15OPERATING MANUAL
STICK MMA OPERATION
Electrode
The welding electrode is a rod coated with a layer of ux. When welding, electrical
current ows between the electrode (rod) and the grounded metal work piece.
The intense heat of the arc between the rod and the grounded metal melts the
electrode and the ux. The most popular electrodes are:
• E6011 60,000 PSI tensile strength deep penetrating applications.
• E6013 60,000 PSI tensile strength used for poor t up applications
• E7014 70,000 PSI tensile strength used for high deposition and fast travel speeds
with light penetration
• E7018 70,000 PSI tensile strength, used for out of position and tacking.
Selecting The Proper Amperage For The Electrode
There is no golden rule that determine the exact rod or heat setting required for
every situation. The type and thickness of metal and the position of the work piece
determine the electrode type and the amount of heat needed in the welding process.
Heavier and thicker metals required more amperage.
Electrode/Amperage Guide
2.5mm diameter E6013 Electrodes – 60 to 100amps
3.2mm diameter E6013 Electrodes – 80 to 150amps
It is best to practice your welds on scrap metal which matches the metal you intend to
work with to determine correct heat setting and electrode choice. See the following
trouble shooting tips to determine if you are using a correct electrode.
1. When proper rod is used:
a) The bead will lay smoothly over the work without ragged edges
b) The base metal puddle will be as deep as the bead that rises above it
c) The welding operation will make a crackling sound similar to the sound of
bacon frying
2. When a rod too small is used
a) The bead will be high and irregular
b) The arc will be dicult to maintain
3. When the rod is too large
a) The arc will burn through light metals
b) The bead will undercut the work
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