Stick Welding Polarity Explained: AC vs DCEP vs DCEN

Рет қаралды 174,356

3 жыл бұрын

An informative explanation and demonstration of polarity in stick welding.
Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as manual metal arc welding (MMA), stick welding or rod welding can be set up with different polarities. In this video, we compare Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP or Reverse Polarity), Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN or Straight Polarity) and Alternating Current (AC).
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Пікірлер: 153

@TimWelds 2 жыл бұрын

You can learn to weld. I'll show you exactly what to do in my affordable online welding courses at courses.timwelds.com.

@ArvInd-vd2ww 2 жыл бұрын

Are there special precautions to be taken when doing DCEN? Any risks of electrocution compared to DCEP?

@dc47ful Жыл бұрын

2/3 of your heat is always on the neg side - you have it backwards. That's why you get more penetration on the EP as opposed to a shallow weld on the EN side

@donyboy73 Күн бұрын

Thanks for explaining this Tim! What is the polisher with the yellow holder?

@hstrong97 3 жыл бұрын

A welding engineer, I wish I knew about that when I was in college. I like welding better than my current job. Keep up the good work.👍

@calvinkalmon6746 4 ай бұрын

Great video, thank you.

@mpowersmedia3219 10 күн бұрын

Great video. It really put these into perspective. I have an AC welder but it's one of the Chinese models that apparently is supposed to be arc, mig, tig and plasma cutter AIO and even though I did read the manual there was a lot to take in so I'm now curious to know if it can do both AC and DC with just a switch of the cables on the ports. Thanks 👍

@carolynbatta9525 Жыл бұрын

Great video….no swearing and no, “ I’m the best welder in the universe”. Just good information delivered in a matter of fact way …thank you.

@oldoldpilgrim7898 3 жыл бұрын

This video gives the best explanations I remember hearing on he subjects covered. It cleared up some things I didn't understand. You also stated your qualiications and unlike some content providers, you appeared to be stone cold sober. Thank you very much.

@vaughnbernard2577 9 ай бұрын

I’m just starting welding school and man I am so grateful to have all these wonderful videos to help me out. Thank you.

@raginroadrunner 8 ай бұрын

Good video

@TTRVision Жыл бұрын

thank you Sir!

@oreogon376 2 жыл бұрын

This really helps! Been having trouble with welding metals almost as thin as a razor blade lately but not anymore thanks to you, sir!

@robleurs7828 3 жыл бұрын

very clear explanation about everything you need to know about stick welding! thank you, Tim!

@TimWelds 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@pairofdogs 3 жыл бұрын

As a hobby welder, excellent info, thanks!

@TimWelds 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@AllenRJoseph 3 жыл бұрын

Thankyou soo much for these videos, im a beginner who wanted to learn welding but was too afraid and had no idea about welding, but after watching your videos and practicing , i feel like i know welding for a long time and im loving this. thanks again and cant wait to learn more from you.

@BlooCollaGal 3 жыл бұрын

I'm starting my 2nd semester of welding school next week. Videos like these are really great

@bubblekuku5992 9 ай бұрын

Hi,de normal recomandation pozition DCEP is for all electrods 6013,7018 etc?

@kenrickfoster2478 2 жыл бұрын

I love ur teaching you explain so clear to understand I watch most of your videos.

@aaronsalvesen4553 Жыл бұрын

As always, your videos are always concise and straightforward with the added value of cutting and etching to show the results!!! Thank you!

@ronaldkobbo7347 3 жыл бұрын

Always good to learn from you Tim. Thanks for sharing

@wolf99ful 9 ай бұрын

Thank you! You actually explained it clearly enough that it can be understood by none professional welders. 10/10!!!

@ogreunderbridge5204 3 жыл бұрын

Greatly appreciated. You keep your explanations nicely tempered in meat and gravy, just perfect for any noob

@benjamincasabal9933 2 жыл бұрын

Excelente explicacion, buen trabajo gracias bro!

@rollyavecilla Жыл бұрын

I always get back to your old videos to be re-educated.

@pumpkinkings5503 3 жыл бұрын

Dude awesome knowledge learned from you. Thank you so much keep it up bro

@Subway1427 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry, forgot to add at the end of my last comment. Nice job, you're a good teacher. I hope you keep making videos. I wish I had a resource like this when I was first starting out

@tomfull6637 Жыл бұрын

Tack för en bra instruktionsvideo! Vänliga hälsningar Anders Sweden

@ohsweatbret Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your in depth and very informative videos!

@donleejr7624 Жыл бұрын

THANKS BROTHER FOR THE AWESOME VIDEO!!!!!!!

@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968 2 жыл бұрын

Very useful information.. Thanks,, from a complete newbie..👍

@aimLined 3 жыл бұрын

thank you for this. just set up my tig/stick power source today

@jackprick9797 2 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate your easy to understand explanation of welding concepts. Thank you.

@dicksonfu8604 3 ай бұрын

what is the solutioned used to reveal the joint?

@JasonVladimir 3 жыл бұрын

Great explanation! Thanks for sharing!

@TimWelds 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

@fireblade95 2 жыл бұрын

Good teacher! Clear and concise no razzamataz!

@zenemijzenemijj.5584 Жыл бұрын

Wish you had showed the the electrode connection better

@STohme 3 жыл бұрын

Nice explanation and very useful. Many thanks.

@FPVandotherprojects 2 жыл бұрын

I'm just here to say thanks! I have a few things to fix around my home, now I think I can get started.

@MK-wi1bj Жыл бұрын

very clear explanation and direct to the knowledge and clear talking technique, really thank you.

@superdragon9293 15 күн бұрын

ok ..then i need to reverse my polarity cause my e6011 rods keep sticking and wont weld but my 6013s do just fine.

@donaldolson9209 2 жыл бұрын

you're helping me out a lot, thank you!

@Billbobaker 3 жыл бұрын

Great videos thanks for sharing.

@davidjames1007 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your knowledge,

@Subway1427 3 жыл бұрын

The easiest way i found to explain this, is this: with DCEP (reverse polarity) 70% percent of the heat is at the electrode and 30% of the heat is at the work, DCEN (straight polarity) 70% of the heat is at the work (ground cable side) and only 30% is at the electrode side. I have primarily only welded with DCEP when using SMAW. However this is a great benefit while using Tig, allowing you to put maximum amount of heat into your work while saving your tungsten from exploding

@Srk7028 2 жыл бұрын

I think DCEN (straight polarity) has deeper penetration ,since heat distribution on the work metal is higher and which melt faster than DCEP.

@johnmacmillan627 2 жыл бұрын

Thx again Tim. Always learning from you

@GihanAnuradha 3 жыл бұрын

super helpful. Thanks.

@jeanineconway5817 2 жыл бұрын

Hello again , I noticed in other videos explaining the difference in polarity it is also mentioned that DCEN polarity provides deeper penetration and DCEP is preferred for welding thinner material . Thanks

@enriquecourtade Жыл бұрын

Yes. I don't know which explanation is the correct. DCEP or DCEN is best for thin metals? Arguments are opposite depending on the source you consult and both seems to be the correct one

@Karootie Жыл бұрын

Excellent! Direct and to the point !!!

@danielchambers1958 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Tim, appreciate you sharing your knowledge . . . just purchased a Mig/Stick machine . . . hope to fire it up and apply your tips . . . thanks!

@mfsperring Жыл бұрын

Exactly the information I was looking for thank you.

@user-vm6mv8il6s 6 ай бұрын

why cant you test on thin ,thats when we switch polarity .. DCEP is for thin but arc lost , too much slug build up .. what to do?

@rossaodonovan895 5 ай бұрын

6013 is my favourite rod, id love to see some videos of fillet welds with different rods, when i was learning stick sometimes i felt i got good penetration until i cut it on the bandsaw and could clearly see the parent metal zero fusion, mad respect to all the welders of all diciplines, metallurgy is facinating

@grannylow7073 2 жыл бұрын

Great information

@photo3sixty700 2 жыл бұрын

Great Video thank you

@specificcxds Жыл бұрын

Superb! Thank you!

@toddhampton9614 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim and heck yeah it helped like all your vids!

@stevenmiller7731 3 жыл бұрын

What dimension of material is considered "something thin"? I plan to weld together the new tailpipe onto my existing exhaust system pipe exiting the muffler on my 2002 Chevy 3500. T he orig exhaust system is welded, not clamped. I'm a beginner, just bought a buzz box, I'm setting up a 50A DP circuit for it. Seller gave me a few hundred various rods. Thanks for your clear explanation. I've subscribed to your channel.

@ypaulbrown 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff Tim, DCEN along with less penetration, has more build up too, helpful for jumping big gaps on think material. AC has more buildup than DCEP but less than DCEN and has less penetration than DCEP. Big electrodes over 5/32 run better on AC and when your leads are long, [ over 100 feet?] AC is the better way to go, but AC is more dangerous in confined space or damp areas...... Your video is very informative, thanks for making and sharing, cheers form Florida, Paul p.s. AC 7018 rods run on all polarity and relight easy compared to regular 7018....not sure why, but they do not get the hard slag on tip that needs removing before a restrict. great for confined areas where restriking is a problem

@ruraltraveler8652 2 жыл бұрын

Very interesting thanks

@KahnDahtsuun 3 ай бұрын

Such a good video, was confused on a few things especially when it comes to polarity. Thank you. Also for anyone wondering his course is totally worth it[60$ i think] just recently finished the stick welding as thats what i'm learning on. will promptly get to the mig and tig courses as time and fund permits.

@TimWelds 3 ай бұрын

Thank you! I appreciate it!

@mikeboyd21 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dude!!!

@SevenDeMagnus 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing

@melgross 3 жыл бұрын

You can use Easy Off oven cleaner. It’s the only thing I use it for.

@rgthomson100 3 жыл бұрын

Just welded up a 1.3 exhaust with DC neg yesterday, use the positive and it will go through like butter I think your under cut was probably caused by running the neg one slower trying to compensate for the lighter burn

@jerryhicks5940 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim.

@andywilson2406 Жыл бұрын

What a relief! An American who is not full of blather and deals with the subject professionally and with clarity.

@brucebell6020 3 жыл бұрын

Thanx bud

@goatsinker347 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thanks. I find that with dcen i can maintain an arc with less amperage than with dcep. Also with dcen the arc blows/pushes the slag out of the way more effectively than dcep, i can get the slag to peel, using 6011 or 6010 with dcen.

@AXNJXN1 2 жыл бұрын

Correct. He’s a good welder but he’s really got this wrong here in this video for understanding. You should always start with DCEN first unless your doing very thin material.

@Hutchy45445 3 жыл бұрын

Does the Amperage setting change when selecting between the DCEP/DCEN/AC?

@davidlixenberg5999 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your intelligent presentation. David Lixenberg

@cycl37 2 жыл бұрын

Your video fills the gap between explanation and practical result which in my amateur experimentation is that DCEN produces less holes on thin material!

@jeanineconway5817 2 жыл бұрын

hi thanks for the great video . Im confused on the penetration issue. most of what I have read from welding books I bought over the years say that DCEN gives better penetration since more heat is at the base metal . Is that old theory and has it changed ? Thanks

@outdoorzone 3 жыл бұрын

Good explanation! You can use naval jelly (rust converter) to etch the metal and see the penetration better! Couldn’t really see yours to good!

@TimWelds 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Naval jelly is a great option because it's available at the hardware store. I've found the nital that I used works better, though I was also disappointed with how it showed up on camera in this one.

@jamesf2697 3 жыл бұрын

I had an old lincoln that I got rid of because I was moving and didn't feel like taking it. 😒 Mistake but it was great, it would run ac or dc with just a flip of a switch.

@Word569 2 жыл бұрын

I am wondering how you got deeper penetration with DCEP and less with DCEN when with DCEP approximately 2/3 of the heat goes to to rod and 1/3 to the work and with DCEN approximately 1/3 of the heat goes to to rod and 2/3 to the work?

@AXNJXN1 2 жыл бұрын

Correct. He’s confused on this point for some reason. He’s a good teacher otherwise, just don’t think this is particularly solid advice.

@cannarris 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative,for a buzz box is the electrode positive or negative?

@danmellow5309 3 жыл бұрын

A buzz box, like the one in the video, the Lincoln 225 is AC. It "buzzes" because it is AC.

@anerorr 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, great video. I *think* the choice of dcep or dcen is also depends on your chosen electrode. The electrode manufacturer indicates wether it's a dcep or dcen, wouldn't you go by what they say?

@johncmitchell4941 3 жыл бұрын

Doesn't that just mean we'd choose our rod accordingly? Seems a lot of those polarity call-outs are for AC and one of the DCs. btw, this video could help me redo my last project .. after I grind out the globs I left on the entire first attempt, lol. I was running 1/8" 7014 at ~120a but AC because I didn't know better. :-/

@creeplife2802 2 жыл бұрын

I recently got a Lincoln welder generator acdc. Now it has a switch that goes (ac/dc+/dc-). So, instead moving leads, I just turn the switch?

@quintriggins6557 2 ай бұрын

Can you run 7018 AC electrodes on DCEP?

@TimWelds 2 ай бұрын

Yes, DCEP will work great. 7018AC has some arc stabilizers so it won’t go out when the polarity switches on AC, but it still works great on DC.

@quintriggins6557 2 ай бұрын

@@TimWelds Thanks. I accidentally picked up a box, and didn't realize until after I opened the box. Didn't want it to go to waste.

@anthonyscott16 3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate you doing this. Thanks Tim!

@chrispaul9454 2 ай бұрын

Is dcep the same as 'crisp' and is dcen the same as 'soft'?

@TimWelds 2 ай бұрын

Generally, I’ve used those terms relating more to short circuit MIG welding where the arc is not continuous. With stick welding, the arc is always on so those don’t apply as much unless you’re whipping and then that would be controlled with a dig or arc force setting if you had one. Polarity will really just affect penetration with stick welding and DCEP is almost always the better option.

@Chris-td1qp Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! I like the tip about when to use DCEN. guess I'll try that for thin metals. What do you recommend for sheet metal?

@jurijjurij69 2 жыл бұрын

Зачем такой долгий гундёж?просто нельзя сказать куда пожключать провода?

@mikhailpoe5148 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent explanation, Question how do you know which machines can switch between DCEP or DCEN ?

@TimWelds 3 жыл бұрын

Any DC stick machine can be switched, though it will be easier if there is a polarity switch or removable leads which can be reversed.

@angelofichera89 2 жыл бұрын

Just a question: Is there any sign on the electrode if It can run on DCEN? Thank you. You are Amazing!

@Rusiputki 3 жыл бұрын

Let me give you a hint to everyone questioning real life examples. You will be mostly running DCEN (earth cable will be +) because let's face it, you will be doing rust repair which is why you bought that IGBT inverter welder. Stuff that is thin, stuff that you have 1 shot at doing right, stuff you want to tack in place like a washer and a nut etc...basically you don't want to end up blowing holes. Another good thing about DCEN is there is less splatter as you probably noticed in the videos which is why 10 years ago everybody in the forums was telling you to run DCEN on inverter welder. Now if you want to weld a differential for drifting or something structural with lots of meat, sure turn back DCEP + to + and - to - Short version: when it comes to stick welding, penetration is never going to be a problem.

@WaschyNumber1 Жыл бұрын

Hello Is it allowed on build in cables to modefie them to a connector typ cable plug in system on arc Stick welder? My old cable and holder is probably broken and corroded and I was wondering if I could replace the hole thing with a changeable version. 🤔

@daddyjoemakesit1412 Жыл бұрын

Hi, I have an inverter MMA 315A welder (DIY) is it still possible to change from the + / - on an inverter type welder ??? thanks

@MattWinkler1 Жыл бұрын

I'm new to welding, and had no idea you could switch the electrodes around. I've been having trouble melting straight through sheet metal, hopefully this salvages the disaster!

@harisyoung4110 Жыл бұрын

Did you have try it out ? did electrode negative really help with thin metal ?

@MattWinkler1 Жыл бұрын

@@harisyoung4110 It did help reduce burn through and I didn't melt the sheet metal as much! It did reduce penetration and the welds had a little more trouble sticking together, but it was better than melting and warping it

@oscarreyes737 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Maybe you can help me. I’m trying to run a Lincoln buzz box AC welder on a 10,000/8,000 running watt generator. It has a 50amp output. The highest amperage setting I can run it at is at 75 amps. At 90 and above it trips the breaker on the generator. When I check the amperage at the welder’s cord I’m pulling 45 amp on each leg, that’s welding at 75 amps. At. 90A it goes to 55A per leg, thus tripping the breaker on the generator. After watching this video, I’m wondering if I convert it to run at DCEP or DCEN, if possible. Do know if the amperage at the cord/plug/panel would be reduced to lower amperages? After looking into my issues, I’m thinking I may have try an Inverter welder of some sort. Thanks in advance for any help

@ryanb1874 2 жыл бұрын

I saw a commenter that said EP, means earth positive, so (electrode negative) I heard there is less a player with E N. Electrode negative, but it is harder to not, stick welds, smaller ham maintenance required? Is any of this relevant?

@PeakyBlinder 3 жыл бұрын

After blowing holes and sticking to my thin steel I reversed the polarity and it worked a charm. Thanks.

@tomnoone5220 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tim, catalytic converter got stolen on my car. Had to weld a new adapter on where they cut the pipe. I never welded before but I learned a lot on your channel. Because muffler pipe is thin I bought a 200 Amp 120/240V inverter DC box for $180. Used 6013 rod on DCEN and practiced on some scrap. Saved thousands of $$$. But I did notice the small scrap metal could not absorb as much heat and burned thru. While the large piece on the car work well. DCEN worked better .

@AXNJXN1 2 жыл бұрын

I think you meant DCEP - worked better..? You’d use DCEP if you can’t turn the voltage down and are burning through. DCEP is the alternative to use when dealing with thin metals though the slag will be worse.

@jodyalbert3426 2 жыл бұрын

Will 7018 on reverse polarity create more sparks?

@daddyjoemakesit1412 Жыл бұрын

Hi Tim, I like to know if it is possible to do a reverse Polarity on an Inverter MMA welding machine ???? thanks

@kenrickfoster2478 2 жыл бұрын

Good morning, Tim, I need ur input am using a ARC -200 mini welding plant. I need to know the types rods to us on it. I have been using J422 rod and 6013 rods but am getting a lot of flocks????????

@rafaelmagana6823 2 жыл бұрын

What is the best welders for beginners

@lucifchristo 3 жыл бұрын

So what does that mean on a machine that has it listed as dcrp and dcsp I know it stands for DC reverse polarity and DC straight polarity but having a hard time finding information on these old terms versus the new ones aside from the little bit you went over in the beginning which basically means that dcrp is basically having it set at positive polarity so I am assuming dcsp is negative polarity? I'm a little confused but get the general gist of it

@tombouie 2 жыл бұрын

Thks

@williamyoung9378 Жыл бұрын

Did you use your dekopro welder in this video? Thanks for the great videos!

@woozhi9218 3 жыл бұрын

Wanna ask ,how to tell if its an ac arc welder or a dc one?

@skintech8620 Жыл бұрын

every time I weld, I burn through the metal. I'm running 60 amps with 1/8 inch 6013. my travel is the same as yours, but I'm falling through. I have a deko 160. maybe my welder sucks? it seems like a box of lightning. I've never run it past 60 amps. I figure if I'm burning through, I don't need any more, right?