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Hi Dave, Here is a reprint of a post from the past threads I worte: It's the electrode flux that first determines the best choice of welding current type. Since flux composistion is classified "top seceret" by the manufactures we can only generalize without looking up the mfg electrode recomendations. If your using a unkown electrode mfg then you can use this "generalized" list: Last number on the rod is flux type:
8= DCEP
O= DCEP
1= DCEN
2,3,4 or 7= AC or DC 5= DCEP (only)
6= DCRP, AC, DCEN DCEP= DC electrode positive also called reverse polarity
DCEN= DC electrode negitive also called straight polarity
This list doesn't hold true for all electrodes. If the above list recomends DCEP and the electrode doesn't run well, try DCEN, then AC.
A good rule of thumb for electrodes; XXX(A)
Electrode numbers ending in (A)= 0, 1, or 2 are deep penetration electrodes.
2/3 to full diameter of electrode is typical penetration Numbers ending with 3 or 8 are mild penetration electrodes.
1/2 to 2/3 of electrode diameter is typical penetration numbers ending with 4 or 7 are light penetration electrodes
1/3 to 1/2 of electrode diameter is typical penetration This is pretty generalized as electrode amperage, arc length, travel speed, steel type, joint design, electrode polarity, base metal temperature, abiment temperature would effect penetration for the same electrode type. T_Bone
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