6013

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When does welding with 6013 ever have an advantage? I really never liked the stuff. Keep in mind that I am a truck and heavy equipment mechanic by trade and I really don't do much of anything fancy, Just truck frames and spring hangers and bs like that. But for the most part I have used 6010, 6011, and 7018 for 90% of everything I do.I seem to have a problem with the flux on 6013 getting ahead of me and then I have to stop and fix it. What am I doing wrong?Joewww.CummingsHauling.com
Reply:I do similar work as you, but am moving more to welding.  I don't use much 6013, but if the slag is getting ahead, use more heat.  Also angling the rod a little more will blow the slag back.  Mostly more heat.  Try it.  You could just use 7018. DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:The only real advantage of 6013 is if someone is giving it to you for free. The only other thing is for 120 volt stick welders that use 1/16 and 5/64 rod. Often, but not always, 6013 is the only rod that you can get in these sizes.
Reply:Yeah that is where I have problems with it, when I am running low heat on thin material. I do better with a 1/8 6011 or 7018 than I do with 1/16 or 3/32 6013.Really I havent struck an arc with a rod of 6013 in about 25 years. I never saw much use for it so I never bought any, but the other day I got 10 one pound packages for free so I figured I would use it up on thin stuff. It is Lincoln rod too.There has to be something this stuff is good for, and I am sure that with practice i would get it right, but on what kind of job does the damn stuff work to your advantage.I think I will end up using it for tacking stuff together.Last edited by joethemechanic; 03-08-2008 at 07:51 PM.Joewww.CummingsHauling.com
Reply:Ask pipefitter about 6013.  Some of the most beautiful welds I've seen.
Reply:it comes down more to operator preference than advantage.  If slag is getting ahead of you angle the rod back, and/or move faster.  In my mind the advantage is it can be run on a basic AC machine with great results, they are not as moisture sensitive as low hydrogen rods, and the soft arc can help on thin sheet metal.  I use Mainly 7018 as well, but for mild steel I will use 6013 for general purpose welds, and I primarily use 3/32" or 5/64" for sheet metal welds in the field.  Infact I can weld sheet metal just as nicely with a 6013 as I can with a mig even vertical welds.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I use a 80 amp inverter. 6013 comes in handy, since it won't run 7018 well.Also, trouble with flux--pull the rod back a little. 6013 is also good on thin sheet metal downhill, hot and fast.  Again, when I have problem with slag it is from the electrode being too close, moreso than traveling too slowly.