any welders out there help please

[CARNUT]

hi guys I have a cracked frame on my 84 dodge ram.
I have cut some new gussets and a two diagonal cross bars for strength.
my son is a self taught welder and very good at it.
I was wondering welding with a ark welder what is the best welding stick to use and what's a good voltage range to be in.
thanks
ray

[b569rr]

What type of machine are you using? AC or DC, or both? Then we can pick out a rod and amperage setting.

6010 is a DC only rod and welds both uphill and down hill and fills gaps well. Better run downhill because I can see him blowing a hole with the heat build up running up.

7018 is stronger than 6010, but doewn't get the penetration (dig) that 6010 will. If you have an AC machine, 6011 or 7018 will work. 7018 is not a rod to use when filling gaps. 7018 is a drag rod. And when in the vertical position, 7018 only welds uphill.

If you have a DC machine, I would fill the crack with 1/8" 6010 and set the machine at 100 amps. For the gussets, I would use 3/32" 7018 rod, same amperage.

Tom

[CARNUT]

I don't know I'm assuming it ac its a large older style Lincoln ark welder 220 volt unit

[MoPar_or _NoCar]

If it's the "idealarc" then it's an AC macine and I would burn 1/8" 6011 @ 120. Multiposition and very user freindly.

[b569rr]

It will be AC input regardless. It is the output you want to look at. If it is AC, as stated above, 6011 is a good AC multipurpose rod, just not as strong as 7018 which can be used AC or DC.

[MoPar_or _NoCar]

It will be AC input regardless. It is the output you want to look at. If it is AC, as stated above, 6011 is a good AC multipurpose rod, just not as strong as 7018 which can be used AC or DC.