Stick Welding Amperage Chart & Calculator (6011, 6013, 7018)

Stick amperage depends on two things: the rod's diameter and the rod itself. The calculator combines Miller Electric's starting rule with Lincoln Electric's published operating ranges for the three rods most home shops burn: 6011, 6013 and 7018.

The Calculator

Ranges are Lincoln Electric's published typical operating procedures for these specific rods. Other brands' rods of the same class can differ, so check the box.

Stick Welding Amperage Chart

Ranges from Lincoln Electric's "typical operating procedures" for each rod. Lincoln lists DC+ for the 7018 AC-RSP and DC+/- for the Fleetweld rods.

Technique Rules That Go With the Number

Miller Electric's stick technique guidance:

• Amperage: "Use 1 amp for each .001-inch of electrode diameter," then adjust in 5 to 10 amp increments.
• Arc length: no longer than the diameter of the rod's metal core. Hold a 1/8 in. rod about 1/8 in. off the work.
• Travel speed: keep the arc in the leading third of the weld pool. Too slow causes cold lap; too fast leaves an undersized bead and possible undercut.
• Angle: drag the rod 5-15 degrees toward travel in flat, horizontal and overhead positions; push 0-15 degrees for vertical-up.
• Polarity: electrode positive gives about 10% more penetration than AC at the same amperage. Electrode negative works better on thinner metal.

Which Rod for Which Job

Lincoln's own descriptions: 6011 (Fleetweld 180-RSP) strikes easily, runs on AC, performs at low amperage and open-circuit voltage, and handles sheet metal plus edge, corner and butt joints in all positions. 6013 (Fleetweld 37-RSP) runs at low amperage on sheet metal, is made for small AC welders with low OCV, and is aimed at maintenance and repair. 7018 AC-RSP is a low-hydrogen rod for AC welding, used for general fabrication in all positions except vertical down.

Picking a Stick Welder

The Lincoln Weld-Pak 225i is a dual-voltage (120V/230V) DC stick and touch-start TIG machine with a 10-225 amp range, per its listing. The Hobart Stickmate 160 runs on 120V or 240V and delivers 160 amps on 240V, per its listing. Either covers the full 3/32 to 1/8 in. rod ranges in the chart above on 240V.

Common Questions

Why does my 7018 keep sticking?

Low amperage is a common cause. Check that you're inside the rod's range (105-150A on AC for Lincoln's 1/8 in. 7018 AC-RSP) and hold a short, steady arc no longer than the rod's core diameter.

Can I run 7018 on an AC buzz box?

Use a rod built for it. Lincoln's 7018 AC-RSP lists AC polarity welding, low open-circuit voltage operation, and cold re-strikes among its features.

3/32 or 1/8 rods?

Match the rod to the metal and your machine's output. On Lincoln's charts, 3/32 rods run at roughly 40-120 amps depending on the rod, and 1/8 rods run at roughly 60-150.

Bottom Line

Start at 1 amp per thousandth of rod diameter, stay inside the rod maker's range, and fine-tune in small steps. Short arc, steady travel, and the right rod for your machine handle the rest.