Technical Simple welding question.

In the past, all of the stick welding I did was with an A/C "buzz-box". Some time back, I bought an Everlast 140ST inverter machine. So far I really like it. I recently bought a package of rods (E6013) that were marked "Run best on A/C or DC reverse Polarity. Run Ok on DC Straight Polarity". I checked the Everlast manual from cover to cover, and they say only DC Straight Polarity, with no mention of Reverse Polarity. I took the cables out of the machine and the plugs are identical as far as I can see, and go to either side and lock.

It would seem to me that all would have to do is to switch cables and it would be Reverse Polarity. Years ago, I would have just tried it, but at my age, I hope to have bought my last welder. It only bothers me that the manual has no mention of it. Does anyone know : 1.) Would it damage the machine to try?. 2.) would it be true Reverse Polarity?. 3.) Does it really make that much difference?

 

Sounds correct. Can't see how anything would be damaged unless the swap is done using a hammer.

Don't know if it makes much difference, all my welders run on acetylene.

 

I did natural gas pipeline welding for about 8 years. If memory serves me correctly, I never used reverse polarity for any mild steel work. Theoretically I think you could just reverse cables, but I don’t think it’s going to produce any desirable results. Some good info here https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en/Welding-and-Cutting-Resource-Center/Process-and-Theory/AC-DC-Understanding-Polarity#:~:text=Incorrect polarity will cause poor,be set for either polarity.

 

When I had to use flux core outside, on my MiG I swapped the polarity inside the unit. Been years so can’t recall what to tell you. Never thought about the plugins on the cables, should work, but no experience.

 

Google says you just swap the plug ins.

 

I run 6013 on reverse polarity, on my machine I just simply swap cables, I can’t imagine it would hurt your machine. Running on reverse polarity is supposed to give a little deeper penetration, I’m not a good enough welder to really know since I seem to produce identical welds with either polarity I run reverse so hopefully have a little better penetration. I doubt with my skill level it really matters.
DC Positive (reverse polarity) Can be used on all electrodes except those ending in 2.

AC Can be used on all electrodes except those ending in 0 or 5 .

DC negative ( straight polarity) Can be used on all electrodes except those ending in 0 or 8.

Straight 7018 doesn’t run well on ac they make ac7018
YMMV.
Dan

 

Thanks guys. It's what I figured. If there was any chance of damage, I'm sure the cable ends would be incompatible.

 

Run the 6013 reverse , it will look like God burnt the rods . Just switch the leads and go to town . You will be able to weld the crack of dawn !

 

I used to know,,, from welding class 40 years ago,,, but forgot

 

OK. I'll try it tomorrow.

 

Some stuff works better one way or the other.
One thing I remember from welding classes:
When DC welding "Reverse Polarity = Rod Positive".
On AC, it doesn't matter.

 

Yep positive outlet and cable to electrode
Dan

 

Glad I remembered something. My Introduction to Welding class was over 40 years ago.

 

I run 6013 on a/c. kinda a beginner rod, easy to run but really does not penetrate a s a 6011 or 6010 would. 6010 is a dc rod. I certified on pipe welding back in the 60s in the 5g position using 6010 as a root pass and finish with 7018. Dont know if i could weld that good this day and age.

 

I was going for my All Position Pipe ticket, TIG Root Pass and 7018.
And at the same time, going to College, for Tool & Die Making.
I never got a Welding cert, but learned a lot. It was helpful.

 

6010 6013 7014 7018 all I use , all DCRP.

 

I'll bring this back for an addition. I just received this from YesWelder and it may help answer some questions.
AC VS DC Welding Explained | YesWelder