What am I doing wrong?

[klleetrucking]

I have a 160p that I tried to arc weld with, but I can hardly get the rod to burn. My 30 year old Lincoln "tombstone" welds circles around the 160p.
SPECS
Rod - 1/8 6013, 1/4" material
Ground - +
Electrode - -
Selector - arc weld
Wave switch - down
Current switch - AC
Clean area -50%
Arc force - 50amp
Peak current - 160amp
Ground is good, tried current switch both ac and dc. The rod just won't burn hot enough to get good penetration. HELP!

[Gadget]

Try setting the Arc Force to the highest setting. Turn your basic current higher as well. I have the 160P and have no trouble getting a good arc.
Dan

[matteh99]

On my LC-520 the digital read out isn't the same as what the numbers on the current setting knob say. On mine the display number is lower than the knob yours could be the other way. For me the knob numbers were closer to my dads lincoln than the display numbers.

[Gadget]

I would also switch to DC unless you have a compelling reason to use AC.

Dan

[klleetrucking]

Hey guys, got it going, layed down some nice passes with the 6013.
Built a stand for my new bead roller.

Thanks for help.

[Gadget]

What was the resolution? It may be helpful for others if we know.

Dan

Glad it's working well now. Really is an awesome machine when you get to understand it.

[klleetrucking]

Not at my shop right now. I'll post the settings tonight.
One thing I did do was tighten the crap out of the screw that attaches the ground lead to the clamp.

[KHK]

I think that the frequency, clean width knobs is suposed to zero when stick welding in ac mode.

[klleetrucking]

Just got home from the shop.
Here's how I have the 160p set for arc/stick welding.

Peak current - 132amp, knob @ 2:00 o'clock

Arc force - 45amp, knob @ 3:00 o'clock

Basic current - maxxed out, knob @ 5:00 o'clock

Current switch - DC

All other knobs are minimized, 7:00 o'clock

I'm not sure if this is right but at least I got the machine working

[Gadget]

Thanks for sharing KleeTrucking.
Dan