Which Polarity Is Better AC Or DC For Stick?

[ArcBurn007]

Personally I prefer DC

[Sandy]

Well AC vs DC isn't really a polarity issue in the technical sense. With DC there are, naturally, choices of DCEP or DCEN.

[Newfie_1986]

Id rather DC. Unless im running a 7024, I prefer to run them on AC

[farmersamm]

I don't know if I could say one is better than the other. I think it depends on what type of rod your using, and whether you're able to work with the rod and your machine to your satisfaction.

First 2 pics.....6011AC two different angles of same weld

Next 2 pics.... 7018DCEP

DC seems gentler smoother, and easier to control the puddle though. Hell, I dunno

I'm currently involved in a hot love affair with 7018, so.............

[Hammack_Welding]

Neither is better than the other. The rod alot of times will dictate the current used. I run DC most of the time, but on occaissions have run AC for varying reasons.

[Tim]

The only input I would make on this is that if you are saving money up to buy a machine, you are better served by saving some more and buying a DC capable machine, and thereby having the choice of not only AC vs DC, but polarity for the DC. That said, a backyard welder on a budget can accomplish a lot with an AC only machine and they are often available for cheap on the used market.

[Nitesky]

It is harder to strike an arc with AC, especially with lower amp settings. At times it is impossible to maintain an arc at low amp settings with AC.

If you ever want to weld thin material then you may find that DC is easier to use.

[6010]

DC electrode positive gives you deepest penetration. Then comes AC. And then DC electrode negative.

AC can be a little harder to learn with as mentioned above because the arc is a little harder to start and the current is going through zero 120 times a second. Good AC rods have things in their coating to help stabilize the arc. For anyone other than someone running his first beads, I don't think the arc problem with AC would even be noticed.

AC is useful when arc blow is a problem.

DC electrode negative is useful when welding something thin.

[Ken Dennis]

I am not the best to be answering this question, as I am re-acquainting myself to stick after using a mig almost exclusively for many years!
But anyway, AC and DC both have their uses, in a nutshell I would say AC for thick material and DC for thin, for just an off the top answer, but DC is smoother for less spatter!

Ken.

[quasi]

from my experience running a sub arc AC spreads DC digs. so neither is good nor bad just depends on what you are doing.

[Fat Bastard]

What a strange question.

Did you ride the bus to school or carry your lunch?

When did you stop beating your wife?




What rod are you welding with? What material are you welding on?