7014 electrode

[prowess]

Just spent the late morning and early afternoon welding up a project with 7014.

Even though I have been welding for a while, my sticks of preference were 6013 and 7018.
Since I started with an AC box, I also ran 7018AC.
Also, since moving to a DC box, I run 6013 for most of my work, and some 6010 for the rough stuff
No offense to anyone, but once you "discover" DC welding, you rarely go back to AC.
Nice thing about learning with AC stick, when you do have to use DC 6010, you are used to the splatter and rough transfer

Brian posted how much he liked 7014 so I thought I'd give it a try.

Interesting. I guess a bit smoother than 7018. But to me, and it may be my imagination, not quite as smooth as 6013. Well, maybe NO SMOOTHER than 6013? Hard to tell. There is a lot to be said for using a perticular stick for years and getting used to the way it transfers to the work. It may be that I am just used to the sticks I usually pick, so the 7014 is just "new" to my methodology.

Also, I guess you can't tell by 4 or 5 hours of welding how well you really prefer a new (to you) electrode.

It does give a fairly nice bead, and it is smooth. The transfer is fast enough, and, let's face it, VS 6013, sometimes you really could use the extra 10 psi tensil strength.
When I wanted something to stay together, I always chose 7018.

All in all, nice electrode. Good to have in the arsenal.

Food for thought to those that, like me, never drew a spark with it yet.

Thanks Brian!

[84ZMike]

Thansk for the info.I was wondering about the stick mate ac/dc...I'm looking at getting one soon and would like your input on it.
Thanks,
Mike

[prowess]

Mike:

It's terriffic. Nice machine overall. Easy to operate, dependable (I use it a LOT and I mean a LOT), and the current seems steady and stable.

Two issues I have, and they are very minor. Cosmetic/ergonomic mostly.

1> The electrode wires are permanently wired into the machine VS my Firepower AC box that has twist in electrode wire plugs and sockets. I really do prefer removable electrode wires. I know you can retrofit the machine, but it would be much better, in my opinion, for Hobart to sell the machine with plug in electrode wires. I said I use it a lot. Some day, I am going to have to replace those electrode wires, and that's not going to be anywhere as easy as just buying a new set of twist-in electrode wires. At that time, believe me, I will be modifying the box to accept twist in electrode wire sockets and plugs.

2> The simplisticly appearing "light switch" on and off main switch seems very low budget to me. Having a main on and off similar to a household 110 volt light switch really seems out of place for such a nice welder. I don't know, but to me, it's kind of like having a toggle switch in a fine automobile that says RUN/STOP. You expect a nice keyed ignition in a fine automobile, and I guess I expected a better main power switch.
Again, my Firepower has a huge rotary ON OFF switch with a pilot light next to it so you can see you have current flowing. I know, it's pickey, but you asked!

I could go on and say I prefer a top mounted crank for amp adjustment, but that's personal preference. If you mount the box on a cart and get it off the floor, the front mounted amp adjustment crank is actually BETTER than boxes with top mounted cranks.

These two MINOR issues aside, I would DEFINATELY recommend the machine. Spend the extra $$ and go for the AC/DC for SURE. I rarely use my Firepower AC box any more. DC is great, and the Hobart is one fine stick welder.

I love it! What's not to like. For the cost, it's one heck of an AC DC stick welder.

Shop around for price. I found an open box (nothing wrong, just an open box) and I haggled the store manager down considerably on the machine.

NO COMPLAINTS AT ALL!

Good luck with your decision.

[84ZMike]

Thanks.....and ac/dc is the only stick unit I'd buy.I'd take an ac only if it was dirt cheap,,,just as you have stated any stick is better than no stick(I'v been searching alot today).So far I'v found $399 delivered not to bad.I'll keep on searching.
Thanks again,
Mike

[prowess]

Good luck in your decision Mike.
Yep, I really resisted DC stick for a while, but when I finally made the switch, I was SURE GLAD I DID!
AC has it's place (arc blow, etc), but DC is for sure much more "elegant" for lack of a better term.

OK, well my open box was somewhere around $300. Been a while so can't quite remember. In my opinion $400 is still a good price!

Enjoy and keep us POSTED!

[aametalmaster]

I ran 7014 for years on general stuff and the 1,000's of trailer axles we manufactured until i got my mig, now i haven't used 7014 in years...Bob

[84ZMike]

I ran 7014 for years on general stuff and the 1,000's of trailer axles we manufactured until i got my mig, now i haven't used 7014 in years...Bob

Looks like you may need to "move" something from your sig. to mine! (1986 Thunderbolt AC/DC).
Mike

[Sparkeee24]

Howdy Howdy! I gotta say, I do prefer 7018, I just don't have a rod oven, but if I did, I would go with that rod. 7014 with no oven, 7018 if you can swing an oven, or make one as suggested in earlier posts with metal garbage can, insulation and a light bulb socket. I believe in having a variety of rods, and being well rounded in their use, even though you could do 90% of general welding with one set of rods. Good Luck! Brian Lee Sparkeee27

[Sberry]

It does give a fairly nice bead, and it is smooth. The transfer is fast enough, and, let's face it, VS 6013, sometimes you really could use the extra 10 psi tensil strength.
When I wanted something to stay together, I always chose 7018

On most applications the 10K psi doesnt mean squat. The electrode is as good or better than the steel you are using it on. What you are seeing with 7018 in most cases (in general work) is it has way better elasticity properties than 6013 and 7014. 7018 I believe is about the best followed by 6010 and then maybe 6011. They stretch farther before permanant distortion and return to their original condition better than the others. I think thats kind of simplified but it makes those electrodes good where there is constant dynamic loading, shock, etc.

[aametalmaster]

Looks like you may need to "move" something from your sig. to mine! (1986 Thunderbolt AC/DC).
Mike

Sorry Mike but i like it too much . I do use the old girl on 7018, cast iron, and tool steel repair....Bob

[prowess]

Sberry:

Thanks for the input.

I really don't like operating with 6010 but I know the attributes of that rod well. I had a large job for a customer that required 6010 about 8 weeks ago, just about the time I bought my new Speedglas helmet. After 10 hours of that splatter, my shiney new helmet looked like I had used it since the Nixon administration.

I had an instructor that said there are two rods that you can use to do just about anything.
7018 and 6010 so that's what we used, and that's what I grew used to using.
6013 was a compromise for me.
Now 7014 is a good alternative as a "tweener".

I have a homebrew rod oven, so I keep my 7018 sticks high and dry. These are for sure the best in my opinion, but I am glad Brian's post convinced me to try 7014.

[84ZMike]

Sorry Mike but i like it too much . I do use the old girl on 7018, cast iron, and tool steel repair....Bob

Worth a shot.......you could have had a bad day with it and told me to come and get it...LMAO!
Mike

[BigEd_36]

Thanks.....and ac/dc is the only stick unit I'd buy.I'd take an ac only if it was dirt cheap,,,just as you have stated any stick is better than no stick(I'v been searching alot today).So far I'v found $399 delivered not to bad.I'll keep on searching.
Thanks again,
Mike

Mike, if you have a TSC (Tractor Supply Co.) near you, they show the Stickmate AC/DC for $385.93. With sales tax (6% for me at least) it would be $409.08. That's a little more than your delivered price, but it would be "pick it up and take it home" instead of waiting for it to come, and hoping the delivery company didn't cause any damage. I would pay the extra $10 for the convenience of "get it and take it with me".

Ed

[84ZMike]

Thanks....and they are a vender that we deal with so no sales tax...well untill my company tacks it on there.I can pick the one from Northen up as well,but thanks again.
Mike
Any body wana buy a pistol.....I may just sell it to help buy some welding stuff!!

[aametalmaster]

Worth a shot.......you could have had a bad day with it and told me to come and get it...LMAO!
Mike

Heck, somedays my wife would tell you to bring the truck. ...Bob