7018 DCEP, DCEN & Long Arc
Return to Main Stick Video Index page
99% of the time, DCEP, electrode positive aka reverse polarity is used for welding with 7018 rods.
There are some procedures for open root pipe where DCEN is specified for the root pass but for mainstream welding with 7018, Electrode Positive is the correct polarity.(but always check the welding procedure if there is one).
A 7018 makes a different sound when using DCEN vs DCEP and its good to train your ear to recognize the different sound of each polarity.
Simple 7018 Amperage Chart
|
7018 Rod Size |
Flat / Horizontal |
Vertical Uphill |
Overhead |
|
3/32 in. |
85–95 amps |
80-90 amps |
80–90 amps |
|
1/8 in. |
120–130 amps |
105–120 amps |
120–130 amps |
A good starting point for 1/8" 7018 vertical uphill is around 110–120 amps.
For 3/32" 7018 vertical uphill, try around 85 amps and adjust from there.
With 7018, vertical uphill usually needs about 10% less amps than flat or horizontal because the puddle is fighting gravity. Overhead can be run almost as hot as flat and horizontal once you are proficient. But as a beginner, you may find a few less amps helps.
Rule of thumb for 7018: Set the amperage hot enough so that the rod wont stick even when you hold a tight arc... then hold a tight arc.
