stick welding 16 gauge tube, what electrode to try?

admin

I've taken a welding course and now know how to stick weld enough to build a workbench/welding table.  What electrode should I get for welding 16 gauge tube?  I've used only 6010 1/8" electrodes on 3/16" and thicker pieces.  I figured 3/32 would be a better size for the 16ga tube.  What type and size of electrode should I get?Thanks for suggestions.Thermal Arc 185TSW
Reply:6013 3/32 should do the trick.Do you have AC or DC?  How low does your welder go?DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:what about 1/16 th electrodes
Reply:The welder is ac or dc.  I've messed a bit with 6013 1/16, but it doesn't seem to penetrate enough unless I crank the amps up to 60 (i know its more than recommended - just experimenting with it).  Then the stick just starts to melt apart about 1/2 way through.  So 3/32 may be just right and the 6013 moves a bit quicker than 6010, right?  Its listed as a low penetrating stick so thats good for tubing? oops, forgot to answer the question.  The welder goes really low.  I don't know the limit but I ran 20 amps on a 1/16" 6013 to test.ChadLast edited by chadr; 02-23-2007 at 09:07 AM.Thermal Arc 185TSW
Reply:I do 16g tubing freqently.  I usually use 3/32" 6013.  Sometime I weld with  AC.  If I weld with DC then I use electrode positive (reverse polarity).  I have used 1/16".  I definately use it dc reverse polarity.  Around here 1/16 cost more than 3/32 and the rods are shorter, hence they are change more frequently.