AC Stick Welding

[Tim]

Is it safe to say that when you stick weld with AC that the puddle is more "Fluid like" Than with DC?
Welding on some Quarter inch thick box tubing I was using a 6011 rod on DC.
Worked real good. Tried it with AC and it seemed like it didnt freeze as fast, Like it was more fluid like.
Thanks in Advance
Tim

[Blacksmith]

Were you using DC straight or reverse polarity? AC is basically switching 60 times per second, so I would think it would fall in between. I have a choice between AC stick and MIG and I really prefer the AC stick for the fluidity it seems to give me.

[R. Nelson]

Re: AC Stick Welding

Originally posted by Tim
Is it safe to say that when you stick weld with AC that the puddle is more "Fluid like" Than with DC?
Welding on some Quarter inch thick box tubing I was using a 6011 rod on DC.
Worked real good. Tried it with AC and it seemed like it didnt freeze as fast, Like it was more fluid like.
Thanks in Advance
Tim

AC welding is easier than DC, and looks good because, as Blacksmith states, the current is alternating, which smooths out the arc and eliminates arc blow and works great for most of the welding you will probably do, especially ornamental work, but, if you want max sthrength, DCEP (electrode positive) or DCRP (reverse polarity) same thing, different terminoligy, is the way to go.