|
Hi Boco, There's another important variable in your situation: Will the equipment be moved along any public roads or only on your own property? If the latter, then the stakes aren't so high because an accident caused by the hitch failing would probably be no worse than just another situation you'd have to deal with. If you're a farmer, that's what you spend most of your time doing anyway---dealing with one thing after another. If you'll be on public roads then you have a legal, as well as a moral, obligation to get it right. There really are too many variables to answer your question simply. Let me address some of the information you've already received which I think might point you in the wrong direction. The first 2 (or 3) digits of the numerical designation of a stick electrode do indicate its tensile strength (the force it takes to pull it apart) in psi. But so do the numbers for MIG wire. Thus, E-7018 rod and ER70S-6 solid wire are both 70,000 psi mild steel electrodes. It's true that it's easier to make a good looking weld that's really a bad weld with wire feed than with stick, but it's also easier to make a good weld with wire. Stick is a difficult process to master. Knowing HOW to do stick right, and being able to do it are two different things. Unfortunately they're things that are about 10,000 sticks apart (maybe only 1,000-2,000 if you're precocious.) Once you learn what to do and what to look for with wire feed, you can start doing it pretty soon. For practical purposes, anything above 70,000 psi should be considered a specialty electrode, not simply "stronger is better." The various stick electrodes from 8018 to 12018 are for very specific applications depending on the alloy composition of the steel being welded as well as the intended use of the equipment. For instance, Lincoln's Jet-LH 8018-C1 MR was designed for welding pipeline and equipment that will carry liquid ammonia; using it to weld your hitch because it's 10,000 psi stronger than 7018 wouldn't be a good choice. If your project is for use only on your own property, go with whichever process you're most comfortable with and give it your best shot. If you're going to be on public roads, make sure you know what you're doing or get it done by someone who does. All the best, Stan
|
