Stick Electrodes for use with PowerTig 200 DV?

[MBfrontier]

I am looking to purchase some stick electrodes to try stick welding mild steel with my Everlast PowerTIG 200 DV. I frequently read blogs about the ability or inability to run 6010 rods so I'm trying to avoid the mistake of purchasing welding rods I will be unable to use. Which type and diameter of electrodes should I buy that will run on my machine? Any input is appreciated.

[everlastsupport]

I would start with 6011 or 6013 and some 7018. Start to practice with the 7018, it will help you learn the feel. But later, use the 6011 or 6013.

[performance]

7014 will do fine. No need to waste money on 7018 for GP work. 7014 is medium penetrating and is known as a "Fab" rod in the industry. Relatively high speed deposition rates, and a nice bead. 6011 should work if it's a decent quality rod in place of the 6010. Use Lincoln Fleetweld 180.

I have not had a chance to extensively work with the new DV. I have reason to believe it may actually work better with 6010, but we can't put that stamp on it until I actually test it.

[zoama]

Your machine will run 1/8" electrodes or smaller on 240v input.

[DaveO]

If it's useful information, all the electrode types mentioned will run electrode positive.

[Gerry]

For a good cheap rod look at the Hot Max Brand on Amazon part number 23046 1/8" 7014. 10lb for less then 20 bucks and free shipping if your a prime member.
I like the 7014 and their 7018.

[everlastsupport]

If it's useful information, all the electrode types mentioned will run electrode positive.

Good point. Some reading material for the OP http://www.weldersuniverse.com/fille...sumeables.html

[MBfrontier]

Thanks for all of the input. Today I'll be picking up a box of Lincoln 6011 1/8 in. and a box of Lincoln 7018 1/8 in. welding rods from Home Depot. It looks like they are selling 5 lb. boxes of these rods for about $13.00 a box. I'll post another reply with the results or lack of results (never stick welded before). I'm sure the machine is capable but can't vouch for the operator. Stay tuned.............

[MBfrontier]

Well, I went to Home Depot yesterday and bought a box of Lincoln 6011 and 7018 1/8 in. stick electrodes. I tried the 6011 rod first at several amperage and arc force settings. I was using 1/4 in. mild steel plate. I tried tapping and scratching the rod to get the arc started and after sticking the rod like crazy I settled on scratching the rod and got a little better at it after many tries. After fooling around with trying to run beads I settled on practicing at 95 amps and 50% arc force. I found the 6011 rod made lots of smoke with little flux covering the weld and made ugly beads (probably me). I found the 7018 rod made less smoke with more flux covering the weld and the bead looked much better than the 6011. It seemed like holding a very tight arc gave the best results with both types of rod.

I have included a picture of the final welds on plate I did with the 6011 beads on top and the bottom 4 beads with 7018 rod. I cleaned all the welds in my blast cabinet so you can see my attempts at stick welding without all the flux and contamination blocking the view.


I am used to much cleaner weld beads with MIG and TIG and find stick welding a very dirty process in comparison. After running a bead with stick I find a lot of flux, soot, and splatter as opposed to the other two processes. For some reason I want to get better at stick welding so any comments or suggestions are welcomed.