Which type of weld rod ?

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where could I find some .16mm carbon steel rods ? I just got a 100AMP arc welder and bought some electrodes welding rods at Home Depot. They dont work because it is too thick. HDepot dont have anything as thin as .16mm
Reply:Well I'm not a millimeter kinda guy but by my calcs you are looking for 1/16th rods. those should be available at any weld shop. They aren't the most common so big box stores my not have them.  The 1/16th should do the low end up to aboput 50-60 amps. Then use some 3/32 which will take right up to about 90. Of course that varies some with the rod type.
Reply:I'll add a couple of items. First you want mild steel, not carbon steel. You won't be in a scenario where you'll be needing to add carbon into any weldment. The other is that with something like 6011/6011 you could possibly use a few 1/8th rods on moderate materials. 6011 runs on about 80 to 110 amps, maybe even 120. So they'll be right at the top end of your machine.
Reply:Thanks for the info, Sandy...I went and exhanged for 6011 rated rods. The package I bought before was 6089? or something like that. The weld rod kept getting stuck instead of melt.With the new rod, the problem still exist but not as bad.Since im new at welding...it gonna take ALOT of practice !
Reply:Another I want to ask, though sound kinda noobish..cuz thats what i am..newbie!Anyway, how do you weld with an Arc welder ?? Starting at one point then drag it ? left to right , right to left ? up and down or down and up ?What is the proper way to weld ?
Reply:You can also get 3/32" 6011 rods - 60 to 90 amps.  Gap from the metal you are welding about as thick as the wire in the rod.  Angle rod approx. 15° in the direction of travel - Pull straight or with slight side to side oscillation.Another rod to try is 6013.  A nice general use rod to learn on.Last edited by Snidley; 11-10-2005 at 10:36 AM.Here in the Great White NorthMosquitoes can't fly at 40 below
Reply:6013s,3/32 or 5/64 are the best rods for your type of welder,7014s will also work but 6013 is the best choice.not much else will work for you.