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Re: Cleaning recycled steel

7014 sounds fairly equal to me on AC or Dc. Sounds a lot like dual shield wire.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Only time I ever ran 7014 was about 20yrs ago when I rebuilt my stock trailer, so I can't say what it should sound like.

I do know that usually AC will run with a snappy sound, while DC will run with a smoother sound. I believe it's a function of the alternating current when running on AC. 7018AC, even with the arc stabilizers in the flux, will run absolutely LOUD on AC. It's so annoying that I wear earplugs if I have to run any meaningful amount of it.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Originally Posted by Mikel_24

Bead closest to the edge of the plate looks good. A tad inconsistent at the very end, but other than that I would say you are progressing nicely. I would suggest you have a look at some videos online (such as Jody in Weldingtipsandtricks) to get a feel of what you should be trying to do. Best of luck!

Originally Posted by farmersammm

If, and I'm only saying "if"...………..you're holding the rod holder/stinger in such a way that your hand is starting to fry near the end of the weld......do something different, like holding it down near the cable.

Just sayin'...….looks like you're getting in a hurry near the end of the rod. Hot hands will do that

I like to hold the rod near the arc between my fingers, while holding the stinger with my other hand. Helps to stabilize the rod when it's long, and hasn't started to really burn down. But I make sure my other hand is in the position I want, so that I can remove my fingers when they get hot.

Another thing that might be going on...……… Before you strike your arc, do a practice "run". Make sure your hands/body/head are free to complete the weld without having to contort your body before the bead is finished.

7014 is coming alongAttachment 1700087

Thank you both for the encouragement and advice. It wasn't that my hands got hot, but somehow things were definitely out of shape towards the end of the bead. I'm sure once I get some significant practice things will improve. (I have looked at Jody's videos, but no doubt could use another review.)

I'm also convinced my machine is not working right, as the arc sounds identical when set to AC as when set to DC. That is definitely not the case for TIG, and from what I can tell from videos, that shouldn't be the case for stick either. I am not overly concerned, since it seems to be running okay (7014 was great; 6011 went out periodically but I think that's because I wasn't sufficiently feeding the rod.)

I will practice some more and will post when I do some work on the actual project. Hopefully this weekend.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

If, and I'm only saying "if"...………..you're holding the rod holder/stinger in such a way that your hand is starting to fry near the end of the weld......do something different, like holding it down near the cable.

Just sayin'...….looks like you're getting in a hurry near the end of the rod. Hot hands will do that

I like to hold the rod near the arc between my fingers, while holding the stinger with my other hand. Helps to stabilize the rod when it's long, and hasn't started to really burn down. But I make sure my other hand is in the position I want, so that I can remove my fingers when they get hot.

Another thing that might be going on...……… Before you strike your arc, do a practice "run". Make sure your hands/body/head are free to complete the weld without having to contort your body before the bead is finished.

7014 is coming alongAttachment 1700087

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Bead closest to the edge of the plate looks good. A tad inconsistent at the very end, but other than that I would say you are progressing nicely. I would suggest you have a look at some videos online (such as Jody in Weldingtipsandtricks) to get a feel of what you should be trying to do. Best of luck!

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Originally Posted by farmersammm

7014, 6013, 7018...………….all drag rods. You'll be golden...

Well, 7014 is certainly a lot easier (for me) than 6011. So much smoother and easier to control. I had a little bit of a hard time getting it to lay down as much as I wanted, but I’m sure a lot of that is because I put the pipes together without a bevel. Most of this joint will get cut away to mate with the larger pipe, so I’m not too concerned.

I have a long, long way to go before I would say I can stick weld at all, but for hacking things together in the garage, I’m pleased for now. And my wife will be happy that I’m at least trying to use the steel tables I picked up for free (hence the need to clean my steel)


I figured I would run a stick of 6011 for comparison and holy moly I really struggle with it. In the back of this picture are the 6011 beads with 7014 in front:

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

7014, 6013, 7018...………….all drag rods. You'll be golden

Just point the rod into the joint at a 45* angle, and drag it. Don't move it, don't play with it, don't massage it, don't think it's yer p'cker………….just run it. You'll love it.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Originally Posted by Bonzoo

Agreed, provided he has air to run the thing

I’ll try that on the next one to see how it compares. I do have a small needle scaler. My compressor isn’t great but it will let me try it out at least.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Originally Posted by pigpen60

needle scaler.

Agreed, provided he has air to run the thing

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

I did some more cleanup and cut a couple pieces for the first joint. It’s not TOG clean just because of the inside (I used a carbide burr but it’s tough to get perfect).

I ordered some 7014 and am thinking about trying that instead of the 6011 in case it’s a bit easier.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

I see the problems with lack of practice with 6011. But as clean as you have that metal I would just run a good bead of 7018 or even 6013 as you might have a lot nicer looking weld. Just pay attention to your rod angle and puddle and watch it burn.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

jwmelvin get yourself a ceramic grit flap disc. I buy them online usually but in a pinch I get shopsmith brand from lowes (at $10 they are expensive but work well, online is the way to go), make sure you get ceramic grit. It literally cuts slivers of the metal off like a carbide die instead of grinding, throws hot micro chips so wear protection bc they will burn the heck out of you, and make light passes at a 15% angle with a pulling motion always. Be careful bc it will EAT metal It will leave your metal Tig clean. cheers! PS wait for the edges to wear down to round to get into corners, these discs are great for shaping metal smoothly, you'll be amazed if you haven't used them yet

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Looks clean to me. I had instances where paint came off during electrolysis.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Well I tried a few things: paint remover; knotted cup brush; electrolytic rust removal; vinegar. At this point maybe I could spend some more time with the wire brush but they are still nowhere close to TIG clean.


Could I use 6011 on them as is? Here’s a picture of my one attempt at stick welding, with some of this same pipe and 6011; as you can see I am not good:

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

needle scaler.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

I do have a spoil of flux core I can run with the 120V machine. But I agree that my skill demands some help by minimizing challenges.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

There are so many variables with welding, with all processes, so as a beginner, at least eliminate one of them, and use as clean as possible metal. You can get away with some rust, etc, with flux core, but Tig, nope. As a beginner, don't make it harder to learn, clean, clean, clean.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Originally Posted by jwmelvin

So you’re saying learn how to stick weld; my first try was not encouraging. I do have a 120V MIG I could use but I wasn’t sure it is up to the job. I’m not proficient at any of the methods but have the most time with TIG so tend to use it.

I’ll update after I try some things. I may just switch plans to using new metal...

I made a stupid comment. I forget that not everybody has all the stuff necessary to choose a particular process at will.

Hell, I can't work with aluminum because I'm not set up for it.

I agree that the small 120v wire welder is out. Not enough oomph.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

So you’re saying learn how to stick weld; my first try was not encouraging. I do have a 120V MIG I could use but I wasn’t sure it is up to the job. I’m not proficient at any of the methods but have the most time with TIG so tend to use it.

I’ll update after I try some things. I may just switch plans to using new metal...

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Wire wheel and 6010, tig could be a disaster if it's not clean. By the time you invest cleaning it , two 6010 rods and your done.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Not sure why anyone would TIG something like this

Well.....maybe I do if a guy can't run stick, or doesn't have a wire machine.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

I did play around with 6011 a while ago but I am terrible so far. So I planned to TIG this. And I know that means it has to be clean; hence my question. I was hoping for something easy but it sounds like that may not exist.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

A lot of times I go with a needle scaler and then wire cup brush. Also agree with Bonzoo on the rod selections.

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Stick it in a vented enclosed container with about a gallon or less of paint brush cleaner. Let it sit. Keep it vented and in open space.

Paint remover might work,too?

If you have a project in mind it might easier to cut the metal and strip what is needed.

What is the cost to have it sandblasted?

Re: Cleaning recycled steel

Cupped wire AND this is where the 6010 and 6011 belong in your pocket. THAT is what they do best. Welding scrap.They Whip paint, scale , rust and cement skin and anything in the way. Won't be purty but it'll be fixed !
For all new material here's where the 7014(thin) or 7018(heavy) rule the stick. 7024 is a real and mostly unknown jewel to the box store aficionados, run too...... under the right circumstances.