Stick Welding

[Irun]

Having only ever used a MIG welder, I recently picked up a new, never used, Miller Maxstar 150 from a buddy. I bought the welder because I've always wanted to try stick welding and have been looking for a light and portable welder that runs on 110 and 220. It also didn't hurt that he sold it to me dirt cheap.

That said, as I start to learn to use it I'm having a difficult time deciphering which electrodes to buy and use. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good website/guide? I've been searching and the amount of information is overwhelming, and questionable, in some cases.

FWIW, he also gave me a 10 lb Fusion Flow pack of E7018 3/32" to start with. I have not used it yet.

 

[someguysjeep]

IIRC E6011 or E6013 (not sure it's 1 of those).......are real easy to start with.

not like a mig....... your kinda laying it down in.
good for workin outside in the wind.

 

[Nimbley]

Get some 6011 rod, scrap steel, and start practicing. 7018 works very well but isn't as forgiving. I typically reserve it for DC welding. I'm definitely not a pro but stick welding takes practice. It's pretty easy once you get used to your machine. Since your coming from a wire feed remember to drag the stick, not push it. I'm old school, I still prefer oxy/acetylene welding with a filler rod.

 

[Daryl]

7018 is commonly used in the agricultural & heavy equipment industries and is an excellent choice. Here’s a quick description of how the welding rod numbering system works. 7018 welds best in reverse polarity.

 

[Daryl]

7018 welding rod information.
https://www.mechanicwiz.com/7018-welding-rod/

 

[Swamp Yankee]

6013 and the 7018 are 2 good rods to use, 6011 is good for dirty metal welding when you can’t clean what your welding but doesn’t weld as clean as the other 2. The diameter of the rod depends on the thickness of the base metal, I’m sure there is a chart somewhere, get a couple sizes.

 

[jeepins]

Good YouTube channel for welding:

Weld.com

 

[PCO6]

Get some 6011 rod, scrap steel, and start practicing. 7018 works very well but isn't as forgiving. I typically reserve it for DC welding. I'm definitely not a pro but stick welding takes practice. It's pretty easy once you get used to your machine. Since your coming from a wire feed remember to drag the stick, not push it. I'm old school, I still prefer oxy/acetylene welding with a filler rod.

I'm with you. I learned to weld using O/A decades ago and still enjoy it. I got to the point where I can weld sheet metal without using rod, basically fusion welding. It's not for every application of course but if you want to shape metal panels using an English wheel, anvils, dollies, etc. after joining them you have to do it by hammer welding.