7018 vertical up amps 3/32", 1/8", and 5/32"

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This page shows techniques and amperage settings for vertical welding using 7018 in 3/32", 1/8", and 5/32" diameter electrodes.

The video above is a 5F weld test.

A 5F welding test requires welding in overhead, vertical, and horizontal positions and therefore qualifies a welder to weld in all positions for fillet welds.

Amperage setting for this weld is around 90 amps using a 3/32" 7018 Lincoln excalibur electrode.

Usually, reputable electrode manufacturers will provide a data sheet that lists an amperage range for the stick electrode diameter used.

Lincoln Excalibur 7018 data sheet lists amperage range for a 3/32" 7018 at 

70-110 amps.

Vertical up 7018 3g Weld test on 3/8" plate

The weld test above is a 3G plate test.  A 3G test is often given in combination with a 4G test to provide an all position certification.

Amperage for the root pass using a 1/4" thick backer is usually around 120 amps with the cover pass beads being a bit lower.

Amperage range for a 7018 1/8" excalibur rod is 90-160 amps

120 amps is right in the middle of the suggested amperage range.

Normally, for a fillet weld, I might set the amperage just a bit lower at 115 amps but on a 3G test, the objective for the root pass is to penetrated into the backing strap along with both beveled plates and to not leave any areas of lack of fusion that might open up on a bend test.

3F tee joint vertical uphill welding with 5/32" 7018

Some welders in the ironworker trade and other structural welders in other trades are being required to test using 5/32" 7018 electrodes.

The larger the 7018 the more difficult it is to weld in vertical and overhead positions.

for the weld in the video above, the amperage was set to around 140 usign 5/32" 7018

The amperage range for a 5/32" 7018 lincoln excalibur is 130-210.

140 is at the lower end of the range for a 5/32" but by increasing the arc control setting, a tight arc was used without sticking the rod.

Amperage ranges listed from manufacturers like Lincoln electric are helpful and are a good reference but since all welding machines vary a bit, it helps to train on how to recognize the weld puddle to determine if it is too hot or too cold.

Vertical uphill welding with 7018 almost always needs less amperage than flat, horizontal, or overhead.

A good example of this is the video below is an overhead tee joint fillet weld using 5/32" 7018 where 165 amps was used.