" <switz at mindspring.com>
> >To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
> >Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2004 11:16 AM
> >Subject: [TheForge] MIG setup
> >
> >
> >> Ok, here is my chance to show my ignorance.  I took three
> semesters of
> >> welding & now that I have bought a wire feeder so that I
> can MIG weld I
> >> don't recall if you MIG with electrode positive or
> negative.  I seem to
> >> remember something about one way for MIG and the other for
> Flux wire.  Any
> >> help is appreciated.
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >>
> >> John Switzer
> >> 7019 Burnt Mill Rd
> >> Beulah, CO 81023
> >> (719) 485-3109
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
> >> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> >> theforge mail list group photo site is
> >> http://www.photoaccess.com
> >> Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
> >> password:  anvil
> >> ___________
> >>
> >>
> >
> >_______________________________________________
> >Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
> >http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> >theforge mail list group photo site is
> >http://www.photoaccess.com
> >Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
> >password:  anvil
> >___________
> >
> >
> Rick Korinek
> Emerald City Forge
> Framingham, MA
> _______________________________________________
> Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> theforge mail list group photo site is
> http://www.photoaccess.com
> Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
> password:  anvil
> ___________
>
>